40 gallon viv with slate waterfall/pic

stimpy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 12:17 AM

After several weeks of research and tons of great tips from this forum and the Orchid board, construction is under way!
Step # 1: 40 gallon tall tank :20"X20"X24" tall.Driftwood and GS foam backgound.Made outside of tank on fibre board.
Step # 2 :designed a false bottom with eggcrate and covered with mosquito netting.
Step # 3:making a free form waterfall out of natural slate,will power with a Hagen 302 powerhead under the false bottom.
Thats all I have done so far, but I just started today so I am pretty happy with the progress so far.Will be starting the coco husk application to the GS foam tomorrow. So glad I was paying attention reading these posts,and will make sure I sand the foam before putting the silicone on.Thanks in advance for all the expert advice so far.

beckdg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 12:42 AM

that slate seems to have a nice rust color to it. if so there's a good chance they can be a good source of iron. nice pieces too. you mind me asking where you got them?

seadog-68 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 05:55 AM

The slate will look awesome with water flowing down it.

stimpy · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 12:51 PM

Thank you both! The slate I purchased from a local tile/slate retailer in my neighborhood.I bought 4 pieces of slate 12X12 each, and smashed them.It worked better than I had expected.I did a test run with water, and it looks amazing when it' wet.The only downside is because it is all natual stone I estimate the waterfall will weigh about 40 pounds when completed. I was up til midnight(seriously hooked now)siliconing the base of the waterfall on the false bottom. My husband has suggested that I build it in three pieces and put them in the tank as I go, rather than trying to wrestle a 40 pound piece into place.I am off to start sanding some foam now.More updates later!

stimpy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:37 PM

So it's now day three and I see now why this hobby becomes somewhat obsessive!.I was up til after midnight trying to see how I was going to place the slate for the waterfall. Since the entire structure weighs about 32 lbs, I just siliconed together the bottom 1/3 of the whole thing. That way I have some flexibility if I decide to move it to another location.I really lucked out today when I went shopping for some coconut coir. I found a hydroponic retailer about 2 blocks from where I live. I got a block or 11 litres for just $10.00! It is really good quality with lots of bits and pieces in it.I had no idea how much it expands,one tiny corner of the block,soaked in a bucket is enough to do about half of the background.Sadly I ran out of black silicone. I estimate the way I am slapping it on, I will need 3 of the large GE tubes.Off to Home Depot for more.............

froggsong · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:54 PM

If you have a shop vac, I recommend that you gently vacuum the BG once it's dry and before you stand it up. If you do it with a clean shop vac, you can even reuse the coco fiber you suck off. I do this when I do a BG, except I don't wait for it to dry, lol... I do it as I go so that I can remove excess without dislodging what's stuck to the silicone so that I don't have to use as much to begin with... I vacuum it off and then take it right back out of the vacuum and start the next section. I can't wait to see more pics.

It's looking good so far.

stimpy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 10:03 PM

Thanks Froggsong. I can always count on you for some much needed feedback.I did read a lot of threads on background construction, and I have the background curing in my workshop tonight. I will give it a going over with my shop vac in the morning, and I have a small paint brush to knock off the excess. I am really pleased with how well everything has turned out. Even my husband it interested in the project,and wants to go plant shopping! I should have some new pictures tomorrow.

stimpy · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 10:07 PM

Also, I have soooooooooooo much coco husk I don't think I will need to recycle.I have only used a tiny fraction of the block I bought. I also picked up some potting soil, and fine sand. Will make a mixture of all 3.mostly the coconut coir.What do you think?? Should be ready for planting by the weekend!

beckdg · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 10:44 PM

sounds good... starting to look great!

stimpy · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 11:01 PM

Thank you Beckdg, "most helpful member".....lol. I hope to be around here long enough to become something more than a newbie,I did notice a couple days ago I did get an "upgrade" to cricket chaser" I am truly hooked on this now.I have not finished my very first viv, and I am thinking about doing another! Good grief!