Build Log 55 Gal. Tall

WaterDragon · #1 10-15-2010, 05:11 PM

Well, this has a been a project in the making for a while now. Decided to go with a pair of White Lined Geckos, and therefor I am going to convert my 55g. long into a 55g. tall.

Im using great stuff and quicrete for the background, and plan to incorporate a trickling water fall that will feed into a small pool at the bottom.

It will be planted with real and fake plants once I get to that step.

Here are some pictures of me putting in the Foam, carving it, and then covering it with the quicrete.

[IMG]http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy232
/activeshooter1/IMG_2952.jpg[/IMG]

Let me know what you think so far!!

CLennerton · #2 10-15-2010, 05:23 PM

looks good, I will def be following this thread...are you having the waterfall free fall to the bottom or have it run down the background? How high are you making the waterfall?If you're making a pool...what do you plan on doing for the land?

WaterDragon · #3 10-15-2010, 05:31 PM

I plan to have the water fall drip down the rock, and free fall wherever it may. The bottom of the tank will be separated front to back, soil and plants in the front, and the pool in the back. The main purpose of the pool is to have a reservoir for the pump to feed from.

I still need to get some egg crate to build the false bottom underneath the planted area. The excess water from the planted area will feed into the pool, and waterfall reservoir.

I think i will use basic acrylic paint to paint the cement areas a more natural look.

CLennerton · #4 10-15-2010, 05:36 PM

that would look awesome! It's a great start...I can't wait to see it finished

JoeG · #5 10-16-2010, 09:10 AM

Looking good..can't wait to see more. I wish I could find the pond gs around here...maybe I need to look harder! lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

I still need to get some egg crate to build the false bottom underneath the planted area. The excess water from the planted area will feed into the pool, and waterfall reservoir.

Be VERY careful on this one. if you have fertilizers on the plants...it will contaminate your water supply and your geckos could become ill.

WaterDragon · #6 10-16-2010, 07:41 PM

Actually the foam I used that was labeled for pond usage went by the brand name "Touch 'n Foam". So you might try looking for that.

I dont plan on using fertilizers, as I was under the impression that that was a bad idea anyway with an animal in the tank.

Oh and note to self, Clay balls float in water, therefore, they will not work for aquascapes ><

JoeG · #7 10-17-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeG

if you have fertilizers on the plants...it will contaminate your water supply and your geckos could become ill.

Sorry, should have been clearer on this one... I meant to suggest rinsing all the dirt and commercial ferts from the plant roots before planting them in your viv.

WaterDragon · #8 10-17-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeG

Sorry, should have been clearer on this one... I meant to suggest rinsing all the dirt and commercial ferts from the plant roots before planting them in your viv.

Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, well Ive made sure that the soil mix I used is free of any fertilizers, and the same for the plants I am using.

Continuing on in my build, I've put on the base layer of paint, acrylic watered down with water to give a natural look, and then sponged off with a rag.

And I have also siliconed the bottom pane of glass into place, so that I dont have to worry about leakage later on. The white colored silicone will dry clear, so it wont be so nasty looking.

Gunna put a couple more colors on the rock, drill a hole for the water tube and power cords, and then I will begin adding the substrate.