paludarium expansion project

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evil_monkey

evil_monkey

Candiru
MFK Member
Feb 11, 2006
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tulsa
I was going to start this thread in the DIY, but I thought it would be better in the reptiles.


I am going to expand my setup and build a "canopy" habitat.

is where it starts.

Picture121.jpg


this is a rough idea of what I plan on doing.

paludariumproject1.jpg


the black areas are planting pots.
 
this should add 30'' to the tank.

I also plan on adding another pump to run a misting system .
 
you will need realy good lights what to think on doing add more glass to it or ply. keep us updated.
 
You could use some kind of ficus I guess, but it might not hold bromeliads, etc. Or do you just want a small, strong, dead tree?

How are you expanding it? Just gluing another tank to the top or something?
 
Oh, and what do you keep in there, or plan on adding once the arboreal half is done?
 
very pretty tank. I have seen many setups expanded like you plan to. Usually a plywood frame built around the base tank, with window screen attached around it. For something of that height, I might consider crossbracing (look at the mesh reptarium frames as a point of reference) at some point, and probably a solid plywood back, coated of course with whatever water-resistant sealant you choose. For the big piece of driftwood/trunk idea, definitely fasten that securely to the backing plywood. You'll also probably want either really intense lighting (metal halide, compact fluorescent) or have a supplemental fixture midlevel somewhere. Spanish moss would look excellent draped on the big trunk, and a branch of manzanita will really accent it well around the top. Good luck with your project, if you want more details on the proper way to frame the top section, let me know and I can throw together some plans.
 
I will build the upper half out of acrylic. by doing this I will be able to use "weld on" to secure anchors for the "tree.

as for the tree, I build the trunk in the current setup. it is framework made from eggcrate, Great stuff, and siliconed bark. the base for the entire set up is framework and foam. with planting pot placed.

I am already running power compacts.
 
oh ok sound sweet will you take pics of step by step i would realy like to see how to make this kind of thing:headbang2:headbang2:headbang2
 
So will you answer the question of whats in/going in there?
 
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