Thinking of doing a biotope...

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Chris,

I am using Blackjungle.com as a reference guide along with some other sites. Thanks for the head up about Beckett. Have to consider them next time. The reason why I am maintaining unity is because it's a step beyond living vivarium... it's a biotope. Plus it's more satisfying when you know that all those components can be found in the wild.

Although I will have to use substitutes because there are no suitable alternatives ie. Solomons skinks, java moss, orchids, ferns and so on.
 
Kioka;1562761; said:
The reason why I am maintaining unity is because it's a step beyond living vivarium... it's a biotope. Plus it's more satisfying when you know that all those components can be found in the wild.

Although I will have to use substitutes because there are no suitable alternatives ie. Solomons skinks, java moss, orchids, ferns and so on.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's the problem I'm faced with. I work for the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History (thus my screen name). I'm the Naturalist (unofficial "curator" if you want) overseeing our Nature Center, its animals (reptiles & amphibians native to the Chihuahuan Desert and/or New Mexico), programs, and student employees.

I'm in the process of working on a 70 gallon replacement tank for our tiger salamanders. I settled on using a combination of ghost and mopani wood for the tank given the whole process of having to get BLM (Bureau of Land Management) approval to collect plants, wood, and minerals on public lands - lands they oversee here - plus other red tape. The next step at the moment is finishing up the silicone and coconut coir land design and then go collecting native plants with a local university grad student.

I figure if I'm going to do a naturalistic (biotope) vivarium for work or my own personal collection then when possible use what's native for the animal(s) I intend to place within it. I just wish I could find someone locally that deals with our native plants. I don't oppose collecting is a natural resource is managed properly, but I'd prefer to keep from having to do so when the option is available.

And FWIW, I go by TokayKeeper on here for when I'm off-the-clock. Kind of on City time right now, and actually reading up on BBA within the forums as our Rio Grande Silvery Minnow tank is over run by it and green hairy algae at times.
 
Got possession of the second Croc Skink. :D
 
I think you should go with a 55 gallon for your project long enought for the awe factor but still transportible.
 
For what he is describing I would give up on it being portable and get at least a 90 or 125. They gives you alot more depth and land/aquascaping possibility.
 
I am getting a 90g for the Sulawesi biotope. :) I am propping it upright to be a 4' tall enclosure. However adding depth is just an illusion of the eyes. ;)
 
Turned out the free aquarium is a 33g... 12" wide.

Long enough... just not wide enough for a stream that can contain fish. So I am thinking I have to get a false bottom anyway for the Mosquito Fish (pretty much the only thing from the Solomons that can live in there sans pipefish)
 
Mosquitofish and Pipefish it is... MAYBE a crayfish, but I don't trust them with anyway.

PROGRESS:

Materials...

vivarium011Small.jpg


I siliconed the the decor to the back of the aquarium and I will be filling them in with Great Stuff.

vivarium016Small.jpg
 
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