Open Air Paludarium Build

[lochaber]

Originally Posted by Fishies_in_Philly

Cool. I hopes yours holds. mine came floating up, even with silicone attaching it to the bottom. It's amazing how buoyant that stuff is. You've got enough foam there to save a 200 lb man from drowning.....lol

Actually, that's probably a pretty valid concern for something like that, where it's an island in the middle, and only held down by the silicone glue. Before you finish it, it might be worth carving some holes in the middle layers and putting some bricks or rocks in, and try and get it as close to neutral buoyancy as possible.

[Fishies_in_Philly]

so i ran across this thread on another forum and i thought of this build. while not exactly the look you are going for, i am sure, there might be a construction technique or two that might apply to your build
http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/mem...dor-build.html

[Natalie]

Oh my gosh that's so funny that you just posted that! It's definitely helpful with what we decided to do.

We actually did a big overhaul of the tree today and started rebuilding it using PVC. I pulled all the ash branches out, pulled out more than 50% of the foam, created a little depth with foam and started adding "roots". I still have lots to do with cutting/bending/adding PVC branches (and this will not be how they are positioned, I just haven't fastened them yet). We will also add some rope roots and branches, and will still use some of the ash branches (sealed with DryLock) to flesh out what will be the tree. Then, we will use plastic tubing, silicone, peat, and floral foam to run the irrigation up through the tree to keep it moist.

Again, this pic is not the best... the PVC branches aren't done, aren't placed where I want them.... lots to do. But it's a "progress" shot.

[Natalie]

Update time. Haven't made a ton of progress due to my job being crazy during the holidays, but have managed to do a bit.

I pulled all the branches out, and built the trunk out of 4" PVC, cork bark, foam, and rope. I cut about a dozen short lengths of PVC, and bent most of them with a heat gun. These will hold the branches at the trunk. This way, the branches are easy to replace, if needed, without disturbing much.



In order to try to avoid needing to replace the Ash branches, I sealed them all up with DryLock (tinted to light brown). Then, went back over them lightly with DryLock mixed with dark brown acrylic. There is one branch in there that is sealed with Titebond III instead, and one Ash branch that is plain -- so I can see how long they last with various treatments. I also filled it out some with manzanita.





Still lots to do with coating the structure, and the stand isn't painted yet either.

Current plan is to paint the exposed foam with the light brown DryLock, then go back with the dark brown DryLock to make it look more realistic. Planning to do vines above water with peat/silicone and vines below water with peat/Titebond III. Thoughts?

Sorry the flash makes the last two pictures look so washed out.

[vespers_]

i love these types of tanks. the ability to see all 4 sides and the openess is gorgeous.

i think it'll look fantastic with a few coats of drylok and some plants.

[mikehaase1norse]

subscribed.

[Natalie]

A bit of progress only, the holidays keep me very busy with work and family.

Painted the trunk with the first color of DryLock, still a couple darker colors to add. Mounted broms. Put some plants in the planters (none of these will have submerged roots and drainage is good). Started making lianas.

[Natalie]

The above-water structure is done, painted, planted.

The stand is done, frame painted. Still needs trim and doors.

Although not shown here, the 40b sump is placed in the stand.



Closer view of the tree:

[Natalie]

Oddly, the photos are right-side-up on my laptop, but upside-down on the iPad. So, my apologies if they are wrong on your device. Strange, no?

[chevyguy8893]

That is some amazing work you have done there, I can't wait to see what everything will look like completed. Also, the pictures are oriented just fine on my laptop .

[lochaber]

Looks great, good job, and thanks for posting pics (they are showing right-side-up)

[laqu]

love it!

[Natalie]

Thank you!!

[Natalie]

We're dirted, capped, and on day one of the six week dry-start. I wrapped the top with Saran Wrap and threw some shop lights up there for light until I get the halides hung.

I planted DHG, Bolbitis Heteroclita (El Nino Fern), Wisteria, and Amazon Compacta sword.

I'll open it up once or twice a day to mist and ventilate.

This will be a long few weeks I think.

[rainbuilder]

Sweet! Nice job on the above water part! That dimension tank is really nice, I wish I had one.