Newt Tank Build

[Learner]

Originally Posted by Lia

Wow amazing ,that looks like a zoo exhibit.

thanks so much Lia

[Learner]

Originally Posted by Fishies_in_Philly

that looks awesome Jake. Nce job!!! what's the treelike plant in the center/right?

Thanks Bill. Already running into issues of course, just like any new build. The tree is a ficus. I really like the look of it and hope I can make it work. Unfortunately water seems to be wicking up the coco fiber and titebond mixture and into the ficus pot. Its a soggy mess. The pot was dry as a bone when I filled the tank before potting so I know its not leaking in any way. The ficus seems to be doing fine but I imagine if the soil stays boggy, I will lose it soon enough. NOt sure what to do, I lowered the water level a bit but I can still see wet coco fibers all the way to the rim of the ficus' pot.

I also lost the ferns. With cold water the humidity is average at best and the acclimation just didnt go well. I took them out to acclimate them in a different spot. I replaced them with something else I had laying around. Doesnt look nearly as good but I will try and find some more ferns this spring. I also lost the hygro in the water section, replaced them with an anubias plant and another crypt.

Newts seem really happy in their new home!

[Fishies_in_Philly]

hey!! professor!! how's the tank/critters doing???

[Learner]

Hey Bill,

here is a FTS of the build. plants acclimating well and growing. diatoms still an issue for now...........wont be long till that clears i guess. The new build is progressing on the hex tank.............might just turn out to be a good one!

Im gonna start a new journal...........probably on the terrarium page i suppose. let me know what you think.

best fishes

JD

[Fishies_in_Philly]

that looks awesome jake!! i love the way you planted the aquatic section. so many people forget that part.

[Learner]

thanks bill! I made a few changes tonight as my black jungle shipment finally came in. Terrestrials made it thru pretty well but only time will tell. here are a few pics.............really hope the tillies hold up!

[Fishies_in_Philly]

Jake, i don't know how i missed this. The tank looks awesome man. Those must be some happy newts!!

[Wy Renegade]

Very nice! You should indeed have some happy critters in there.

[Fishies_in_Philly]

and i see your little ficus tree is starting to take

btw.....i started the 125 there are pics in here if you don't mind a bit of searching. i think you'll be able to figure it out. R...take a peek as well, if you like
http://s1134.beta.photobucket.com/us...worek/library/

[Wy Renegade]

Originally Posted by Fishies_in_Philly

and i see your little ficus tree is starting to take

btw.....i started the 125 there are pics in here if you don't mind a bit of searching. i think you'll be able to figure it out. R...take a peek as well, if you like
http://s1134.beta.photobucket.com/us...worek/library/

Nice - looks like you're planning some buried PVC piping? Is this a 6' tank? I like that first piece, which I believe is a stump.

[Fishies_in_Philly]

I'm gonna hijack jake's thread a bit, but yeah, 6' tank. All plumbing is going to be completely buried. The plumbing across the top is for the 6' drip wall. On the right is a mini ficus stump and the left will be a much larger version, which will have a "puddle" in the void. I'm going for a true rainforest floor look. Ferns, aroids and vines.

[Learner]

Bill I cant wait to see the 125...................nifty ideas. 6' drip wall sounds so tantilizing.

My ficus isnt gonna make it. I took all the soil out and it was just soaked. I replanted it and now its soaked again...............must have a leak or something I just cant figure. we'll see i guess. The crypt forest down below is really starting to rage.

Wishing my newt seemed more happy........... he used to frolic under the water but now has retreated to a mossy outcropping and hardly ever comes out. I am gonna have to grab him and put him in a bucket to get him to eat as he wont eat the earthworms i offered on land. only eats under the water. ill keep ya posted.

and thanks for the compliments gentlemen!

[Fishies_in_Philly]

howr far from your false bottom is the water line? wicking could be the reason your ficus is living in a bog.

[Wy Renegade]

Originally Posted by Learner

Bill I cant wait to see the 125...................nifty ideas. 6' drip wall sounds so tantilizing.

My ficus isnt gonna make it. I took all the soil out and it was just soaked. I replanted it and now its soaked again...............must have a leak or something I just cant figure. we'll see i guess. The crypt forest down below is really starting to rage.

Wishing my newt seemed more happy........... he used to frolic under the water but now has retreated to a mossy outcropping and hardly ever comes out. I am gonna have to grab him and put him in a bucket to get him to eat as he wont eat the earthworms i offered on land. only eats under the water. ill keep ya posted.

and thanks for the compliments gentlemen!

Sad to hear, hopefully he gets over whatever is ailing him.

Originally Posted by Fishies_in_Philly

howr far from your false bottom is the water line? wicking could be the reason your ficus is living in a bog.

Agree that this is the most likely source of the issue other than a leak, and I often find it to be the culprit in this type of tank.

[Learner]

Wiking is the culprit. I dont really have a false bottom, i went with a different technique. Oh well, we'll see how long it can go.

Heres the newt on a happy day. I think he just like to hide. seems healthy i guess.