[Margali]

My first build thread was "Another Crabbitat" detailing a 20gal build. It housed several brackish Red Claw crabs. 2020 sucked and resulted in a move to new local among other things. The 20gal tank is in storage and my surviving red claw was demoted to a 2gal hex.

I just hit 90 days at my new job and treated myself to a new setup. Layout idea is a red lava rock cliff with streamlet cascading to sea. Plants will be amazon sword, java fern, and java moss. This time I will establish plants well before adding crab. I've also trained him to eat carrot and apple from my hand.

Kit:
Zilla 12"×12"×18" terrarium that holds 5"or 2gal water
Ponicspump PP09205 [email protected], [email protected]
Nicrew ClassicLED Gen2
Aqueon Flat Heater 5W

 

[Margali]

Some pictures: Big Boy and his micro tank

The new tank is designed for climbing critters that have all equipment outside the tank. So first thing I did was modify lid to make cord access for the pump and heater. The lid has 2 screen sections with metal screen held in by spacer bars. I trimmed screen back and made a foam grommet.

 

[Margali]

So gluing lava rocks together is time consuming. Locktite superglue sucks. I have a large bottle of Starbond CA on order.

 

[Margali]

First section of the tank hardscape in place. This will house filter sponge and pump. So fun fun working with all 3 kids breathing down my neck. Siliconing something inside a 12"x12"×18" tank with the tube gun was a challenge. If I do this size again, I may get the small expensive tubes.

 

[Margali]

Got the last sections of the hardscape structure siliconed in place. Once this dries, I will cover the coroplast with various sized lava rocks.

I need to buy a new inlet sponge since the opening came out a little big.

 

[Margali]

Last bit of work on the tank till next weekend. I started siliconing the rocks along the edge of the lowest "tide pool". Still not sure if I'm going to use plant substrate or just sand.

 

[Bones86]

Did you ever finish this up? I'm curious to see how it turned out.