Starting journal of construction custom viv

[Rusty Shackleford]

I applied the new layer of mortar mix this time I went with a product with more qualities of portland cement, and used a few cups of larger gravel for texture and to increase bonding strength. I’ve had issues with cracks so I ended up bolting the foam in place then covering over top of the bolts, yeah I got lazy and didn’t want to open a new tube of silicone so I used a hot glue gun I knew it was only temporary and thought the mortar would of held better but smooth plastic is hard to bond with unless the area is properly prepared and well I just didn’t do it because I wanted to save a few dollars and a bit of time. This new layer though is a harder and stronger compound I even debated using nylon strands to really boost the strength but after reading through the directions and specifications on the box I figured it would just be to complicated and increase the chance of something going wrong.

This week I’ll pick up the section of 1x12 I need to finish the door, the display case the viv will be going into is laying in pieces on the floor of my project corner the insulated closet doors actually are the perfect dimensions I just hope that they don’t rip to shreds when I put them on the table saw. So I’d say roughly 28 days from this post the viv will be habitable. I should have some live vines currently ready to go in but given the wait period I have I may look at flushing and cleaning a new specimen.

My isopod tank is doing really well not much really to report they are ones I took from the 500 billion in my basement they are the grey variety I just feed them crab food by crab food I mean a mix of fresh veggies and fruit with egg shells, I also feed the crabs red meat, sea food and white meats. I’ve got 4 young children so my daily compost is a great source of food I also dry a lot of wild fruits and meats because well I have a large family I garden and hunt and fish through the year.

[Rusty Shackleford]

I am about 6’1 for height reference in this picture. This is where everything changes from a plastic tote, old closet doors and scrap wood begin to take shape. It’s already heavy and in the next few pictures it should begin to look better.

[Rusty Shackleford]

In this picture it’s all framed in and painted the insulated top is ready to be installed. The bottom is well supported and is open at its base under the lip this allows for cords and heat pads to pass up and down onto the sides. So far I’m liking the looks of this tote build. I ended up using silicone and screws to suck in the outer lip of the container from there I sealed the back sides of the wood with old plexiglass glass and silicone it ended up being a cheap and quick alternative to any other method as the plexiglass was to old and sun stained for anything else.

[Rusty Shackleford]

This is just a closer look, it looks nice but has a very unfinished look though you could tell it was all made from a tote and old closet doors so that’s mission accomplished. .

[Rusty Shackleford]

The door a step I’ve been dreading had many plans but found a free alternative that will work well and goes with the theme of things I found in my basement. It’s an old plastic picture frame all I did was remove the picture and backing then pressed the copper staples inward to hold the glass in place then glue the corners in place. The hinges you guessed it came from a box from the basement. The lock is of my own design it consists of a rare earth magnet drilled into the frame that locks tightly against the frame. It was painted to match and fastened on. At first I tried silicone but got daring and just screwed the hinge into the frame.

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Also I’ve added my substrate it’s about 10 inches now and I’ve laid down a layer of crushed egg shells oyster shells and shredded bits apple bark, birch bark and dried oak leafs. On top of this I’m going to add another 2 inch’s of sand/ee my goal is to build up the subsoil with lots of material that they will eat or will be good organics for the soil and bugs. I’ve got extra for top as well in this pic I was playing around with some huts these will need to be raised. Also I think I may have a new theme but that’s to come later.

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[RiNiKy506]

It’s looking great! You are very talented! I wish I could do something like this.


Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

[Rusty Shackleford]

It’s looking great! You are very talented! I wish I could do something like this.


Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

Thank you very much the project has been a long time coming.

[aussieJJDude]

I do think it turned out rather well. Good job!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Rusty Shackleford]

I do think it turned out rather well. Good job!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Thank you I am very pleased with it so far in the next year or two I’m going to build a larger display tank and will use finishing lumber. Though I’m very excited to get my heat pad and lights this weekend. After that I’m going try my luck at some adoptions, I know a girl in a nearby city that does adoptions I’ve been trying to find some straw berries in my area. Once everything is up and running.