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Peninsula build. Pro´s & Con´s
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Peninsula build. Pro´s & Con´s
#1
Greetings all.
I need advice because I feel kinda stranded with my project, please chime in everyone with your thoughts...

- Back story:

I wanted to keep Orchids, and make a rainforest environment... Then frogs!
- And then frogs... In that order, sad to say! (!)

Vivarium was then ordered to fit between two windows, see attached photo. In centimeters: 75 tall, 100 deep, 50 wide. (Some 99 Gallons.)
Office on one side, and launch chairs on other side...

- Now reading this thread got me worried:
Has anyone tried lowering their lighting? (Thread by RichFrye.)
general-questions-and-comments-f12/has-anyone-tried-lowering-their-lighting-t4901.html?hilit=light%20canopy


#1 Would tank be too brightly lid?

#2 Would the frogs be able to feel safe in Peninsula build?
- Are they happy if just enough overhangs are created?

NB. To keep bolder frogs from stupidity is not an option! :!:
- Stupidity is ignoring the frogs elementary needs... Knowing better!

#1 Will it serve the frogs better to remove the Vivarium from the windows?

#2 In case they need another place... Then I need a different meassure!
- Will they feel more safe if I blind two sides, and make it "cave like" in the corner...
Or to blind three sides, to make it all look cave like?

- What do you all think?
The other attached is from my 800 litres saltwater, also Peninsula. I would like the Mopani roots something like that!

Thank you in advance,
Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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#2
#1 - If you are going to try to use the exact same reef lighting, then yes...most likely you will have too much light. NOT a deal breaker or fail, but something to keep in mind. Reef light needs are FAR greater than a frog vivarium.

#2 - Boldness or lack thereof, is impossible to predict. One hobbyist's shy frog species is another's bold ! Individual frogs may be shy for one person and then when transferred to another person, become bold. That said, you design with all the open sides will be a factor. Acclimation takes times as well. Very hard to comment on how bold any frogs may be in a certain build of any kind.

#3 - "Cave-like" or Shadow box...same as #2 above. No way to predict but one thing is certain. Your frogs will be able to "use" planted and hardscaped sides, whereas they cannot "use" glass. Sure, frogs can move over the glass -traverse it, but in terms of living, breeding ect, planted areas seem more beneficial.

#4 -Windows are far enough away, it seems, so no need to worry about sunlight and heat. Windows at that distance should be no problem and won't effect boldness either way.

all my response are opinion only. I'm sure you can get other experienced froggers to offer different views,possibly. Sorry I can't give you more of a black or white answer, but this hobby is just so far from set in stone for husbandry procedures.

another bit of advice. This would be your first vivarium ? Why not set up a smaller 30 or 30 "gallon" size enclosure and practice on it and have your first frogs in a smaller viv, before you tackle that monster.
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".
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#3
No, please don´t say sorry... I am most thankful for your time and efforts!

#1. Thank you Phil, I will go by your advice from that other thread! 2x 39 Watts dimmable will be fine, yes?

#2. Ahh, ok. I understood from another thread that some was being bolder than others...

#3. I was planning to put Broms on my "Bonzai Tree" for them to breed there. (In future... Now I am reading!)
- I was also planning to "tilt" the back pane a bit, for them to climb it easier... And to prevent that splashing sound from a "water fall", if I decide to make one!

#4 "Far enough away confuses me a bit..."
- I was planning to put it between the windows, not where my tank was!


Yes, this is my first build...
I think I am of to a good start with my 25 years in keeping aquaria, not the same I know. But even still... I have dreamt of this project for many years, now being the right time! (!)
- It was not a dream over night... I trust my "gut instinct" about my passion and enthusiasm when I do something! :wink:


Thank you one more time,

Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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#4
Hi Flemming

I would second Phil's advice on building a few smaller versions before doing anything with your big reef tank. I got my first salt tank in 1982 - so like you had lots of experience in that area. Since getting back into frogs, I am building my 12th Dart viv now and still learning. if I had the funds to build a large 100 gallon, I think I would now have the confidence that I could do a nice job. Consider that Dart vivs are still more or less DIY - like the days when skimmers were scratch made. With a tank your size, there are many considerations and challenges to solve that can lead to expensive mistakes.

I would also recommend selecting the frog you want before building.

Good luck and keep us posted - Don't hesitate to ask any questions via post or pm.

-Scott
Scott - North Dallas
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#5
on Windows.....be carefull of direct sunlight hitting a vivarium, as it can raise the temperatures very quickly. Cold draft from leaky windows - same thing, can drop the temperature fast.
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".
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#6
Thank you Phil.
- Yes, will do... As it is also my workstation, I will draw the curtains to prevent me from getting blind! :wink:
No, not as bad as it sound. No direct sunlight, I will take caution...

- My biggest concern was if they would not feel safe because it is viewed from 3 sides...
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
Reply
#7
Thank you Scott, for joining my thread. Greatly appreciated, and I will always listen and follow advise!!

- Only with this one I´ll have to make an exeption! (!) :lol:

It reminds me of when I was a boy, and I went to my Mother: "Mom, can I have a fishtank...?"
- Nooo son, she replied. You will get tired of it, and lose interest... (!) :lol:

She was wrong, and 25 years later I was lucky to turn hobby into a way of living... Only, I will not turn darts into a way of living, but I am determined= Now growing into a stubborn, grumpy old fart!! Wink

- Like you have had many vivs... I have made same experience with aquariums!
Not exactly the same, I know... But even still, some paralels can be made I believe. And I learned much from that, all 13.

Second, I have already ordered it. And I have been knowing the builder personally for 9 years, not only are vivs DIY as you say. It is also a custom build, even being made here at my adress. Like he did with my saltwatertank, and my 1400 litres Tanganyika.
- Also I am helping him by setting up filtration systems, as in photo below. A custom build for the University in his hometown!
Not braging or anything, just saying that I can not cancel this order as to much is at stake...
Also I feel my self in good hands on this forum, seriously!! Idea

- As for everything else, I will listen carefully.
Thank you kindly for allowing me to write you personally!

Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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#8
Very cool Pics! Have you thought about doing partial coverage on the sides? Maybe extend the BG like 25-30% along the sides. You would still be able to view from 3 sides, but it would increase usable space quite a bit. It would offer more visual barriers from the rest of the room, while still maintaining the open-sided peninsula look. Just a thought.
-Field Smith
Some frogs...
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#9
fieldsmith Wrote:Very cool Pics! Have you thought about doing partial coverage on the sides? Maybe extend the BG like 25-30% along the sides. You would still be able to view from 3 sides, but it would increase usable space quite a bit. It would offer more visual barriers from the rest of the room, while still maintaining the open-sided peninsula look. Just a thought.


Thank you for joining my thread, well appreciated.

- I will follow your advice, thank you for sharing your thoughts!


Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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#10
You can always go with heavy plantings. When the plants get too big, you can always trim them down. Heavy plantings should help with "boldness".

Your best choices to take advantage of that size - the vertical-ness ect, would probably be the "Thumbnail" hobby desigination, type frogs. Ranitomeya genera or similar smaller size frogs.
https://www.facebook.com/dartden/

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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".
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#11
Thank you Phil, I will do just that.
- I am most fascinated with these charming fella´s:
Varadero Imitator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS0nKs4w ... re=related


Interesting breeding behavior and bi- parrental care...

- Credit to D3monic for this exelent video. Thank you!


Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
Reply
#12
@Phil.

- And for the "heavy plantings", I forgot.

I will try to make a Bonzai inspired interior, cascade style from Mopani roots...
- It will not look natural, but it cover the frogs needs for cover. And it will chanlenge me with creativity, and by 3 legs or "tri pod" I will try and reach "hights". And put broms there...

- That is the image in my head! Idea
(Hope I make sense as English is my second language!)

Flemming.
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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#13
I am very impressed with your viv builder. You also have some great ideas, so I am optimistic about your success.

If I am imagining correct, having plant and brom covered mopani Islets would be great because your creating vertical zones in the viv, thus allowing more frogs to be in the space with lower probability of territory disputes. I have read by many that imitators can be territorial so a better choice of frog might be some Amazonicus (similar color to Varadero) or Variabilis, who are known to be better "group" mates. I personally keep my imitator in pairs per this reason, so do not have first hand experience of seeing fighting.

btw your English is great. : )
Scott - North Dallas
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#14
R. ventrimaculatus may be a good colony choice.
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".
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#15
I think you may need a little more treefern fiber Wink
-Field Smith
Some frogs...
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#16
fieldsmith Wrote:I think you may need a little more treefern fiber Wink

- Heh- He... I have plenty! Wink

It served neat purpose for photo background, so I emptied the whole bag on my coffe table! :roll: :lol:
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
Reply
#17
Thank you Scott for your kind words, I am learning!
(I have begged Phil as if I were on my knees, if I was allowed more time to edit my posts... Not granted!) :wink: :lol:

- To my understanding... You are imagining correct! (!) Idea :wink:

My plan was to drill holes in the mopani´s by 5 milimeters, and make plugs from fiberglass rods...

- As for the frogs... I was under the impression that I could only have a maximum of just 1, 2
But of course, if others can be held in small groups is prefered... That decisioun will be finally made depending on how much "space" the water feature will take! (If any...)


@ Phil, I am only kidding of course! Wink
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
Reply
#18
Philsuma Wrote:R. ventrimaculatus may be a good colony choice.

- Thank you Phil, I will look into those!

As I mentioned to Scott... I was under the impression that I could only keep 1, 2 maximum!
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
Reply
#19
Nice viv you have going there!

Have you considered Dendrobates Leucomelas. They're bigger than a thumbnail and you can spot them from 3 metres away. They are communal and have a very nice call too!
Glenn
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#20
frogfreak Wrote:Nice viv you have going there!

Have you considered Dendrobates Leucomelas. They're bigger than a thumbnail and you can spot them from 3 metres away. They are communal and have a very nice call too!

Thank you Glenn for your kind words.
- I have high expectations, and I believe it will be!

Thank you. Yes, I have seen leucomelas on YouTube... And every time it reminds me of my motorcycle jacket, from my "streetfighting" years going on Suzuki! :!: :lol:
- Now I am more into Honda Varadero: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ro_red.jpg
Wouldn´t that be something? Big Grin :wink:

Nah, sorry. I am kidding... I thank you kindly for joining my thread with suggestion, please continue to do so! Idea
- Greatly appreciated! (Even I can be most silly at times...)

Scott´s suggestion with R. amazonicus looks like what I am after, and it is their breeding behaviour that I am most fascinated about.
- I actually don´t mind if they are not visible all the time!
Flemming, Denmark.

http://www.regnskoven.dk/en/nature-cons ... de-sumaco/
(In English, about conservancy in Ecuador)
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