THE ULTIMATE VIVARIUM BUILD! - Drylok Background
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 4. 07. 2024
- How to build the ultimate bioactive vivarium with a drylok background for all tropical species, like dart frogs or day geckos!
Troy's Channel: / troyz22
Links đ
Merch: teespring.com/stores/alpharep...
Instagram: / graphicphoenix1
Facebook: / alphareptiles
Email: alphareptile.co@gmail.com
Twitter: / miketytula
A little bit of a tip for pouring paint (or anything) out of that type of container, either get a roughly 6-8 inch piece of manila/card stock folder or even just a bit of masking tape and run it into the sealing groove of the can. It will act as a pour spout and keep the paint from getting into the groove (and all over everything else) and make it easy to pour.
That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome video bro! Also loving the shirts! Especially you know which one ;). Also want to say I LOVE the idea of using the ADA aquasoil to prevent the substrate from passing through the tiny gaps! Might have to steal that idea ;).
Might want to use the tropica stuff because it's cheaper! But it looks Slick!
17600 subs... oh my!
Mike Tytula thanks man! Growing slowly but surely :)
Really liking your tutorials amazing setup love it đâș
Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed!
Nice work. Great info. Keep it coming
Thanks watching! This is an old build hahah
Great Video Mike!!
Thanks man! Glad you got around to watching it!
Picked up the leachianus shirt this week. Awesome design. Thanks for creating it!
Thanks for buying it!
Cool vivarium. U should do a video on your misting/fan setup and where u like to keep humidity.
That's not a bad one for the future!
Super helpful, thanks so much
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!
Love it dude! Great Build!!!
Thanks man! Editing like 2-3 hours of footage down to 16 mins haha.
Mike Tytula Iâm starting the know how that feels with my own channel now lol
Hi Mike! Nice vid and awesome viv, looking forward to see the update on it. Nice to see your T's are still a thing, time to add some extra T's to my collection.
Have a nice day!
Thanks buddy! There should be some new designs coming in the hopefully near future!
Great video! Very helpful!
Glad you enjoyed!
Great video man!
Thanks for watching!
Looks good!!
Thanks buddy!
Thank you great video !
I want to ask, what about ventilation / airflow in the tank ? and also what is your watering technique? thanks !
I left space for ventilation up top, I use a hand mister for humidity and hydration
Hey mike good video I just used this method on my red eyed tree frog Vivarium cane out awesome !
Glad you enjoyed!
Looks sweet mike!
Thanks guys!
Hey mike, I'm a little confused about terrarium-safe paints. I've been reading from dendroboard that a lot of people add some nontoxic acrylic craft paint to their drylok or concrete BGs because when it cures it is basically inert plastic. What do you think about painting BGs?
I agree, acrylic paints are totally fine to spice up your backgrounds :)
Mike Tytula right on, thanks. There was a lot of debate about it and leeching possibilities. I think itâs on my âto tryâ list now!
Awesome! Look forward to seeing the results!
This is gorgeous mike!!!
Thanks! :)
Are you still working at biopod? Or are you back at Pisces? (If thatâs how itâs spelled)
I'm back at Pisces
Hey Mike!
I was wondering if you could make a video about humidity gages and thermometers for dart frog vivs. I'm currently building one right now and would love to hear your opinion on the pros and cons of some of the ones on the market. Love your videos btw keep it up!
I have heard good things about the mistking hygrometer
You actually made a "false bottom." So many youtubers make a drainage layer out of crushed rock, gravel, or LECA and call it a false bottom. You are one of the few that did it right!
Thanks! I normally do use the LECA as a drainage layer but in this case I built it out of the egg crate diffuser.
Awesome video ! Can I mix coco-coir or peat moss with the drylok and then paint that mixture on the background ? Having just drylok on the background makes it look a bit flat in my opinion. Does it work if I mix the drylok with a substrate ? Thanks!!
I have never tried it, please give it a shot and let me know how it goes
Hello Mike, first of all thank you for sharing you knowledge with other people like me.
Is it possible to create a cleaning crew just with isopods? I can't find a way to get springtails where i live...
Anything is better than nothing :)
Love the way this tank looks. Will vines grow onto the hydrolok? Thanks!
With high enough humidity you'll be good
Thanks for the clear instructions. So you dont put anything in the drainage layer, right? No pump to get rid off access water or clay balls. Just the open space with the tubes in there, right?
I mean you could put some biological media from a fish tank in there if you really wanted, but no, I just leave an access port so that I can drain the water if necessary!
Hi Mike ,
I'm doing my first vivarium and you've been a great resource and I wanted to say thanks!!
How are you placing your plants in the substrate? are you just pushing the clippings and roots right into the ABG layer?
Yup! PLant them like they were in a pot basically
Thanks and keep up the great video's!!!!!
great vid!
Thanks!
Hi Mike, nice video bro! I pretty much followed these instructions to a T, and made a tank with drylok background that looks insane. My question to you, did you seal the background edges that are visible with silicone? I did not, and one week into plants and water in tank my drylok has pulled away from the glass on the edges of the visible border in multiple areas. GS is water proof, but Iâm imagining bugs getting behind the background and living there which could cause an odor from a buildup of bug poo. Did you have this issue? Is this even an issue? Should I drain tank and silicone the background border edge? Thanks man
I had issues in tanks after I built this one. But yes, you need to fill the gap to ensure nothing gets behind the background.
Have you ever skipped the drylok? I used the same pond foam and carved it and loved the look and siliconed some spots with cocofiber. is the drylok necessary to protect the carved foam or will the foam do fine considering its made to get wet?
You don't need to drylok if you don't want to.
How do you monitor / balance the water in your drainage layer? Do you have a way to drain the water from it? Or do you mist it just enough that the vivarium consumes enough water to keep it from filling up?
I forgot to include it in in the video (didn't film it) but I inserted a little piece of tubing into the drainage layer so that I could put a piece of tubing down the water level and create a siphon to remove any excess what.
Hey Mike, Great video's. My son and I are just starting out any pointers on what is a good beginner frog to start with. I was thinking a couple of white tree frogs...
That is a solid option.
Thanks Mike, also I know its almost impossible to find fern tree fiber as you said in previous video's. I live in Ontario and was also wondering what would be a great substrate mixture and alternative if you cant get the tree fern?. I am also going to be using hydro balls to rid of the excess water as well is it still necessary to install a drainage tube as well? Lots of questions I know :)
Nice video Mike ! Where did you found your bromeliad ?
I buy them from out of town
What do you recommend the most to fill the substrate layer by the drainage layer
Did you watch the video.... I use ADA, or you can use carbon
This video was excellent. I loved your plant selection as well as the appearance of the drylock. Not only did those look good, but the positioning of the wood was great too. Overall, I loved watching this. Also, I picked up on you talking about "new viv syndrome" like the Chameleon Breeder Podcast, I think it's great you are able to apply what you've learned one place, and tech more people about it on your channel. I have one question though, at the end of the video, you mentioned "the odd fish video". Did you get fish? If so, I'm excited to find out what kind! To finish off, I want you to know that I think you're an extremely intelligent person, and that It's great that you are able to share your knowledge with thousands of people. You are very talented, and I can't wait for your next few videos.
haha I've also read JCS book and he talks about it pretty extensively! As for the fish... I will keep you in suspense! But thanks so much for your support! I have a new video that should be going live saturday!
What's the purpose of the egg crate/soil? I never understood the false bottom. I just have a drainage layer of hydroton. Which you you recommend?
Same effect, but the hydroton weighs a hell of a lot more haha
Nice, keep going
Thanks for watching!
when i was starting to research about decoration of dartfrog vivariums i always read that cork won't last long in wet/warm terrariums. so actually i tried to avoid planning to use it as a hard scape especially as grow media for bromelia since it tends to rot when the bromelia finally got established on it.
however i am curious how you fixed the bromelia to the haard scape - i see no stings attached...
Cork typically lasts a long time in the moist habitats. Alot of the broms I just stuck in natural holes in the wood.
@@MikeTytula did you have to add substrate in the holes as well? And do you happen to have information on recommended lighting that works for both plants and the frogs?
@@ratrod67 yeah would love answers to these questions too. Planning my first build, I know mistakes will always be made but trying to get all the info I can and learn from others.
small net pots make good supports....they are cheap and they allow good waterflow
That would work as well!
Iâm in the uk do you have any idea what the British version of dry lock would be? Could I use any? Is it safe toxicity wise? Thanks!!
I have no idea! Sorry about that Lyndsey!
can I use wood from the forest to build the hard structure with as its covered in moss & free?
Make sure you sterilize it.
Could u tell me how to build a dart frog setup with a water stream? What items needed: type of tank, ect
czcams.com/video/ekftaXc5E5g/video.html
Amazing build but Iâm a little confused about the background do you just leave it how it is or do you put some of the substrate on it? Iâm very new to all of this so please help me out here đ
Just left it with the drylok, no substrate added.
Which is better drylock or the silicone method I havent seen anyone say which is better and why?
They are different. I personally like the drylok method more. Simply because the silicone typically doesn't hold the substrate to it forever and if you pick a lighter silicone you'll begin to see it fairly fast.
Another great build Mike! You left out the mods I'm sure you did with the top
I just had glass cut with holes in it haha
What could I be doing wrong where my foam ends up with little holes in it when I do my cuts? Am i cutting too much off or am I applying it incorrectly?
That's just normal, if they are large enough holes you can always fill them with a bit of foam and wait for that to dry.
For Red ackie,
How do you check to make sure the deeper part of substrate is moist while surface dries?
Also will sprayer be able get the deeper substrate moist as it increase the humidity to desired level?
Can I correctly assume a large millipede cannot co-habitat with the dwarf monitor?
I dump a bucket of water in their everyknow and then.
How long did you let the drylok cure before exposing to water/moisture?
Uhhhh the better part of a day?
Hey mike new to this channel thanks for the details bro just got into wanting to learn about dartfrogs and being able to start a hobby, I do have a question for you, am i able to turn a 15 gallon curved fish tank its 17.5 inches high width 12.5 inches and length 20 inches and if i can is there a special tube for the drainage, what would you recommend or For me to start it in a different kind tank made for dart frogs? I really liked how you made yours in this video I wouldve thought that silicon you used had harmful chemicals. I appreciate the advice I will be a new subscriber !!
Hey man shoot me a message on my facebook page and we can chat about possible different options.
@@MikeTytulaok sounds good thanks
Iâve been looking to buy isopods and spring tails and was wondering if you could recommend where to purchase them.
Where do you live?
Mike Tytula Georgia USA
Josh's frogs
I think one of my dart frogs died. (It was getting old) but I dont know where it is my enclosure is quite lush and I dont want to tear it up. Do I just let the circle of life take place? Or do I tear up my terrerium to find it. Otherwise my other frog seems perfectly healthy
THat's up to you, and how strong your CUC is doing
Can you do a timor setup video? For a bioactive planted tank plzzzz
You might be able too, you might want to use cement instead though.
Will you ever go back to a different style background besides drylok
Potentially. I might mix the two and see how it comes out!
How do you attach your bromeliads to the driftwood
Depends, sometimes I drill a hole!
Hello friend Mike...you did a good job... Congratulations đđ. I have a question that I would like you to explain to me if please have to do with the watering....How do you do in yours? Do it daily.... Every other day...how many times.... Temperature inside the terrarium for the plants etc etc... I have difficulty preserving plants... thank you big hug
It depends on the species of inhabitants, but typically I mist once or twice a day and the temperatures vary depending on the plant honestly.
@@MikeTytula The terrarium is merely decorative... It doesn't have animals... It's the plants are exactly like yours... From bromeliads, orchids (barbosella cucullata).. Marcgravia sintenisii etc.... The temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius... I water in the morning and also another at night... In these intervals I still use the fogger. Some plants are already dying and orchids are already turning yellow leaves and some with mold.... Is it too much water?? Is it also lack of some ventilation?? The "people" would be pleased with an upcoming video of you to clarify this technical part đđ Thank you for your availability and sympathy đđđ
@@danielazevedo6912 Likely too much water and not enough air flow for the orchids.
What are the dimensions for this tank? Iâm planning on building one soon. Also how many frogs can fit in here?
18x18x24, and it depends what species you are wanting to keep in there
Looking forward to the bane upgrade
I should be finished it this weekend!
Great build Mike! How much did it all cost?
I don't have the slightest clue. Couple hundred?
Mike Tytula XD ouch, gotta be worth it though!
Nice broo
Thanks dude!
why do you use the ada soil in the substrate?
Nutrients for the plants
What kind of plant is that at 2:17 with the fern like appearance and little projections in the middle? Thanks!
That's a biophytum sensitivum
Thanks so much!
Hey Mike, im making my first vivarium, im using tree fern as background (not flat panels) i might try to send u a picture when the setup is done.
Edit: its pretty much the RAW form of tree fern cutted in half, not compressed like the panels, it looks good and will grow moss in no time
Please send my pics on instagram!!
Mike Tytula i will
I'm at the point of finishing the great stuff with planters, my question is, does great stuff have to be entirely covered with drylok or will it deteriorate at the hidden missed areas?
I'd recommend it completely covered
If you have a digging species is carbon safe?
What species are we talking about?
How do you attach the bromeliad to surfaces
Depends what the surface is
Can we use the IKEA hydroballs for the bottom?
You could but you can find the same product for a lot cheaper at hydroponic centres or even garden centres sometimes
But how do you drain the excess water? I have a terrarium and I know I need to drain it at least ones a month.
I stuck a little straw down the side so airline tubing would fit down it. I suppose I should have mention it lol.
Turkey baster
where do you get silicone one in calgary ? homedepot doesnt carry it
They should... it's just clear!
Concept Aquariums, J&L Aquatics (mail order) or Pisces (*maybe* one of the really big Home Depot stores might carry it)
Yessssss at last
It has finally come my friend!
I'm glad you mentioned dwarf monitors because I'm working on a red ackie cage right now and considering using drylok to cover the GS foam but not sold on it. I was thinking about 10 coats or more because i need this giant dumb enclosure to last since i have about $600 in material so far (because a few mistakes) How durable is this stuff? Should i just use a epoxy putty? I need help! LMAO.
Epoxy putty would likely work. I honestly don't know if drylok will hold up to a monitors abuse. The other alternative would be to use concrete, obviously that would make the tank weigh a ton, but it definitely would hold up to the ware and tare.
Mike Tytula that's what I'm thinking. I'm on my 4th coat of drylok on a test spot and it's just rubbery feeling. Looks like I'm trying putty
rubbery feeling? That's weird...
Iâm also getting a dry lock build uploaded to my channel. Also inspired by Troy.
Nice!
Do u ever have to take these things out and clean the substrate or can u just let the springtails do it and occasionally wash the poop off the glass
If it is setup properly then the springtails and the isopods should do the job.
Mike Tytula thanks for replying I have one more question, I am getting a giant lechianus gecko, do I have to provide any lights for the plants and if I do will it affect the gecko
Yes UVB and heat will actually be good for the gecko!
Couple questions. 1. Can I do a Drylok background but put coco fiber over it like you would do a foam + silicone backdrop? 2. How do you get the bromeliads with large stumps into the wood like that.
I mean you can try! I personally wouldn't try it. And I either drill into the wood or just find a place to put it!
Which light use in vivarium ?
I used a Finnex LED on it
How can I keep the terrarium warm
For what animal?
What are that white small things ???
Springtails
Is rosewood safe for dart frogs
Never used it, or really researched it. Let me know what you find out
How's that drylocke holding up
I dont have the tank with me anymore but haven't heard any complaints from my friend who bought it
Mike , an update would be nice when its grown in
I actually sold this to my buddy, so next time I'm over there I will get some updates on it.
My dart frog is acting a bit off. When I must it's tank the frog arches it's back, flattens out and wipes its self off.... Can anyone help?
Shoot me a message one instagram with photos and a video.
How long would you recommend for drylok to cure before adding my ball python
I would recommend allowing it to sit for a couple days for sure.
Ok thanks
No problem!
What type of water do you spray your crested gecko with
Just standard water?
Is it fine if I use sink water and when are you going to send the email to the winner's
hey Mike.. i got a question.. i will make a tank for raitomeya and i know thy will climb a lot.. the question is, the tank is 23 inch high.. to get 78,8 degrees to the very bottom, i have to take a 40watt lamp.. that cause over 80 degrees from the mittle to the top.. is that ok? sorry for my bad english, im from Austria :) your vids are very helpful, nice work btw!
If that maintains the temps without drying out the air, then it should be fine. Glad you enjoy the channel! Thanks for watching!
ranitomeya needs 70-80% at daytime.. thats easy to deal with.. from the point i mist it, down to the lower 70% it takes 8hours.. but every one says ranitomeya is extremly sensitive and will die when the temperature breaks the 80degrees, to the top of the tank i get 85 :/ thanks for the help man!
Oh ya I mean if they are eating well and doing well, then it shouldn't matter I would make sure it doesn't get much hotter than that though.
Mike Tytula thanks for your help buddy!
Can I use the great stuff and drylok
yes...
Thanks so much mike you always answer my question's you are awesome
Silicone 1 has mold inhibitors now
No ill effects... as of yet. Do you know of one without mold inhibitors?
how many vivarium do you have
Like 8?
Do you still sell those dart frog shirts?
There is a few dart frogs designs. I think I need to replace one of the old designs because they don't offer the shirt that it was printed on anymore.
RIP Mikes phoneđđ I hate it when I get foam on my shirt.
I freaked out! But I got it clean as new!
Pro tip! Thanks man! đ. hope it was ok
Glad you enjoyed!
Your an artist you make this stuff sound so easy i can't even find the can of foam round where i live in UK Mike lol
You can use any kind of foam it doesn't have to be black
Where is the moss tack video
Never ended up making one
HA6 Marine grade silicone ,,,,,,,,,, comes in colors ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Nice Job
I'll check it out!
How much does it cost?
Depends how crazy you go with plant selection.
Mike from Alpha Reptiles. So much better.
hahaha You think>?
Aqueon Fish Tank Silicone Sealant, 10-ounce, 2-pack, Clear is that safe and there will be no fungi or mold
Only when it is a one pack
Thanks for the heads up
Mike from Alpha Reptiles ? Dude, you shocked me ahahahah What happened with Phoenix ? :D
x
Also, silicone doesn't stick to silicone very well, so it's a good idea to remove the old one and just replace with a hefty layer of new silicone.
Ya I know that That's why I put so much so there is good contact with the glass instead of just the other silicone.
Update on this :)
I sold this tank to my buddy! So I would need to head over there and see what is up with it!
Hey Mike.
Hey!
Guess I've been living under a rock because never heard of Troy Goldberg đ€· lol đ
Haha well time you look him up :)
No drainage / siphon port ? a tube that would penetrate down to the bottom to be able to siphon
sour or extra water ? AGAIN ,,,,,,,,,, GREAT WORK
I think I did actually add a small port to allow for drainage.
AAAAH your phone haha
Ya I literally bought the phone that day haha
I never really liked frogs.
I don't mean I hate them, i just get really queasy if I touched or imagine it đ„¶ my last experience wasn't that good đ€Ł
But some frogs are adorable asf!!!!!
Ah well hopefully you are able to overcome the last experience and have some good experiences with them.