New GTP Vivariums

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Cages-...05_7Y93s-M.jpg

I finally finished my winter project, two new GTP vivariums.

Each is approximately 32" x 18" x 24". I used a layer of hydroton pellets on the bottom, used bioactive substrate, created small "rivers", and planted the tanks with plants that ought to thrive in this environment.

The back is 1/4" styrofoam coated with brown silicone, coconut mulch and moss. The plants on the back are planted in cork bark tubes cut at a 45 degree angle.

I used two 18W life-glo T8s in each cage. The light is amazing (I was shocked by how much blue these GTPs have when I saw them under this light). The T8s are hooked up to a ballast that creates a dusk/dawn effect by dimming the lights over a 20 minute period. Neat.

Heat is from a RHP attached to a custom lid.

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Cages-...82_XUKsi-M.jpg

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Cages-...87_PpbYR-M.jpg

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Cages-...00_xpDC2-M.jpg

This is Victor, my male:

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Snakes...83_Hyme6-L.jpg

He's gone off his food since his sexy new lady friend Henrietta moved in next door:

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Snakes...52_pmG2y-L.jpg

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Snakes...81_dYoVy-L.jpg

http://zoestevens.smugmug.com/Snakes...11_vnx5K-L.jpg

Blue tum!

I cant believe no one has commented on this. Absolutely breathe taking great job. what did you use to create the river? Im very impressed, great finish work to. very clean

OMG THOSE ARE HORRIBLE CONDITIONS!! I'm going to go to your house and rescue those snakes and...confiscate that viv too >.>

lol jking I'm SOOO jealous awesome job man very nice i might just have to steal that design for myself :gj: makes my tubs look like crap to be honest :rolleyes: but that's ok lol

WOW! Thats what I call a natural environment! Great job! :gj: :gj: :gj: :gj: :gj: :gj:

Beautiful, but looks really tough to clean.

Love the set!!!! Great to see them in something other than tubs:gj::gj::gj::gj::gj:

That is an amazing job that you have done. Your must really like your snakes. :gj:

Thanks all!

It shouldn't be difficult to clean. The soil is bioactive anyway and the rest is just spot cleaning any lumps of poop and wiping down the glass when it gets water spots.

I created the rivers with the hydroton pellets. I put down a layer, about 1.5", of pellets, and then cleared an area with my hands to "carve" out the river. I used large rocks to keep the river clear while I put down a layer of plastic screen, then I put the rocks ON the screen which held the screen down in the river section. Once I put down aquarium gravel in the river and put the dirt on top of the screen everywhere else, everything stayed in place.

I can still seem some screen on the banks of the river - I am going to get some aquarium mosses which should grow over that nicely.

Great job and beautiful GTP's!

Cool viv - are you going to keep them in that as adults?