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.
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 ;).
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!
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...
@@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.
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!
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
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
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!
Hello friend Mike...you did a good job... Congratulations 👍👍. 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
@@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 😁😁 Thank you for your availability and sympathy 👍👍👍
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.
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!
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?
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?
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?
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!
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...
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?
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!!
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...
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 :)
Amazing build but I’m a little confused about the background do you just leave it how it is or do you put some of the substrate on it? I’m very new to all of this so please help me out here 😅
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.
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.
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?
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?
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 I’m 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
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
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 !!
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.
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!
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!
