4ft aquarium conversion

If the clay is fired, then it's essentially a variety of glass. So, it would be like having a thicker layer of glass for the heat to go through.

Glass is a poor conductor and I imagine silicone is even worse, so I'd put it on unobstructed glass if I could.

I have polystyrene taped to the back of the tank and it does increase the output into the tank.

but i think those tiles you described would be too thick.

However I have seen vinyl 'stone effect' tiles before. thin and usually have a sticky backing with is useful
If you find them spray the glass with a fine mist of water before you stick them on, then if you dont sit the panel correctly you can move it around without it constantly sticking to everything. then simply squeeze the water out from behind the tile with your hands. and leave it to dry

What type of store did you find them at Lisa? Are they for flooring/linoleum? I didn't see anything like that other than big roles of wallpaper. I want something that would just be individual tiles so I don't have tons left over. These floor tiles I found are cool looking...just not going to conduct much heat.

I saw them once at a local tile warehouse in hull, it was a while ago but I would guess they will be somewhere in the market.
I'll have a nosey on line when i get chance

ok here's a page in the uk to give you an idea, i'm sure there will be specialised places your end

clickerty

Actually my tiles look just like the sand one on the top right...something like that would be great. I'll keep looking...but since I have the tile already I think I'll use them and just put the heat mat on the side. If the temps aren't right I can always use a ceramic heater if needed. I do like the idea of a thin lite-weight vinyl sheet instead of the heavy clay tile. Thankies for the link!

you're welcome hun.

We are about to rebuild the water dragon tank and I'm thinking about lining it with these sort of tiles, even though they are stone effect instead of wood I still reckon they would look pretty smart.

Found 'Em You rock...I found some of the vinyl floor tiles at home depot for $1 each...in the aisle right next to where I paid $5 for the ceramic tiles...which are now in storage! The vinyl is thin...has stcky backing...and best of all I found some with really awesome colors that looks like tree bark for the b. jacksoni tank...the p. militaris tank will get a different color that is like brown rock...this stuff is very cool and looks better than the ceramic tiles I had. Plus it will be so much easier to work with! Kudos for the info Lisa

Can I ask what the expense of this whole thing was? If you don't find it prying.
I LOVE THIS SETUP!!!!!!!!

any pics of the scorpions in the vivs?

diabollicallycursed wrote:

Can I ask what the expense of this whole thing was? If you don't find it prying.
I LOVE THIS SETUP!!!!!!!!

tank 2nd hand from local aquatic shop - £20
4mm glass - £10
gravel - £10-15
coire substrate - £15
bog wood/ moss - already had but at most about £25 for 5 pieces and some moss
lighting - already had but a unit about a tenner and a normal strip light

actual cost to me about £60 thereabouts over the last year.

and to newts... the scorpions are in there just hiding lmao!
if you go into scorpions in general and look at my new heterometrus madraspatensis thread you will see momma in her enclosure
they dont come out until after 9pm when the lights are off. but i will try and take off the bog wood / cork and see if i can get a pic of them in their hidy-holes

Ok...some quick pics of the vinyl tiles for enclosure backgrounds that Lisa mentioned. These look really good...don't look like they can be easily climbed upon...and cost about a buck for a 12" x12" tile.
this is the bark-like tile


and the other type for the other enclosure

oh! absolutely stunning that looks awesome!

really glad you managed to get hold of some, and we all like cheep n cheerful stuff, especially when it really looks the part.

been meaning to get some for my tank but it's been one financial drain after another at the moment. Anyway glad to have been of help, this DIY thread is getting really interesting with lots of idea's for background and such.

I hope to get the false bottom tank done this weekend. Will try to get some pics of the Hydroballs that go in the bottom. I want it set up for a few days before to make sure temps are all good. Hope I can fix the Dremel or it will be tricky.

I want to see pics of the backgrounds you made out of glue and substrate Lisa...did it work? The more options we have to get different looks, all the better

hydroballs?

hydroballs are a light weight substitute to gravel in a false bottom enclosure.

anyway the glue backgrounds will work pretty well in desert tanks but I will have to rethink for the forest tanks, I think the PVA glue may re-hydrate with any water in the enclosure

will post some pics up later on but they will be in the '3ft aquarium' thread.

what is the white stuff that is layed on the gravel on the last pic on the first page?

Mini conversions I did just in time for an exhibition display...





Vamped up my "Hotshelf" with em'


40X12X5cm tanks... cut dividers and lids. There is a vent gap but its not escape proof so I keep the substrate depth and vertical barks at a reasonable gap from the top.