Cross Breeds

I'm making a vivarium....starting at step one....any hints? What animals/plants are best for a tropical layout

Hello fellow vivarium makers! I just found out about vivariums and have read a little bit about the concept, and am now Inspired to make one of my own! However, I have no idea how to start. I have a few supplies I got from my aunt: Tank, rocks, wood, and a light. I would like my vivarium to be a tropical one, and when you look in it it's as if you've been transported to the rainforest it self. I would like a waterfall/pond as well as all live plants. What animals are good for this environment, and what plants? I've read that poison dart frogs are good, but can they live with other species such as Anoles and Geckos? I would like to have as many different species as possible, is this wise or should it be a one species vivarium. P.S The tank is VERY large-- about 30-40 gallons, and is larger than a normal fish tank due to the shape of it. (Its like a fish tank bottom, and then a parrallelagram on top). Thank you VERY much!!!

Public Comments

1. First, don't try to mix species of reptiles and amphibians, because that usually causes trouble. Second, if this is your first vivarium, you'd probably be better off starting with something relatively simple, like a few plants and a couple of White's treefrogs. The forums at kingsnake.com can help you get a lot of information about how to keep the frogs and there is a site, theplantedtank.com I believe, that has a decent forum on tropical vivariums. For now, try to keep it simple until you gain more knowledge and experience, and good luck :)
2. I have to agree with the previous response: keep it simple. You can start simple and build up as you get experience. Not knowing where you live, humidity and temperature controls can prove very tricky, not to mention the hidden cost of electricity. If your temperature drops at night, you need a red heat lamp, too. So you could be looking at $10-20 per month in electricity costs. Kingsnake.com has lots of great information. I would suggest finding a small pet store, one owned by a person and not a chain, and start talking with their Reptile Expert. You need a reliable place to purchase these items from, and that person will probably be able to provide you with lots of info. If you're just looking for ideas of unique or interesting things to try, axotl's are fascinating creatures, but being amphibious they are harder to keep. I am not too familiar with the plant side of things - I rescued exotics, normally got the larger lizards that would eat everything I put in their cage =) But Geckos are great Vivarium pets as they will stick right up on the glass! I love looking at Tokay Geckos, but I have been told they have nasty temperments. I've seen Geckos and Chamielions together, but in a much larger enclosure than you have. If you're thinking of poison dart frogs, remember: they aren't very toxic once domesticated because their poison is based on diet. That doesn't make it safe for other species, though. You could try a purely aquatic animal, aka Fish, and purely land animal, aka Lizards like Anoles, to get a variety that won't interfere with each other. Good luck, have fun, and be patient =)
3. personally i think you might be going at this a bit wrong. you are choosing what you want it to look like and trying to fit animals around it. I think you sould be thinking about what animal you would like and build the tank around its needs. after all, if you are planning on getting a creature to put in there, its needs come way WAY before your needs for the tank to look pretty. Whites tree frogs would be idea, as would many species of gecko. do some research and see what takes your fancy, then research their natural habitat and reconstruct it.
4. Live moss lots and lots of live moss!!!!!!!!!
5. would love to see this when is done..........t