DIY Rock Wall for Cutie Pie

[usafvet98]

I originally had a 10 gallon tank for my 4 year old sones Christmas present which he named "Cutie-Pie". I founf a better one on craigslist which was a 72 gallon bow front with wood cabinet base for $65.00 so naturally I couldnt pass it up and went to Jersey to get it.

I thought it was missing something nice so I looked online for the DIY rock walls and found a few videos. So, I used 3/4 inch Styrofoam sheets, cut to size and made the rocks by simply pulling apart pieces of the foam. After gluing pieces I used 4 coats of un-sanded grout in a tan color, then air brushed the grey paint diluted with acetone to give the rocks and wall face depth. Finally I used the spray bottle of about 4 coats of grout sealer.

Here is the finished product for my first attempt. All comments and critiques are greatly appreciated..

 

[Jltba]

That turned out great! I'll be taking on the DIY rocks project in the very near future. I've been a little nervous about it turning out brittle, but I haven't heard anyone complain about this when done properly. I'm definitely not a pro in this department but, congrats on a job well done!

That was definitely a steal for the bowfront! I wish I could come across deals like that on craigslist lol. Good lookin beardie too!

 

[usafvet98]

Thanks.. I was worried too but it came out pretty sturdy. Most important is to allow for the grout to dry before adding coats.. This was my first shot at this and what I thought was cool is you have full creative freedom with it. Im going to add sides to it soon.. Have fun with it..

 

[Jltba]

Did you go with the premix grout? I figured for larger projects the $ might add up if you use the premix stuff. I definitely agree with the creative freedom aspect of it. That was probably the most alluring point for me. I've been toying with the idea of using canned foam too, but i'm sure i'll change my mind 100 different times before I actually get started.

 

[Robthewhitedevil]

THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME! You are one talented individual! lol

 

[usafvet98]

Did you go with the premix grout? I figured for larger projects the $ might add up if you use the premix stuff. I definitely agree with the creative freedom aspect of it. That was probably the most alluring point for me. I've been toying with the idea of using canned foam too, but i'm sure i'll change my mind 100 different times before I actually get started.

No, I used the just add water unsanded stuff. Its better because you can control the thickness to apply. got everything from home depot. The foam sheets you can get a 4 pack of 2x4 sheets for like $7.

This tank is 48" long so I really used a lot of material.

 

[usafvet98]

THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME! You are one talented individual! lol

Thank You Very Much for the Compliment. There were other design ideas but I figured since it was my first one, i would keep it simple..

 

[Jltba]

Did you go with the premix grout? I figured for larger projects the $ might add up if you use the premix stuff. I definitely agree with the creative freedom aspect of it. That was probably the most alluring point for me. I've been toying with the idea of using canned foam too, but i'm sure i'll change my mind 100 different times before I actually get started.

No, I used the just add water unsanded stuff. Its better because you can control the thickness to apply. got everything from home depot. The foam sheets you can get a 4 pack of 2x4 sheets for like $7.

This tank is 48" long so I really used a lot of material.

That makes perfect sense, thanks for the tip! It'll be a few weeks before I get started, but you probably just saved me from a few headaches lol.

 

[KnobCreek]

That turned out really nice usafvet! I totally agree about it being cool having the full freedom to be creative. I did my viv background using styrofoam from a cooler that is normally used to package tropical fish during transport. Here is a close up pic of Draco in his viv with the background showing..

 

[usafvet98]

That turned out really nice usafvet! I totally agree about it being cool having the full freedom to be creative. I did my viv background using styrofoam from a cooler that is normally used to package tropical fish during transport. Here is a close up pic of Draco in his viv with the background showing..

Very nice... I bet that foam holds heat well too. I should have made my steps longer like yours.. That light you have on top, is that UVB or just regular florescent. Draco doesnt jump up there? I was told not to do that but I want to get more light in the tank.

 

[KnobCreek]

Thank you for the compliment...that is a Reptisun 10.0 24" florescent on a light fixture I got from Walmart. Draco does climb the back walls at times, so I've made sure that the fixture is affixed to the top securely.

 

[usafvet98]

Thank you for the compliment...that is a Reptisun 10.0 24" florescent on a light fixture I got from Walmart. Draco does climb the back walls at times, so I've made sure that the fixture is affixed to the top securely.

Just sent you a PM, are you the same knob creek as the shooting range?

 

[KnobCreek]

PM replied...and yes, I shoot at Knob Creek as well...