Fake Rock - Hows it holding up?

[slacker13]

This is a question for those who have created their own fake rock. How is it holding up? How long since you put it into your viv? Hows it been handling and cleaning?
Any other tips or info you can provide?

I am asking this because I just spent many many hours creating my fake rock and am about ready to apply final coat of grout then paint and seal. Before I finish I would like to know how things have gone for you thus far. I am using velcro to attach my walls and am concerned about removing it often for cleaning. Has any noticed any cracking or breakage of any kind?

Thank you

 

[kalipbean]

I'll offer some advice now that i've had mine for a few months

-Dont be stingy on the grout, cake that crap on and make it nice and thick. Taking the rocks/platforms in and out of the tank can take its toll. Especially if you drop it, or hit it against something, it will crack/flake...etc
-Try to round all edges, no 90degrees. Because like i said above, hitting the edge on something if it's a straight edge will always crack or start too.
-Did i say make the grout thick? Also because of cleaning, if your beardie decides to crap on it, and say it dries up? Well its NOT easy to get off and you will be scrubbing like Mr. Clean and the grout will eventually start to come off with the numerous washes.
-Try to let each layer of grout cure before adding more just to ensure durability.
-Try not to have any weak links. Such as pillars, skinny tall pieces...etc. Because, when cleaning...overall use, these will crack. I made this platform with pillars attached to a bottom flat piece and with cleaning all the time they started to crack.

all i can say... Im working on a nice tree trunk with ramps and all as of now.

 

[slacker13]

Thanks for the tips. I was afraid of that happening and your post just made me decide to add a few additional layers of grout before painting. My fake rock is pretty elaborate and has taken a lot of time just to have it break and crack right away.
Thx

 

[kalipbean]

Caake it on! Im seriously putting like 20 layers..lol. not messing around this time. If he wouldnt crap all over it, it would be a different story. Cant crap on the easy to clean tiles...thatd be crazy!

 

[slacker13]

kalipbean, can I ask what you used to seal the grout? On lizard landscapes he states that he has had no issues with cracking and breaking and also says that cleaning has not worn down the grout because of the sealer he uses.

Thx

 

[kalipbean]

It's a spray type tile grout sealant. If theres something better id like to buy some!