Need help with fake rock stuff.

[SR20]

Awhile ago I made a back wall, sidewalls, and a cave/basking spot for my beardie. I used styrofoam sheets and sanded grout to do it all. It looked very good inside her viv and I was very proud of the work I had done. But recently, my beardie's nails have just been tearing it all up. I have to clean her viv everyday because there will be those little balls of styrofoam everywhere . I took it all out today and put some of her old stuff back in, now the viv just looks bland. Anyway I was wondering if there is anybody out there who has done this before, and knows of anyway how I can fix the fake rock to where it won't get torn up. I have seen many peoples' vivs with fake rock in it and I just can't imagine how their beardie's nails don't tear it up. Maybe I did something wrong, I'm not sure. I'd love to put it all back in, I just need it to not get torn up so much! And yes I do clip my beardie's nails, so they are not always sharp. If anybody can help or has suggestions I greatly appreciate it, thanks!

 

[NatashaDawn]

I have not done this yet, but I am going too. It seems like maybe you could re grout the structure every once in awhile and add several coats of sealant? How long did it last before it began coming apart easily under her nails?

 

[SR20]

I used two layers of grout on everything, and it was either 2 or 3 layers of grout sealant on everything. I finished it back in October. It started getting torn apart from her nails about a month or so ago. I don't quite recall. It made the viv look natural and I was completely satisfied. Now I'm at a loss of what to do lol. It looks so plain without it all in there. If I could restore it all somehow that would be great. I thought maybe that using unsanded grout instead of sanded would somehow make a difference. Most of the guides I looked at used unsanded but I used sanded because it gave it a more rough, natural look. I might just make new stuff all over, I can't make up my mind.

 

[NatashaDawn]

Thats what I was meaning take the structure and regrout the whole thing. I would use unsanded grout this time to see if there is a difference and re seal it as well. No point in wasting it when you can just do a cover up and see if it helps

 

[Lenewen]

I learned the hard way to use 6 layers of grout and 3 layers of thick ModPodge. For the first two layers of grout, make it a watery solution so it practically soaks into the styrofoam. Let it dry for a day and then make a thicker solution and add about 2 layers of that. Let it dry for a day and add two more layers, adding any detail or whatever that you want. Let it dry for TWO FULL DAYS (I waited just 1 once and ruined it), then do 2 layers of Mod Podge, wait a day and do one last layer or two of it. Works every time. I have rock structures I made 2 years ago when these guys were babies that are still functional, though sadly too small for them. I gave them to my geckos. I am due to make more soon.

As well, use NONsanded grout. I dont know why, but heard it works out better. And it's a good idea to buy thinner but harder styrofoam. Not the kind that pulls apart in your hand.

Good luck

 

[SR20]

Thank you everyone for the advice!

Lenewen, do you think if I added more layers of non-sanded grout and ModPodge over my existing structures that it would be okay? Or do you think I should start over with some harder styrofoam? The ones I made are kind of the ones that fall apart, they're a little sturdy though. It was the only kind they had at the lowes near my house.

 

[Lenewen]

You can try to salvage what you have. I certainly would! But it may not hold forever because the grout didn't soak into the styrofoam plus it's already that soft pull-apart kind so that's two strikes in terms of longterm life. I'd salvage what you have so you can work on new structures and use those in the meantime.

 

[Lenewen]

I should add-I ordered my styrofoam because home depot over here didn't have it. I think I got it on amazon and I just ordered 2ft by 2ft sheets of it. It's thinner so depending on height you might need to buy more. But at least once you spend that much time making it and painting it, it lasts for as long as you want it to. I personally hate when I put so much time into something only to have it fall apart on me 6mo later

 

[SR20]

I know the feeling lol. I am going to work on restoring the old structures this weekend. Then possibly when I get some free time I will work on building some new stuff. If you don't mind could you give me the link of the styrofoam you used?

 

[Lenewen]

I searched my order history on Amazon and finally located it. It was discontinued You used to be able to order it in different sizes. You should hopefully be able to find something similar.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001681NPG/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[dragonov]

I think if you grout over your current structures using more layers this time you'll be just fine. Use at least four layers (when in doubt, add more... :lol: ), but the best test is to try to "break through" your grout layer with a finger nail or something. If you won't be able to, your beardie won't be able to either. Good luck!

 

[SR20]

Awh that's too bad. Thank you for looking though! I got a little busy working on my car this weekend so hopefully next weekend I will have the time to restore my old stuff, this time putting on plenty of layers of grout.