Question about fake rock enclosure.

[Niexist]

Hey all I'm making a large 2 story fake rock enclosure, and so far it looks AWESOME. I'll post pics soon, but anyway here is my question. As far as the roughness of it, I used non-sanded grout and just put some sand and dirt in it. At the moment the thing is pretty rough, and heavy like this was a real thick layer of grout, but the thing is pretty massive so it probably required it.

Anyway, here is my question what should the roughness of the grouted rock be, I don't want it to be too rough and tear up their underbelly, but I don't want it to be smooth because then they aren't going to be able to stay on it.

 

[GoFast]

if you can rub your hand over it without getting scraped then you should be fine.

 

[5hotgun5hine]

I don't have an answer to your question but your idea sounds awesome! So awesome in fact that I might ask how you're doing it... I saw instructions on how to make one out of styrofoam but am looking for more options.

Thanks

 

[Niexist]

I took some of the instructions from the step-by-step on this site, but a lot of stuff I did different. Like for instance I didn't use that great stuff expanding foam at all (even though I bought some) I found it wasn't necessary. I used a real rough building shape piece of styrofoam that fit almost exactly in my tank, it also had some kind of electronics it held, so flipped over that was the base of my cave.

I then build it up with a few pieces, then made a big hole in one side of the top of the cave, I placed another piece running down to the bottom as the ladder. I then shaped the top piece and made a ridgeline on one side that will lie against the tank.

I then started working on the bridge/basking platform. I used 2 underside pillars to support it in two different places, then the bottom of the bridge touches as support as well.

So yeah, I've been working on this a lot recently. I only did 2 layers of grout one that was probably half an inch thick, then a smoothing lair to cut down on the roughness.

I'm going out tonight, but tomorrow I'm going to get started on the painting, which is probably where I'll make it look stupid since I'm not the best at painting, but I have to say it looks awesome at the moment, I'll post pictures when it is finished hopefully it's worth the wait!

 

[Signious]

I may have just gotten my bearded today, but this is a question I can handle! (even though it is probably considered resolved)

I worked in a flooring store for about four years (family business) before getting my act together and realising that a higher education is a LOT better then needing back surgery at 19, I could go on, but you people have lizards to take care of!

Anywho, getting to the point - their is virtualy no difference in grit between sanded and un-sanded grout, the only (main) difference, is that unsanded is used for flooring (horizontal) tiles, and sanded can be used for wall (vertical) and floor (Horizontal). From my experience working with the stuff, and the amount needed to do a full enclosure I would go with a Premixed sanded. The premixed is a lot easier to deal with (no mess, and no powder getting everywhere) and the will sell it in much more convenient sizes! I have no idea what someone who only needs to do a couple surface feet of grout would do with a 10 to 25 lb bag (the usual size of a bag of grout) For the extra 5-10 dollars the premix will cost you, I would definitely recommend it over a you mix style!

I recommended sanded because it just sticks to things better than unsanded, and it is more resistant to cracking in varying temps (like in a basking spot)

hope this helps in the future guys!

Signious