Here is some picture updates on what I am working on now.... almost done the styrofoam part. next is grouting and painting, then mod podging the life out of it.
Am I spoiling my little guy with all this work..... oh ya
Wow. Really nice job on the layout/stacking! What did you use to stick it all together?
And anyone have any advice on building a faux background without the use of grout? I've seen videos using kitty litter clay and such. I need something safe/organic that can withstand humidity levels between 70-90%.
thanks
I just used basic polystyrene then cut out pieces the size i want. then I stuck them together using 'no more nails - foamboard kind'. In the US it might be liquid nails or something. then just use a light dessert coloured non-sanded grout to coat it all. then paint accordingly to how you want it then seal it all with non toxic mod podge. easy really. the hardest part is deciding how you want the layout to be. can wait to let him go in this new huge enclosure. he will get lost in there being only 10-12 weeks old lol
Im also using as you can tell a front and right cricket channel. its a space to keep the crickets mostly at bay (like a feeding area). some will get up on the top but hopefully Orion gets to them before they get a chance to hide. Im placing bets that crickets CAN climb a smooth mod podge wall lol
as for without using grout. sorry couldnt help you.I dont know why you wouldnt want to use it. its great stuff
thanks
I just used basic polystyrene then cut out pieces the size i want. then I stuck them together using 'no more nails - foamboard kind'. In the US it might be liquid nails or something. then just use a light dessert coloured non-sanded grout to coat it all. then paint accordingly to how you want it then seal it all with non toxic mod podge. easy really. the hardest part is deciding how you want the layout to be. can wait to let him go in this new huge enclosure. he will get lost in there being only 10-12 weeks old lol
Im also using as you can tell a front and right cricket channel. its a space to keep the crickets mostly at bay (like a feeding area). some will get up on the top but hopefully Orion gets to them before they get a chance to hide. Im placing bets that crickets CAN climb a smooth mod podge wall lol
as for without using grout. sorry couldnt help you.I dont know why you wouldnt want to use it. its great stuff
Thanks for the info. Yes, I think I remember using liquid nails when I first made one. You did a good job!
I don't want to use grout because after 3 years of use, his nails have ripped off the area where the Styrofoam meets on the right side. Grout is also harder to work with when wet and makes that sucker heavy when I have to clean it. I also tried to make one for my skink cage, but the extreme water use and humidity that goes into their environment did not hold up too well.
Hello spikeithard,
Just wanted to pass on the fact that unglazed, (rough) tiles work better than glazed ones. The purpose of the tiles are to help file down the beardies nails, (as well as easy clean-up, etc.) so glazed tiles are just slippery and don't do the trick. Hope that helps........
Here is a viv we built our new baby from an old piece of furniture, styrofoam, and grout.
Still needs a bit of decorating but the hard part is finished.
Just a warning to everyone out there considering making a custom viv..
I know it might look good but I wouldn't suggest anyone make something like this unless you want to waste your time and money!
We spent almost two weeks making this and yesterday I had to take it all down. Because...
First of all, my little girl keeps climbing it and finding the tiniest little crevice to hide in and then she wont come out!!
Second, trying to clean poop and pee off of it is nearly impossible.
Also, it gets really really hot. And, it takes up a lot of space.
I think it looks really good and you can make things out of it to put in your viv but like I said I don't suggest doing your whole viv in it like we did.
Just wanted to warn everyone! lol