DIY Rock Background

[DGGIS]

Hello, I have made a rock wall background out of insulation foam, grout, paint, and Flex Seal for s smaller enclosure. However I am upgrading the enclose and am wanting to make a rock wall insert for 3 of the walls, with a waterfall, ledges, and hides. The rock wall I already made is pretty heavy for its size, and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to reduce the weight and still have it be strong enough. Thanks!

[Zachyboy]

you can use faux rocks from joshs frogs

https://www.joshsfrogs.com/universal-rocks-decorative-rock-5-pack.html

that will reduce the weight of ledges.
I recommend adding net pods into the spray foam for spots to add plants.

[chairman]

You can make a background similar to the one you already have but integrate cork bark rounds/flats and plastic plant pots to it. The cork will increase the size of the background but won't require grout to seal it, reducing weight. And the pots will similarly increase the size of the background, with a saving of weight, plus allow you to add plants.

[Bubonic]

I always wondered, is it poss to have a REAL rock background? (Thereby doing away with any chemicals which bother *me* if not the reptile. :P ) Plus they look so pretty-I saw someone do it years ago, but only with tiny pebbles since they were having it underwater, and as I remember wanted plants and algae to grow on them/around 'em.

[chairman]

You can use real rocks, they're just heavy. Generally, the weight of a real rock wall is too much for a glass aquarium.

You still need to use chemicals, though, because dry-stacked rocks are dangerous. You'd need either construction adhesive or cement to hold the rocks in place.