Make your own custom rocks

Kmef07 · 02-21-09, 12:29 PM

I just got finished building my custom rock hide. i have posted about creating custom rock-like structures out of styrofoam and tile grout and sealer and it took about 3 days to complete cuz of the drying and steps but it is finally done and i just got it installed today. it has two holes to provide ventilation and also cut a lid around one of the holes so i can get the snake and and poop it leaves in there. also some moss in there to give great humidity and it is partially over a UTH to get the belly heat for digestion. had to connect the UTH to a rheostat so it wouldn't get too hot and it seems to stay around 87 right now so that is perfect. plus the front of it is a different temp than the back and that is kinda cool. the point i was trying to do was make a viewing cave so it was like a burrow but i could view it. i recommend making these custom enclosures because it cost me like 10 bucks max and i only used about 1/10th of the materials and it was fun and easy to make exactly what i wanted and needed for the tank.

Kmef07 · 02-21-09, 12:30 PM

xXKATRINAXx · 02-21-09, 01:02 PM

that's really cool!!

Smilts · 02-21-09, 02:27 PM

That is cool i built a couple of things for my Tegu's cage the same way from that link you posted in the other thread.

Wolfus_305 · 02-21-09, 05:46 PM

Wow! Kyle you did a lovely job!
The large hide in my bp's habitat is made like that. so are the two side walls and the back wall alone with some "shelves" coming off the wall. I love the way it looks!
Congrats to a job well done!
Kendra

Kmef07 · 02-21-09, 11:48 PM

My custom cage that is being worked on is going to be all done with this process. im going to make a waterfall and also a pool with a creek going the length of the cage. and hides cut into the back and sides that will look like rocks im building the frame then i will begin making the molds for all of the rock work on the new cage. It should be pretty cool at least in my mind.

Wolfus_305 · 02-22-09, 11:07 AM

So many projects we start seem so much simpler in our minds and in the end often don't look quite as we imagined. WOW you've got a lot of work ahead of you! I would love to see pictures when it's finished! Good luck!
Kendra

Kmef07 · 02-22-09, 11:51 AM

Ya i will defiantly get some pics of it when when i start on the rocks it will be hard but it should be fun even this little one was a blast it was just so relaxing.

phil_7870 · 02-22-09, 01:00 PM

are this hard to make .i would like to make one ut dont no how .were the thread or link ur are on about

Smilts · 02-22-09, 02:19 PM

Watch with the water fall I made one after it dried and cured I cleaned it and ran water through it in the sink and there was still a residue build up that another thorough cleaning fixed.

Kmef07 · 02-22-09, 03:00 PM

ok i will defiantly make sure to look out for that coy.

Phil:
It is found here Make a fake rock cave/basking spot for a reptile cage.
and it really isn't that hard to make just kinda time consuming if you are a perfectionist like me and it takes a while to dry between coats of sealer and grout.

phil_7870 · 02-22-09, 03:23 PM

could i use a different expanding foam instead of great stuff .any other ideas on design and shapes of these

Wolfus_305 · 02-22-09, 03:50 PM

This may seem obvious but if you are like me and get tunnel vision and then sort of forget the obvious: make sure the hide is an appropriate size for whatever you are making it for.
Kenny

Kmef07 · 02-22-09, 06:51 PM

so coy just came home and checked on the new hide and it did have some white residue on it but it is just some of the sealent that turned white after being exposed to moisture. it should actually go away in about a month or so. or i might clean it up but you can't see it on my piece.

Quote:

could i use a different expanding foam instead of great stuff .any other ideas on design and shapes of these

you don't have to use great stuff i didn't use any on the piece i just did but it would make it easier. and as far as ideas it's whatever you come up with just build it out of styrofoam and then paint the grout on and it should be fine.

Smilts · 02-23-09, 02:01 AM

I actually filled and ran the waterfall over night the residue I had was floating on the water. Sorry I should have been clearer before and after another cleaning I ran it for about 3 days without trouble.