3D Backgrounds

[Derek1]

Looking around at some of the 3D backgrounds they are pretty pricy. Do any of you build your own? I was thinking I could get a block of foam and could cut it up, and make different size ledges and or shelves and whatnot. I just don’t know what to seal it with? Any other ideas.

[NewHerp293]

i have no idea of safety issues but...could a bottle of spray foam used to make a rock-like background work? this is something i was thinking about the other day.

[pdomensis]

I used to make backgrounds from foam and grout, but it was a lot of work and ended up being pretty pricey. My last viv was done with large chunks of bark that I got off a dead tree, and I like it much better.

[Derek1]

I was thinking spray foam too. This guy used it for his aquarium and sealed it with drylock. Seemed pretty easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyKd06sHjJQ

[JWFugle]

i suggest you take a look on here. i just like to look at other peoples work but they have some awesome setups and helpful people that are for the most part very active.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DIYReptileEnclosures/

[CrotalusR#1]

I use real materials. This cage has a dried fungus/mushroom thing in it.

[Derek1]

Y'alls look great!

[Derek1]

Started on my background tonight. This is for my 10 gallon setup for my Garter.

4x8 sheet of foam board $12.00ish
Can of spray foam $3.00
Bag of Eco Earth. Don't remember the price but it was cheap
I have enough foam board and Eco to do many backgrounds.

Made a couple "cliffs" as guides using sticks. I don't think this step is necessary now that I did it. You could just cut the foam as you please, but this is my first time so I'm learning as I go.


Covered the wet foam in Eco Earth. Threw more on the non covered spots as it expanded.


Let it expand and dry for an hour or so. Then tuned it up to dump the excess Eco


Cut the "cliffs" and dug out a little cave. Tomorrow I'll get some elmers glue and thin it and brush it on the white spots and reapply the Eco.

[smy_749]

You need to silicone for the eco-earth to stick. Its going to be a PITA to get it to stick now. Three key steps: 1. Silicone the background first or after a few months the foam may detach from it. 2. Wait for the great stuff to dry, and apply silicone to it after 24 hours/its cured. 3. Make sure the ecoearth is completely dry. Then you should be ok. It took me three failed attempts and Its still not perfect (I forgot to step 1)

[Derek1]

Originally Posted by smy_749

You need to silicone for the eco-earth to stick. Its going to be a PITA to get it to stick now. Three key steps: 1. Silicone the background first or after a few months the foam may detach from it. 2. Wait for the great stuff to dry, and apply silicone to it after 24 hours/its cured. 3. Make sure the ecoearth is completely dry. Then you should be ok. It took me three failed attempts and Its still not perfect (I forgot to step 1)

Looks like you're correct. The dirt on the edges where she crawls is coming off. Are you just buying tubes of 100% silicone caulk tubes and squirting it out and using a brush to smooth it out?