Instead of conrete, whats the next best thing to use for enclosure?

Simon17 · 10-17-12, 06:30 PM

Hi guy's im still on my quest of doing all the research needed for my ideas on my enclosure build. I've came across a site called zoological fabrications and they make great enclosures for zoo's! But they use concrete! What would the best thing i could use that would be as close to that type of material? Clay or plaster of paris, etc? Just I really wanna go all out on my build so im trying to get all the how to tips and stuff. lol

Cheers

Gungirl · 10-17-12, 06:43 PM

What are you going to be housing in the enclosure?

Simon17 · 10-17-12, 06:45 PM

Its for my carpet, but i really wanna do an awesome theme enclosure for him, I have it in my head how i wanna do it and how its looks, just looking to find materials to get started.

Gungirl · 10-17-12, 06:52 PM

Well in that case I would build a wooden frame.. Use wire mesh to get the shape on the inside how you want it and then set on a thin coat of grout on. Once that is hardened you can paint it and apply a glaze coat to make it washable and durable.

Simon17 · 10-17-12, 07:07 PM

see i want to make a zoo quality style enclosure thats themed. So grout would be best to use?

DOBERMAN · 10-17-12, 07:27 PM

Grout would work.
Concrete has large diameter gravel in it which makes it not exactly great for small applications or when weight is an issue because it has to be put on thick.
However, mortar - "S grade" doesn't have the large diameter granules in it and is like a concrete paste and can be put on fairly thin. Definitely use wire mesh for forming shapes and stability.

stephanbakir · 10-17-12, 07:41 PM

Watch out for your humidity and temps, because if the walls aren't smooth and his enclosure if off, hes going to rip his face off on a rough wall. Best of luck.

Gungirl · 10-17-12, 07:54 PM

The reason I recomended Grout was because you stated you didn't want to use concrete. If you want your enclosure just like a zoo makes theirs then you need to use concrete.

I agree with the rough wall scare... I suggested a glaze to go over the grout so that it would be smooth like glass. Glaze coat is what they put on bar tops and tables to give a glass look with out dealing with glass. I used this stuff in the base of all my vivs to make them 100% water proof.

Simon17 · 10-18-12, 08:23 PM

Zoological Fabrication

this is the link to something that i wanna create. In this they use spray foam then fibreglass. check it out also check there step by step on there python enclosures.