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Old 01-08-14, 07:24 PM   #1
EL Ziggy
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terrarium backgrounds

I want to cover the sides and backs of my 40 gal tanks. (36x18x16) Anybody know where I can find some nice background paper. The pet stores nor amazon had anything I liked. Thanks in advance.
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Old 01-08-14, 07:35 PM   #2
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

I used contact paper taped to the outside facing in of course...but my BP and my garter both have a very attractive woodsy theme going on with their camo backgrounds...I just used black posterboard for the sides...my corns and CRB have tropical themed backgrounds that my petco USED to carry that you could buy by the foot...
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Old 01-08-14, 07:40 PM   #3
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

Does it need to be outside the tank? If not I'd suggest looking at cork backgrounds and live fern backgrounds(You mist these and live ferns and mosses grow). It makes for a more naturalistic enclosure then those tape on printed backgrounds




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Old 01-08-14, 09:32 PM   #4
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

Nice setup Mikoh. You should come to Atlanta and help me
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Old 01-08-14, 09:34 PM   #5
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharlynn93 View Post
I used contact paper taped to the outside facing in of course...but my BP and my garter both have a very attractive woodsy theme going on with their camo backgrounds...I just used black posterboard for the sides...my corns and CRB have tropical themed backgrounds that my petco USED to carry that you could buy by the foot...
Sharlynn- it was your BP's background that got this thread started. I want something nice like that for my critters
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Old 01-08-14, 09:39 PM   #6
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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Nice setup Mikoh. You should come to Atlanta and help me
not mine lol. from google images
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Old 01-08-14, 09:43 PM   #7
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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not mine lol. from google images
LOL, I can still use all the help I can get. I love seeing these really nice set ups and wishing I could do that. I'm not the best decorator that's for sure.
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Old 01-08-14, 10:12 PM   #8
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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Sharlynn- it was your BP's background that got this thread started. I want something nice like that for my critters
Thanks! that made me feel like I really contributed to something!
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Old 01-09-14, 10:16 AM   #9
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

Has anyone here actually done a DIY bark background like in Mikoh's post? That looks sweet! I'd like to try it but I'm wondering how to get the sheets flat. I've got several good sized chunks of elm bark, but they've all got a curl to them. I'm thinking about soaking them up and then pressing them while drying. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Old 01-09-14, 10:42 AM   #10
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

What I have done in the past on a small scale for my tarantulas was to use foam board for packing. Cut to size then you can use a torch to melt a pattern into it, or carve your pattern in. Then I covered the whole thing in food grade silicone and dipped it in substrate. Making sure to press the substrate into the silicone. I also took a half log and incorporated that into the backdrop. I then silicone that to the back of the enclosure. I will post a pic when I get home.

Here is a link to a different method also


Naturalistic Vivarium- Great Stuff "How To"... LOTS of pics

I hope posting this link is ok...
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Last edited by kelzerman; 01-09-14 at 10:53 AM.. Reason: Found a good link
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Old 01-09-14, 01:10 PM   #11
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

I have done my own bark backgrounds. Its hard to get them flat, but if you have flat pieces I just used gorilla glue and made a decent 4x2 piece. Depending on your species / look that you are going for, I personally prefer the cork background that gives the tree trunk look. The exo-terra styrofoam rock backgrounds work good with light species that do not have sharp claws (its not very sturdy).

If you are looking for something spectacular, durable and longlasting but price is not an issue, I would recommend either Designsbynature or Universalrocks. Both do great work and IMO the background is the most important piece of a showcase enclosure, so spending a decent amount on one is worth every penny.
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Old 01-09-14, 05:43 PM   #12
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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Originally Posted by smy_749
something spectacular, durable and longlasting but price is not an issue, I would recommend either Designsbynature or Universalrocks. Both do great work and IMO the background is the most important piece of a showcase enclosure, so spending a decent amount on one is worth every penny.
Nice suggestion, I'm going to look into those for the future as well.
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Old 01-09-14, 08:53 PM   #13
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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Has anyone here actually done a DIY bark background like in Mikoh's post? That looks sweet! I'd like to try it but I'm wondering how to get the sheets flat. I've got several good sized chunks of elm bark, but they've all got a curl to them. I'm thinking about soaking them up and then pressing them while drying. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
AC Moore sells sheets of cork. My friend used it for his liz. enclosure.
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Old 01-09-14, 09:51 PM   #14
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

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AC Moore sells sheets of cork. My friend used it for his liz. enclosure.
As does michaels and most craft stores. I bought 4 x 12" cubed sheets for like 12 dollars. 12 dollars for a 2x2 background is not bad in my books
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Old 01-09-14, 09:53 PM   #15
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Re: terrarium backgrounds

Also, I have yet to try it but plan to try it soon so I figured I'd post it.
Seems easy enough, just messy.

New England Herpetoculture LLC - Custom Backgrounds
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