my method of building fake / faux rocks

[Scythe]

I have read through this whole post and am absolute stunned by what can be done. Your 10g tank has inspired me to do my own. I have limited funds right now so I am getting materials as I can and will make sure to post up status pictures of my build.

[Jsnptnd25]

Hey, very impressive Rudereefer. I just have one question. If I were to emulate the same technique and materials you used in the first viv for a snake would I still have to soak the background in vinegar and water. Assuming no water would contact the concrete except for slight misting. Thanks and again WOW

[fc3schick87]

Originally Posted by Jsnptnd25

Hey, very impressive Rudereefer. I just have one question. If I were to emulate the same technique and materials you used in the first viv for a snake would I still have to soak the background in vinegar and water. Assuming no water would contact the concrete except for slight misting. Thanks and again WOW

concrete and grout are safe materials if not ingested. with that said, using these materials WITH water you would have to go threw all that.


habacrete is a poly plaster with sand in it. poly plaster is not a gypsen plaster and it can be found in craft stores or online by the name of "permastone" by activa.

-jessica

[Jsnptnd25]

Thanks alot Jessica. Would you happen to know how many parts poly plaster and how many parts sand I would have to use if I wanted to make my own?

[itsott]

I went today and checked out the foam, my crafts store has a few different kinds of foam. one is very stiff and the other you can kinda crush with your hand which kind did you use. Also can you use a lighter/torch to shape also?

[Balvennie]

Hi Rudereefer et al. Like many here I've been impressed and inspired with what you've done. I'm in the process of making my first terrarium, and if I can I'll post a pic of where it's at now. As I'm not in the US I can't obtain Habacrete, but I'm planning on using waterproof grout with a coat of pond paint and a bit of acrylic paint for detail. Would you say I still need to soak the pond and background in vinegar/water? It's kind of.... big!

Cheers, Adrian in England

[jguilliam86]

Hi everyone...this is my first post and this thread has made me want to make my own Vivarium.

i did everything mostly the same way as rude did.

I think it came out pretty well for my first time doing this and didn't really know what I was doing.

Its not done yet..still got to add a few things before I try to add some frogs.

Let me know what you guys think of it

YouTube - My First Vivarium

[Balvennie]

I've finally finished my terrarium!!! Here's a photo of the finished item (minus a few plants I'm still waiting on). I made this myself 100% from start to finish, including the actual terrarium, backdrop, pond (obscured by the fog), and waterfall. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this, but I think it's turned out ok, and my frogs (red-eyed treefrogs) seem to like it too! The top includes 3 canopies - one with 4 day light bulbs, and two with night lights, so we're finally able to view the frogs at night when they're active! Temperature is running around 77F, and humidity at around 70%.

If anyone wants I can provide more pics, more details, and even some video

[Shaggy2061]

ok so i am still trying to find out what ratio of vinegar to water is needed to soak quickcrete after it dries to leech the PH out of it ??? Or is there a ratio is it best guess?

[Rdk2ooo]

Curious, what does soaking it in water&vinegar do?