Easy Background for Beginners Tutorial (Exo-Terra BG Resurfacing Project)

[Kale Stallaert]

Hi Ally,

I used Krylon Clear Latex Enamel sealant. It's a pretty old product but I bet Krylon would have a new product that does the same job.

[peeka]

Originally Posted by Kale Stallaert

Hi Ally,

I used Krylon Clear Latex Enamel sealant. It's a pretty old product but I bet Krylon would have a new product that does the same job.

Thanks so much

Ally

[peeka]

Sorry, one more question please Kale. Does the background have to be cured with vinegar?

Thanks

Ally

[Kale Stallaert]

I did not do this step since I made sure all grout was covered in acrylic paint and then sealed. No grout is exposed.

[peeka]

Awesome! that means I'm done.
Thanks for all of your help!

Ally

[Kale Stallaert]

Post pictures if you get a chance.

[mercury]

I would like to try this as I am a beginner and I have NO IDEA how to go about creating a false backround from scratch. In fact, I only stumbled upon the idea today by accident in a search on terrarium pictures! I am fascinated, really. But yet I have no clue. My question is, I have a 10 gal exo terra for a red eyed tree frog which came with the foam backround and it has already been warped a bit. first off, when I tried putting it in the tank I took a chunk out of the corner. second, within a week the thing had broken down for reasons I am unaware of. Crickets got hungry maybe? IDK!

What could I do to make this less obvious, or what could I do to fix it completely. Besides buy another backround- bc I dont know where to find them!

If you have no suggestions,could you please share a link for beginners on creating an easy backround from scratch? whether its from silicone (i think people have used silicone) or great stuff (never heard of it til today) I'd like to do one from scratch anyway, so I'd really appreciate that. Just thought I'd simplify first and I happened to see this thread. Awesome idea, btw!

Thx so much!

[peddro]

the way lots of people do it:

- if you dont want to see the GS from the outside, put a layer of black silicone on the glass first

- shake the foam up good and spray whatever awesome shapes you want (make sure the tank is laying down- that stuff is heavy when wet) add in pieces of wood and plants pots if desired

- beware the foam expands a lot-leave room

- let it dry and harden

- bake the coco fiber dry dry dry

- then cover with black silicone

***do this in sections at a time so the silicone doesnt skin before you put the coco fiber on****

- squish fiber/moss into the silicone- careful its a messy job lol

- let it cure for a long time- a week of twoish, depending on how much silicone you used yatta yatta


hope this helps!

[peddro]

also forgot to mention

- a safe silicone is GE 100% silicone type II- for windows and doors

ive been using this one for 5 years never had a problem