18x18x24 planted viv w/ DIY backround crestie build

[fallenangelfyre]

so . . playing around with what i want to do with the rock wall portion. idk. maybe have it step out like in the pics, or kinda fall back towards the back of the viv more like a cliff. i like the step out idea because it reminds me of like an ancient monument for offerings to pagan gods, but i lose a good amount of ground space with it stepping out like that (but then again, cresties don't need a lot of terrestrial area, correct?):

[XtremeAaron]

Thats looking great !

[fallenangelfyre]

grouting-

[fallenangelfyre]

this is Eros, the future inhabitant of this viv:



she is being held by Samantha of Crestopia Reptiles until i get the 10gal temp tank set up & my CGD comes in the mail. thanks Samantha!

[XtremeAaron]

He looks awesome.

[fallenangelfyre]

Originally Posted by fallenangelfyre

in the process of applying gs & carving. question:
need a way to seal the grout faux rock wall portions. i used mod podge in my previous build because it was a dry desert style viv, but i've noticed mod podge doesn't hold up well to moisture. i do have some polyacrylic that i bought recently for a furniture project (i believe minwax). toying with using it. i tried reading the msds sheet on it, but honestly i just don't understand all that technical mumbo-jumbo.
anybody have any experience using this stuff? any horror stories? successful attempts?

found this stuff: Behr 980 Concrete & Masonry Waterproofer
any chem guys out there? can anyone tell me if this looks safe? hopefully it becomes inert once fully cured & fumes have all leached out-

[fallenangelfyre]

fogger test

[Quack]

Looks great! Just make sure that you have plenty of ventilation with that fogger in there. As for sealant, I don't remember the name of the sealant i use but it is used for counter-tops and is food safe. I would just make sure that any sealant you use is food safe and once it is cured, rinse it several times(that is what i do). But, any areas that have constant water i seal with silicone.

[fallenangelfyre]

decided not to paint the grout, so just going to forgo the sealant. would rather have painted it to make it look more stone-like & give more depth, but too much of a pain in the arse to locate a critter-friendly sealant. plus i already completed the silicon/cocofiber portions, got my hydroton locally, & placed & am awaiting delivery of my plants & substrate. now i just want to get it all done. silicon/cocofiber is curing so alot of cocofiber piled up & not too pretty to look at, so no pics right now. plant list:

Sanseveria 2.5" Pot
Item# $3.95 USD 2 $7.90 USD

Selaginella Kraussiana "Spike Moss" 4" pot
Item# greenspikemoss $4.95 USD 1 $4.95 USD

NE Herp Vivarium Substrate Mix
Item# NEHSSUB $9.50 USD 3 $28.50 USD

Peperomia Japonica 3-4 clippings
Item# $4.95 USD 1 $4.95 USD

Selaginella Kraussiana Variegatus "Frosty Fern"
Item# $6.95 USD 1 $6.95 USD

Neoregelia "Eoz"
Item# $9.50 USD 1 $9.50 USD

Neoregelia Olens
Item# $9.99 USD 1 $9.99 USD

Standard 20G Viv Kit - 6 Tillandsias, 2 Wandering Jew Clippings, 2 Asst ivy clippings, 2 qty 12X12 Moss
Item# 20gkit $42.95 USD 1 $42.95 USD

[fallenangelfyre]

need to do a little touch-up of the silicon & cocofiber, but-