| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
 Posted - 10/03/2009 : 12:55:09
|
| I'm sure this has popped up 300 million times before but I can't find anything about it on here. I'm very creative given the right materials and have decided that I want to make a show-stopping viv. The woodwork is fine (My dad is a master-crafstman capenter so I will more than likely be cheating in that respect!!), however I will be doing the interior on my own. What kind of materials could I use to make fake, rocks, background etc etc etc? Sealants I know about, elctrics, stats, lighting - No problem. Just really want to push the limits landscape-wise. I have at the moment, a Royal and a Beardie but should this project go well, I will be looking at expanding. So the whole thrust of this topic is fake rocks, backgrounds and so on. |
|
|
lee2308
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2597 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2009 : 13:08:42
|
| there was a post on the corn site about making rocks ect out of polystyryne,i see if i can find it. |
Members map-------Want to be on the map?
  |
 |
|
|
lee2308
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2597 Posts |
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2009 : 13:26:36
|
| Top man. That's pretty good, cheers! Also has anyone heard of Habacrete - it is apparently the bees knees but it costs an absolute fortune. Don't mind paying but if it's sh*te then i will be understandably upset. |
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 09:10:53
|
| And also I have been told about something called hypertufa, does anyone know anything that can help me? Please. |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 09:49:39
|
I'd just use grout  |
 
|
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 14:09:09
|
I've looked all over the internet and grout is A: Too heavy when dry, and B: Not a lot of people trust grout.
I'll be honest, I don't really want to use something if there is a shadow of a doubt, I wouldn't want to put my little fellas at risk. |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 14:58:13
|
What's the doubt, I've never used it, but I thought it sounded like a good idea.
Plus it can't be any heavier than an Exo Terra hide if you're just covering Polystyrene or a marg tub? |
|
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 15:36:11
|
| Apparently it's not so much the grout in doubt (yeah i know - sorry), but more the sealant used, apparently due to its latex content. Also I am planning to create an actual landscape so there will be a fair amount involved, which would make the damn thing ridiculously heavy and unmanageable. I have seen so many do's and don'ts so far that I'm really stumped as to what is or isn't sfae, suitable and affordable!! |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 16:47:39
|
| lol - make sure you post pics when done |
|
|
|
|
dazb
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2847 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2009 : 17:46:50
|
i use normal sealant/glue in all my vivs and never had any issues...i know everyone says use aquarium sealant but i dont really know why.
i know they say they do cos its non toxic and safe to animals, but then your told its ok to use varnish, tile grout and 'no more nails' in there...
from wot i understand its down to the fumes/vapors. but as long as you leave it ventilated for a few days it should be ok.
|
|
Edited by - dazb on 12/03/2009 17:49:06 |
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 13/03/2009 : 12:00:53
|
| Well i think my final decision is going to be polystyrene boards (cut, shaped and glued using no more nails to form basic landscape), great stuff foam (to aid in landscape forming), aquarium sealant - the black stuff to seal everything in and allow for water feature/s, and the paint is being researched at the mo. I am also going to attempt my first self built viv. Rest assured, pictures will be forthcoming regardless of the results (Although i am quietly confident as i am a bit of a perfectionist and will not rest until satisfied). |
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 08:22:35
|
| Well i've started my practice interior now. ?Its going to be in my Beardie's viv. I will post pictures when it's done. I'm going for a naturalistic type, with a water feature and (hopefully) some live plants. If this goes well then I will be starting on the real deal, including making my own viv in a few months. Wish me luck!! |
|
|
|
wolfspirit
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
5741 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 10:09:36
|
| you never know, you might have a few of us asking for you to make one if they are good |
"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."
-- Source Unknown
|
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 12:45:28
|
| Does anyone know what kind of terrain a Royal would expect to see in its natural environment? |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 12:57:55
|
| A rodent burrow. |
|
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 13:48:21
|
| In terms of sorting him out a natural environment. Jungle floor, desert floor? Or does he spend most of his life underground? |
|
|
|
clunch
Hatchling
65 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 14:13:13
|
| any fine wood chips or asphen is ok for flooring. i think adding a borrow of some sort is an optional extra but as long as hes got a few hides i dont think there essencial. i suppose it deppends on the specific royal they all have individual likes and dislikes. for examle mine sleeps ontop on a stick on plant some times :) |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2009 : 14:30:19
|
| Most of their life would probably be spent underground. They originate from Africa, so are not from a jungle habitat. |
|
|
|
|
osouthlondon
Hatchling
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 18/03/2009 : 10:44:52
|
| Advice for anyone planning a custom viv interior: When using expandable foam, be advised that it expands......quickly......further than you thought it would.....onto your £$*% iphone. |
|
|
|
Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 18/03/2009 : 11:44:34
|
| So expanding foam, erm, expands? - They should put that on the side! |
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
