Self made background - advice required :-)

[ben7ani]

Im looking at purchasing another vivarium as a project and turning it into a "live" habitat for my red eyed tree frogs. I have never done this before, so want some tips/advice if possible. I have looked around this fantastic application called the world wide web, aka the internet and seen some brilliant guides and they all refer to the 'foam' which helps hold the wood and plants pots in place for the background. Then you add the black silicone so that you can stick on the eco earth etc.

Whats the name of this foam? I believe from research its called 'great stuff', but want to be sure this is ok for vivarium use? Providing its left out to air for a couple of days.

Will the foam support small pieces of drift wood etc, I'm only planning on testing this with a 30cm (width) x 30cm (depth) x 45cm (height) and intend to cover the back wall and one side wall with a couple of small pieces of wood and 1/2 small plant pots for a couple of dwarf bromeliads / creeping fig / fern. I will be keeping the other wall free for my heat pad.

Will a well made great stuff background need replacing, or will give many years service. Im guessing it can withstand the humidty etc required.

Ben

[John]

Great Stuff is a brand name. The foam in question is polyurethane expanding foam. It's used for sealing gaps for insulation. I'm sure there are brand names in the UK for it. To the best of my knowledge, when all of the brands are cured they are safe in terrariums.

The foam will support drift wood, but I usually silicone this to the glass of the terrarium before filling in around it with foam. I've got foam backgrounds in a few terrariums for several years now and I've yet to replace them. I think if you're careful (particularly if you put some silicone on the glass first and let it cure before applying the foam) it should last many years. It is completely water proof, so that's not a concern.

[Leefrogs]

I like the black version, called pond and stone. Same as said above, but easier to cover, since it's dark already. I add sand, or Eco earth, while it's fresh. No need for silicone to adhere dirt.

[ben7ani]

What is the best place to get some vivarium/frog safe black silicone?

I live in England and would ideally like to go and pick some up from a DIY store like B&Q or homebase etc.

I will order some online if there are no stores that sell the correct silicone required.

How much do you think will be required to cover the back and one side wall of the vivarium - 30cm(w) x 30cm(d) x 45cm(h). I will be using it to stick a few pieces of small drif wood etc in place in order to foam around it, and I will be covering the foam once it has harded to attach the eco earth.

Ben

[ben7ani]

Would this be ok as a sealant from B&Q.

Unibond Easy Finish All Purpose Sealant Black, 1046964

You will need to scroll down for features etc.

Colour: Black
Basic chemical care info: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep out of reach of children
Manuf part no: 1046964
Coverage: Approx 11m using a 6mm bead
Drying Time: 24-48 hours
Interior/Exterior/Both: Both
Size : 300ml
Category: Sealants
Qty in pack : 1


additional information

• Waterproof
• Mould resistant
• Super Smooth
• Easy to smooth
• Easy clean up
• 35 year guarantee