Vivarium build

[Kristen]

A few weeks back I got an old fish tank and stand for $20.

So here's my build on it
Today I started the background, and gee that got messy.
I got sheets of polystyrene and used one as the backing piece,

Then I started cutting strips and stacking them on top of eachother (and siliconing them in place)

Then added a pot.




Then I added a base thing that I will put plants in.


and then my silicone gun broke. Not to happy about that, haha.
I'll get a new silicone gun tomorrow and finish the background off

[UncleChester]

Hi Kristen! What are you planning to cover the polystyrene with and what species do you plan on keeping in here?

You're using silicone to attach the polystyrene together? I much prefer a low temp hot glue gun for sticking foam pieces together - there's no lengthy curing time before you can carry on with work on the background, pieces stick in place almost instantly, and it's less smelly.

[Kristen]

Hi Kristen! What are you planning to cover the polystyrene with and what species do you plan on keeping in here?

You're using silicone to attach the polystyrene together? I much prefer a low temp hot glue gun for sticking foam pieces together - there's no lengthy curing time before you can carry on with work on the background, pieces stick in place almost instantly, and it's less smelly.

Hey
Silicone then coco fibre and a bit of moss. For now I'm thinking I might put Christinus marmoratus (southern marbled gecko) in it, but I just want to see the end result first to really make up my mind.
Thanks! I'll definitely do that for my next build, cause the silicone was/is a hassle.

[Discman503]

I've seen else where that you can used spray foam. Just attach your coconut fiber or moss to it while it's still moist and able to stick to it. Love the idea of making a natural, textured background but have never actually done one though. Little intimidated by it.

[Kristen]

I've seen else where that you can used spray foam. Just attach your coconut fiber or moss to it while it's still moist and able to stick to it. Love the idea of making a natural, textured background but have never actually done one though. Little intimidated by it.

Yeah I've done that a few times before, it does get messy though, and I dont like having to spray the foam directly in the tank because you can't take it out. I thought if I did it this way I could take the background out if I don't like it or if it gets wrecked.
Don't be! It's actually pretty easy Its a good idea to do a test one first, though

[NatureLady]

Yeah I've done that a few times before, it does get messy though, and I dont like having to spray the foam directly in the tank because you can't take it out. I thought if I did it this way I could take the background out if I don't like it or if it gets wrecked.
Don't be! It's actually pretty easy Its a good idea to do a test one first, though

This will be how I do my next viv! The spray foam is fun and a lot of work. Just my thoughts.

Love the base for plants idea.

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[frogluver]

Looking great so far!

That's a really neat idea you had for the ledges! I like that . Keep up the good work Kristen!

[J Teezy]

that method looks familiar =) ! Take your fingernail and rough out the straight edges each layer makes, will make it look more natural. sandpaper works to. Also for glueing together you can use Powergrab instead of silicone