Fake Tree Stump- Homemade product

[moviescolin]

So I've had this idea for a while, and I'm getting a bump in my paycheck from working on a film next weekend and I thought I might tackle this.

My idea was to create a tank decoration. Coming from the world of film special effects and makeup effects, I know how to sculpt/mold/cast things. Thus I could create decorations like you see from ExoTerra/Zoomed/Petstores. Since my girlfriend and I want to eventually run our own petstore, we could create our own decorations for specific requirements of animals and pet owners.

My idea was to make a tree stump that goes in the back corner of the tank to create an aesthetically pleasing effect and also maximize climbing space.

The back and side of the tree would be at a 90degree angle so it can sit snugly against a back corner. There would be a small root-type system, and a single branch up high near the top.

I was going to make it for my frog tank, so it would only be 18 inches tall, however I might also do a 24 inch tall version for other people's frog tanks and my crestie tank.

If I did this, is it something that anyone else would have an interest in purchasing from me? (provided the price is right.) The reason I ask, is that the materials to do it correctly (and pet-safe) are on the expensive side.

Here's a picture to demonstrate more clearly:

[dsaundry]

What are you going to use as material, I know a number of people that use cat litter {clay} and mold it and seal it after it's done.

[moviescolin]

It would be made of a hard plastic, just like the professional decorations. A solid piece of molded plastic, molded from a silicone negative mold that was taken off of a clay sculpture I would do.

[dsaundry]

Interesting, I thought about using resin molds for certain concepts, please post a pic when you get one made up.

[TheFroggyDragon]

I might be interested. I have an 18x18x18 that I am wanting to do something with.
How thick are you planning on making the tree base?
Would it be able to withstand high humidity well?