Exo Terra backgrounds

[Happy Frog]

Does anyone leave these foam backgrounds in their Exo Terra terrariums and use them for dart frogs? Are they considered effective and safe for dart frogs?

Can you leave the bottom portion under soil and hydroton or should you cut it off at the top of soil level?

[Pluke]

I've seen videos of people online who use these backgrounds. I'm not sure if they cut the foam or not though. I'd also like to know what to do with the background and know how people mount plants on them.

[nos187]

I myself have never used one but my experience tells me that you could probably use them.
I dont think you would need to cut them either. Just make sure the weed blocker net keeps
the soil from going behind it.
As for mounting plants, you could always cut a small hole or use a paper clip or wire to attach plants (or both methods).
Once the plants roots start attaching, you will then be able to remove the pin.
It may take a couple months before the roots will be strong enough to hold themselves depending on the plant.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

-Kevin

[Happy Frog]

What I wanted to do is keep the background and use some Great Stuff and GE Silicone to build out the sides a little and add some wood and a few net pots. Does anyone know if Great Stuff will stick to that foam background?

[Rae]

I have no idea I took mine out as crickets kept climbing it and pissed my frog off alot. =p

[nos187]

I dont know either,
how come you do not want to just do the whole background with greatstuff?
It would like really neat with a few plants and a big wood feature.
My .02

-Kevin

[sajane]

crix are a problem with these backgrounds. I gave tried many ways to seal the top but crix always seem to get behind. now after 3 years of chewing they have tunneled through . i leave plenty of gutload and carrot in the exo for stray crix to eat. the backgrounds them selves are awesome and i just bury the bottom in cocoa fiber.

[Shade38]

I used a combination of Great Stuff and a foam background. I sprayed a thin layer of GS, then pressed the foam background into it. Then used GS to fill the gaps and further shape the background. (Background was from a smaller tank and I figured why let it go to waste.)

It seems to have worked fine, but it is not frog-tested or cricket-tested yet. :-) My White's is still too small for that tank and it needs time to grow in. It is planted however.

Like others have said, the little gaps do seem like a pain. Your plans sounds fine to me.

In answer to your other question, I wouldn't let the foam extend into the soil or drainage layer. I'd be afraid of the styrofoam disintegrating into the water and being ingested or otherwise releasing something gross into their water or substrate. That's just me though. Have fun!