Exo-Terra Background Issue

[HerpDerp]

For the past couple days Glurmo has taken to sleeping behind the Styrofoam background that came with my exo-terra. He gets down into the small cutouts that are in the back for wires and tubing. I honestly don't even know how he fits in there. The first time I had to pull it forward a little bit to get him out (thinking he was probably stuck). I then, put rolled up paper towel in the hole that he gets into. The next day he just stuffed the paper towel down further so he could sleep there. But he got out on his own that night. He's sleeping there again today. I don't know if I should be that concerned with it, but I just don't like the idea of his sleeping back there and potentially getting stuck. So I'm looking for solutions to block that off. I'm not looking for something elaborate like silicone or foam or anything, just something simple. I thought of using duct tape but I wasn't sure if that's safe? I definitely want to keep the background thought because it provides good insulation and looks good. So... solutions?? Thanks

[Lija]

I duck taped those holes in my tanks. sure it's safe, just make sure you do it well, no loose ends of tape sticking out.

[HerpDerp]

I will definitely try that tonight. Glurmo seems dead set on getting back there so I'm thinking I'm going to have to be very thorough with the tape! And the background is gray so the tape will match!

[flybyferns]

For the past couple days Glurmo has taken to sleeping behind the Styrofoam background that came with my exo-terra. He gets down into the small cutouts that are in the back for wires and tubing. I honestly don't even know how he fits in there. The first time I had to pull it forward a little bit to get him out (thinking he was probably stuck). I then, put rolled up paper towel in the hole that he gets into. The next day he just stuffed the paper towel down further so he could sleep there. But he got out on his own that night. He's sleeping there again today. I don't know if I should be that concerned with it, but I just don't like the idea of his sleeping back there and potentially getting stuck. So I'm looking for solutions to block that off. I'm not looking for something elaborate like silicone or foam or anything, just something simple. I thought of using duct tape but I wasn't sure if that's safe? I definitely want to keep the background thought because it provides good insulation and looks good. So... solutions?? Thanks

Hi,
That darn styrofoam is not so great ! Silly head....He could end up getting hurt.
Personally, I would remove it if you can. He doesn't need it.
You could wind a pothos vine around the cords if any.

You could paint -the outside of the glass with a multi-surface acrylic paint to create a secure feeling for him.
He will find a safer place to sleep.

Here is what I used. When purchased separately they are ONE dollar per jar. They dry fast , this paint does not smell , and you will not have to remove Mr G from the enclosure since you will designing a beautiful background from the outside. I have some photos of painted tree trunks in my tree frog albums if you want to take a peek.

However, keep in mind that you will be reverse painting. So plan accordingly. Put the details on first, then cover with a solid top coat.

Martha Stewart Crafts™ Satin Finish Acrylic Paint Set 18pk - Bright or Muted at HSN.com

It's fun to use. The sky is the limit !! Purchase some single edge razor blades. If you make a mistake it can be scraped off. After it sets it's really adheres to the glass well. Also , once it sets, you can remove it with the razor if you had to; you would just need some elbow grease !

Lynn

[HerpDerp]

I wish I was more artistic! I would definitely paint the outside.. but I don't trust myself to do a good job with it. My sister has done it on a couple fish tanks and it really does come out great. And I really would like to keep the Styrofoam for insulation. If taping it doesn't work then I'm definitely going to consider more options. I've seen those cool panels that grow plants in the right humidity? I'd have to look them up again. But thanks for the advice! If all else fails I'll commission my sister to paint the background for me!

[Lija]

oh and you know what you can use zoomed background cork or forest tile instead of styro.

Lynn your creations are beautiful! I might do something like that one day... when i have time.... gosh i really wanna try

[flybyferns]

Michelle
I am NOT artistic. This paint is very forgiving.
Smudges with earthy colors end up looking like wood. You could use a sponge.
You could practice on a spare pc of old picture frame glass.
If you were to decide to silicone it ( or something else) into place , he would have to be removed from his tank for days after the odor is gone.

Lija,
Thank You.
Hmmmm ? There is never a risk of the tape sticking to the frog? Does it stick in the humidity and/or to the styrofoam?

I like to keep my tree frog enclosures simple on the inside. I makes it much easier to keep things clean !!!

Lynn

[DonLisk]

Post a pic of the tank and some info on what is in the tank for accents. What Exo size do you have?

[steampunk]

I had the same problem, so I stuffed the holes with wet spaghnum moss. The stuff drys quick under the light and the frogs can't move it.

[deranged chipmunk]

yeah, um, i'm not too sure about the whole duct tape thing. i mean, i don't know about anyone else, but over time, i've seen stuff i used duct tape on degrade and fibers become loose and fray. i know i may seem aggressive with my tank layouts, but i don't even think i would use duct tape in one of my tanks. i'm with Don on this one, a nice clear(ish) pic of the spot and it's surroundings i think would help everyone wrap their heads around it.

[deranged chipmunk]

and Lynn, don't forget Lrrr is in there with Glurmo now

[HerpDerp]

Thanks for all the great input guys! I'll try to get a good pic in a few here. And yeah, I was hesitant with the duct tape because I know it will leave a residue on the glass and will probably rip up the styrofoam. The last thing I want is to have to clean up little bits of styrofoam when I decide to change the background. I've really been thinking and I think I want to revamp my entire setup after the holidays. I would like to rearrange the plants maybe and do something more natural for the background. BUT for now I need a temporary solution to hold be over until then. So I will post a picture later and see what you all think

[DonLisk]

How close are yo to Portsmouth NH? Here is a link to a whites Tree Frog tank i did some time back.... http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...se-bottom.html
Fairly easy and inexpensive to do once you have the tank and they love the Brom for perching and sleeping in.

[HerpDerp]

How close are yo to Portsmouth NH? Here is a link to a whites Tree Frog tank i did some time back.... http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...se-bottom.html
Fairly easy and inexpensive to do once you have the tank and they love the Brom for perching and sleeping in.

That's too funny that you linked that. Someone else (don't remember who) linked that to me when I first got my exo-terra. I did end up doing a false bottom. I posted about it on here after I did it actually. I used that post as a guide, so thank you for that helpful post . And I do have a few plants, including a brom that they love perching on! And Portsmouth isn't too far from me actually... only about two hours. I have been known to occasionally smuggle pets from NH to Maine (certain aquatic inverts..) LOL.

And now for the pictures of the tank!


This is the back corner that he usually sits in during the day. That's where he's been accessing the back.

He really jams himself back there! Not sure how he manages to squeeze in. As you can see, the paper towel didn't do much! Also, don't mind the rogue cat hair... they seem to be everywhere!

And the whole enclosure! I really like the way the plants look in there... although that dracaena in the front doesn't look so good. The pothos is another story. That thing just wont stop growing! I'm hoping eventually that entire side of the tank will be lined with pothos. I can put some good suction cup hooks on the side to attach the vines to. So for tonight I've just pulled the top of the background forward a bit so he can get in and out easier. Better than getting stuck anyways. Thankfully Lrrr prefers sleeping in the dracaena in the back so I don't have to worry about him getting in there. I have some more fake plants that I could stick all over the back to make a makeshift background if need be. Ideas?

[Benedicta]

Hi michelle
I dun have those designed backgrounds from exoterra...i prefer the normal ones...makes my work easy though

Anyways...what i do with my newer setups is i just silicone the styro to the glass...and seal up all the holes i can find...
just so that theres no chances of bugs or frogs getting lost inside.
Not so big a problem as when u want to change your design later, u can just slice it off with a sharp blade...

Well for me that's not a big problem though...

[deranged chipmunk]

I think the Sphagnum is a capital idea, but i think tearing it down and building a "don lisk special" is the way to go, especially since you said you planned on changing background anyway i firmly believe that Glurmo is telling you the styrofoam has got to go!! Lol

Btw, Don, Portsmouth is a nifty little town. Well, at least the main drag is. I got to spend a week in Kittery a few years back when my brother in law was stationed up there. Cold though....wow!! Lol

Michelle, shame on you for smuggling!! I would never even dream of transporting shrimp over state lines....like i did friday....lol

[HerpDerp]

I've thought a lot about it and I'm just going to take the background out tonight. That will give me a good 2 inches of extra space anyways. And I'll stick the fake plants to the back wall for now and then possibly get the exo-terra tree fern background? Haven't decided yet. I don't really have a good secondary home for the frogs so I can do a foam background or anything so it has to be a quick thing. But if I made a drip wall it would keep the tree fern panels really damp so they would grow ferns and what not. I think it would look pretty nifty. And the left wall of the tank is well on its way to being covered by my pothos, not sure how well you can tell from the picture. It has roots that have pushed all the way through the false bottom seeking water! I've never seen pothos grow so well!

And Bill, It's so hard to resist smuggling when Maine's laws are so strict and NH is so close and so lenient with their exotic pets... My bamboo shrimp was the coolest addition to my aquarium! Really wish still had an aquarium!

[deranged chipmunk]

Tree fern panels and a drip wall will look cool i'm still a big fan of Don's method. What did you use to quarantine Lrrr in? Is it big enough to house them for a week?

I don't blame you at all. In my case, it's not laws, but availability. The only lfs around that has freshwater shrimp is across the bridge in jersey. Funny, we have some of the finest reef shops in the tri state area, but for planted folk? Pickin's are slim.

[HerpDerp]

I used a 10 gallon tank to quarantine Lrrr. I don't know if I would want to do that for a week. How long would the frogs need to stay in it if I used silicone to attach the tree fern panels? I'm also thinking I want to line the bottom of the tank with live moss too. I just love how it looks and it will help with humidity. I'm constantly battling with humidity. Thankfully I'm able to mist several times a a day.

My tank is a definite SLOW work in progress. When I'm ready for a rebuild I think I'll start a thread to get some good ideas. I already have a couple good ideas... but we'll see where it goes! I'm thinking I should get it totally planned out and figure out how I can do with as quickly as possible. Hopefully I can manage to only have my froggies in a separate tank for a few days!

[deranged chipmunk]

Well, you are looking at one day to set up your drip wall and silicone the panels, minimum 24 hours for that to cure, 48 would be better. Another day or two to make sure the tank is completely aired out. Either way, you are looking at a week.

Planning is definitely key. Have all supplies ready and waiting. Remember, i did my 40 in 2 weeks with proper planning, you can have a total revamp done in a week to 10 days. Less if you don't get elaborate with pumps and stuff.