3D background

[gdibs82]

I'm pretty new to this site and I'm using mobile (bare with me). I'm starting a project for my 150 gal tank and converting it over for my tree frogs. I've started on the 3D background. But I have been trying to figure out what is the best drylok to use for this. I've seen plenty of 3D backgrounds look like rock, but I'm gonna attempt more of a tree look. Any help is appreciated. Also, if there is a thread on this sort of thing. Link? Thanks in advance!!

[Lija]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Hang in there the cavalry with answers is coming!

[deranged chipmunk]

Hello and welcome to the forum. the original drylok can be tinted to any color you like using simple, acrylic craft paints. The main thing is going to be the foundation to which the drylok is going to be applied. As long as that resembles a tree, you are golden. All you have to do is layer your paint colors to resemble the species of your choice.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh, and if you haven't read it already, I recommend reading over this thread
http://www.frogforum.net/showthread.php?t=29846


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[gdibs82]

"Original" meaning not cement, waterproof latex? And I have Grey's Tree Frogs. Im gonna use natural soil on the bottom with potted pothos and somemoss. I also thought about making some smaller holding spots on the background for ivy.

[deranged chipmunk]

Correct, drylok paint. Not the hydraulic cement.

I'd advise against using natural soil for a multitude of reasons, but the main one being that it will compact and will not drain. That will cause a large amount of very bad bacteria in the enclosure.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[gdibs82]

What would be a better substrate? I read natural soil is better for breaking dow their wastes. I don't remember if I seen drylok paint. I'll double check that the next time I'm at a home improvement store.

[deranged chipmunk]

ABG (Atlanta botanical gardens) is the "gold standard" and what I recommend to most everybody. You can purchase it premixed online or make your own. There are tons of recipes out on the Internet.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

You'll find drylok paint in the paint section with all the waterproofing products in most home improvement stores.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[gdibs82]

So the drylok would be the waterproof latex paint? And I'll check the price on that ABG, then see if the recipes are cheaper. Being in Ohio, I'm going to need substrate year round

[gdibs82]

I apologize, my phone is being its own worst enemy

[deranged chipmunk]

Being in Ohio, I'm going to need substrate year round

Huh? What do you mean?


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[gdibs82]

I live in Ohio. Natural soil is available for limited time. You can't get that just anywhere. So, the ABG would probably be better and more available

[gdibs82]

Recipe
2 parts fine fir bark
2 parts fine tree fern fiber
2 parts milled sphagnum moss
1 part peat moss
1 part fine charcoal

This is what I found. It is said to use more charcoal as it keeps the substrate fresher