Question about building background.

[Peakone]

I have a question about making background for my fbt's vivarium.
I am planing to make it from styrofoam, but after i shape is it safe to use normal mortar or grout? I cant find special vivarium products like habacrete

[peeka]

I plan on using sanded grout for mine. I'm following this tutorial over at vivarium forum for my background

Easy Background for Beginners Tutorial (Exo-Terra BG Resurfacing Project) - Vivarium Forums

Ally

[Peakone]

Im actually after this method, but with the most common white styrofoam (Im used to learn things in hard way )

What disturbs me is if the the normal grout and/or mortar consist anything that can be harmful for my toads... toxins or smthing? Or its safe to use them?

[peeka]

Hmm I'm not sure about that. I too worry about how harmful some of these materials are. Right now i'm trying to find non -toxic acrylic sealer, I've found plenty of sealers but none that specifically say non-toxic.

At this rate I don't see getting my toads until AFTER christmas.
Good luck with yours
Ally

[Peakone]

I got warned that using mortar can lead to some lye, so i think ill stick with the grout. A guy i know said he used it for the background in his aquarium and the fishes are not damaged.

[Rocko]

While I can't comment on the materials in particular, one suggestion is to make sure and let the materials cure for multiple days to ensure that any vapors they release will dissipate and prevent damage to the frogs.

[peeka]

While I can't comment on the materials in particular, one suggestion is to make sure and let the materials cure for multiple days to ensure that any vapors they release will dissipate and prevent damage to the frogs.

Thanks Rocko, good point

Ally

[Tony]

Mortar/grout can be used, but it is important to cure it with vinegar to neutralize the pH, otherwise it will cause the water to become too alkaline.

[peeka]

Mortar/grout can be used, but it is important to cure it with vinegar to neutralize the pH, otherwise it will cause the water to become too alkaline.

Would this still be a concern even if the background is not going to come into direct contact with the water?

Ally

[John]

Yes, if you're keeping frogs you have humidity and misting issues to contend with.

[peeka]

Uh Oh. That step wasn't in the tutorial I was following and I have already finished it. I'll have to ask the original poster.

Thanks

Ally