Cork Panels & Vivs

[MikeM670]

Eric,

I looked at one of those premade cork backgrounds the other day. It was the wrong size for my Zoo Med 1818x24 unit so did not get one. It looks ok and I can see that it would take some time to get the natural mossy look on one. Maybe by mixing up one of those moss mixtures and applying it to the background would speed things up. But you can't beat the natural look once they are established.

The other issue was they seem expensive and it might set you back a pretty penny to cover a rear wall.

[clownonfire]

Eric,

I looked at one of those premade cork backgrounds the other day. It was the wrong size for my Zoo Med 1818x24 unit so did not get one. It looks ok and I can see that it would take some time to get the natural mossy look on one. Maybe by mixing up one of those moss mixtures and applying it to the background would speed things up. But you can't beat the natural look once they are established.

The other issue was they seem expensive and it might set you back a pretty penny to cover a rear wall.

They are expensive, but like most things for frogs you find in a pet shop, you can find the equivalent at a much lower price at your local hardware store. I have found naturally compressed cork panels, glued together with a food glue which is not toxic, for a fraction of the price... And I'm tempted.

[MikeM670]

They are expensive, but like most things for frogs you find in a pet shop, you can find the equivalent at a much lower price at your local hardware store. I have found naturally compressed cork panels, glued together with a food glue which is not toxic, for a fraction of the price... And I'm tempted.

I'm going to go to ACE Hardware tomorrow I'll look around and see what they have. Tho its too late for my new build. I already have the foam in place and have begun cutting out sections for the water feature. I'm going for a tiered look with very wet locations on each level for a nice covering of moss. Then flow off the background and into a small pond in one corner.

[clownonfire]

You are definitely the one I look up too esthetically when it comes to vivs. Next one, I am going for practicality and a long-term moss process.

[MikeM670]

Thanks...but I don't think I'm that good. I really like Don's last 20 gallon build. Looks great.

The build I'm working on now will have lots of moss. Well That is the look I'm going for.

[clownonfire]

Thanks...but I don't think I'm that good. I really like Don's last 20 gallon build. Looks great.

The build I'm working on now will have lots of moss. Well That is the look I'm going for.

You and Don really have your s*h*t together when it comes to aesthetics, that's for sure.

E.

[DonLisk]

Mike, ever work in landscaping? Thanks for the compliments but I'm nothing like the ones I see and dream of creating.

SO, heres my thought... a Lego cottage in a woods setting (Ficus as the trees), centered on a small island (foam and substrate), with water around the outside edge (probably a 18x18x24 Exo)..... and planted inside the lego cottage with moss to look vacant but enough open window and door space to allow the darts to travel through. hmmmm. Foaming and siliconing the top three to four inches on the sides and back to create a place to plant fig and other foliage that could hang down in, so the cottage is in a sort of cavern. Oh its bad, and I must sleep at night dreaming of these things.
Think I'm a little overboard?


Now, I have to say. I envy many I see here and yours too looks awesome Eric. Wait til the plants grow in and some of that creeping fig has taken hold on the new build.

[DonLisk]

Thanks...but I don't think I'm that good. I really like Don's last 20 gallon build. Looks great.

The build I'm working on now will have lots of moss. Well That is the look I'm going for.

Speaking of moss, keep us up to date on how your new moss from Josh is doing. Looks nice how you put it in. The sheet moss in my Red Eyes Viv has never grown but hasn't died off either. Probably not enough light?

[clownonfire]

On a similar topic

I've read on Canadart.org that using Titebond III mixed with coconut husk is better than with silicone II. Has anyone tried it, or heard about it?

Eric

[MikeM670]

Speaking of moss, keep us up to date on how your new moss from Josh is doing. Looks nice how you put it in. The sheet moss in my Red Eyes Viv has never grown but hasn't died off either. Probably not enough light?

I would think it probably has enough light to stay alive but not enough to spread. Also does moss need more moister to thrive and spread. You might not of obtained the optimal crowning conditions for fast growth.

My next viv will have moss as it's main theme. We shall see how it goes.