noob building a terrarium, looking for feedback

[stuffingz]

Ok, So i Am purchasing a bearded dragon this year and i have a 40 gallon breeder I'm setting up with Styrofoam that I will be grouting later. So far this is what it looks like. The big cube is a combo hide/digging pool with a wall for climbing. next there is the basking platform with a set of stairs to get to the top. underneath the stairs is another hide, this one is accessed from the right side of the stairs. Finally I have the background foam sized but not decorated. Does this look like a good setup to you guys?

 

[Canicke]

my first thought : WOW what a mess - sure glad I don't have to clean it !! I kinda wonder about a digging box that high - sand tends to be heavy AND I have reservations about putting sand in my vivs (vivarium) at all. the steps up to the platform and the platform itself look great. Make sure you get your heat gradients set up. great project - look forward to seeing it all done (and clean)

 

[stuffingz]

It is a huge mess... [emoji58][emoji52]

I will be putting wood pellets in the pit and the bottom will have desert repticarpet. I'm probably about 2/3's done with the foam work. I think I'm also going to go heavy on the grout and sealant, just for durability.

I'm hoping to have the project done in time for the Omaha Nebraska reptile convention on April 30th. I'll make sure to update as I work.


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[derbydragon77]

I think it looks great!! I'm not a professor in beardies but there are some beardies that don't even like digging, just depends on their personality. I have a large enclosure and want to try to build one of those but I'm terrified, so I comend you on your efforts.

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[stuffingz]

I think it looks great!! I'm not a professor in beardies but there are some beardies that don't even like digging, just depends on their personality. I have a large enclosure and want to try to build one of those but I'm terrified, so I comend you on your efforts.

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It's actually really easy so far. It is messy and time consuming though. I didn't know some beardies don't do digging, I can just take it out if it doesn't work out.


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[gordo86]

Nice looking formation. I would like to do something like this but unsure of type of coating to use to finish it the cost and where to get it. I went into a couple of hardware stores and asked if they would have anything and they just looked at me like i'm stupid and informed me they sell paint for houses lo

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[stuffingz]

Nice looking formation. I would like to do something like this but unsure of type of coating to use to finish it the cost and where to get it. I went into a couple of hardware stores and asked if they would have anything and they just looked at me like i'm stupid and informed me they sell paint for houses lo

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Just get some dry grout, add water and coloring and paint on. Once dry add a sealant


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[stuffingz]

I finally finished putting it together and got most of the grout work done today. It was really easy.

For the foam I just cut out rough shapes to fill in small gaps properly. I applied hot glue to hold all of the foam together and added a second support for the upper deck.

First is a picture with 1 coat. Notice all the white spots and rough edges.

This is a picture with 2 coats. Everything is filled in smooth

The second coat is where the shaping happens. I did a lot of dabbing to fill in small holes and circular motions to shape the dips and used small piles of grout to make some mounds. I dipped my brush in water and shook off the excess then finally did strokes in the same direction all around the piece for symmetry.

Once I do my final over tomorrow to detail out the last bit of structure and do some paint detailing research then Next I will be applying acrylic paints to give it depth and finally apply the clear coat. Stay tuned.

 

[stuffingz]

Ok, here's the final results of the day.

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[Bclifton]

Hey guys... so I just built my first Viv and I'm online looking at DIY and reptile basking platforms and I can find anything I think is worth the money. Then I see this... how does one go about doing this and making it safe for their lizard? I have a Uromastyx and a ton of foam that I keep for some reason. If you could help me that would be amazing.


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[Bclifton]

Oh and I forgot to tell you this look AWESOME! I never thought to do something like this.


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[stuffingz]

Next update, I bought some cheap matte acrylic paints and just did this. I will start on he other piece tomorrow.

I just went back and fourth between colors adding layers tool it looked more natural. I have no idea what I'm doing really.

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[stuffingz]

Ok I'm done I think. Maybe another coat of sealant. I need to solution the background too.

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[stuffingz]

Hey guys... so I just built my first Viv and I'm online looking at DIY and reptile basking platforms and I can find anything I think is worth the money. Then I see this... how does one go about doing this and making it safe for their lizard? I have a Uromastyx and a ton of foam that I keep for some reason. If you could help me that would be amazing.


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I used a polycrylic deck sealant as seen here. I got it at Walmart with the other deck stuff.

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[Bclifton]

I used a polycrylic deck sealant as seen here. I got it at Walmart with the other deck stuff.

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Luckily I got the right stuff. This so sweet.


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[Xoek]

What's the durability like on something like this. Would it be appropriate for an outdoor enclosure, exposed to the elements?

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[gordo86]

Looks lile it came up pretty nice. Have you finished the whole project yet or just the basking rock?

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[Hdrydr31]

It is a huge mess... [emoji58][emoji52]

I will be putting wood pellets in the pit and the bottom will have desert repticarpet. I'm probably about 2/3's done with the foam work. I think I'm also going to go heavy on the grout and sealant, just for durability.

I'm hoping to have the project done in time for the Omaha Nebraska reptile convention on April 30th. I'll make sure to update as I work.


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I just wanted to mention that I would avoid pellets that can be swallowed and that some types of woods are poisonous to beardies.