Fake rock wall, for a lizard cage, intermediate level

[SuperBallsack1111]

what is that buffer pad called

[BlueEyesWmn]

If someone uses modpodge can it be used in a fish aquarium or do I have to use a pond seal

[TheMusicalTurkey]

nice video very creative

[MrPokeMaster4545]

could you put it in a fish tank

[CRUNCHnCHOMP]

Could u show a DIY rock sort of like the one above but just lower for an ackie

[redsoxfan0034]

what exactly does the sealant do ?

[phanjonathanm]

Cool!

[wagner03mustang]

Thanks so much for the videos. I ended up making the mayan temple. Turned out perfect. I used non sanded grout and it worked great, but i did read that you could use portland cement which is much cheaper. Do you have any reason for not using cement? Thanks

[187moose]

thats bad ass how that turned out....... how many other structures have you built and is there footage of them like this one?? im doing a fish tank for an ongoing project that has taken me off and on for about a year now, your vids will help me out alot.... keep up the fine work and hope to see more!! peace

[rockstarko]

great! i'm planning to do one for my beardie... can please give us the time line during the project like day 1, day 2 etc.

[RuledByMars65]

FANTASTIC!!! Thanks for posting all your great vids!

Cheers from NJ!

[MrWrestlemania2011]

thats proper good!

[RoccosReptiles]

hey how to you get the thinned out sealer what do you do? also what is the name of the mod poge sealant?

[SidPower93]

realy nice vid mate

But i was tiered so i feld asleep while watching =P

But the vid was awsome

[lozman1231]

K thanks

[lozman1231]

Would that be ok for a adult beardie???

[AcArtGallery]

@lozman1231 you might want to make it bigger.

[jagr68100]

JACKWAGON



[jagr68100]

JACKWAGON

[derryman67]

would non toxic pva glue be ok as a sealant it would be watered down. and would ondinary grout be ok as i cant get non sanded grout, thanks, brilliant video!

[LizardLandscapes]

@derryman67 I've never used it, but I've heard of others using it with success. Sanded grout is fine to use, it's just not as easy to thin.

[coolpunk100]

i want to build a nice floor for my snake tanks with some nice cages and that would this work for them to wouldnt like rub off on them or anything right

[LizardLandscapes]

@coolpunk100 It should be fiine.

[jmrjhulk]

@LizardLandscapes can i stil put a toothpick n ther? wud it penetrate?

[LizardLandscapes]

@jmrjhulk I'm not sure what you mean by that. You can use toothpicks to hold it together, just make sure the ends of them are not exposed.

[jmrjhulk]

@LizardLandscapes im sorry wat i mean was, im goin 2 insert some toothpicks on the landscape so that it wil help make my figures stand..so i was asking, after i put on the grab, the painting etc can toothpicks stil pentrate thru it?:)

[LizardLandscapes]

@jmrjhulk they should, although it might be difficult.

[zrc00kie]

what kind of paint do you use?

[LizardLandscapes]

@zrc00kie acrylic.

[Vivapinatatipful]

what is that white liquid

[LizardLandscapes]

@Vivapinatatipful it's a watered down sealant called Mod Podge

[Vivapinatatipful]

what kind of gleu or whatever it is do you use

[LizardLandscapes]

@Vivapinatatipful i use Loctite's power grab

[Dongadooballstudios]

can you please tell me if it would be able to withstand misting? cause my crestie needs the misting. PLEASE REPLY!!!

[LizardLandscapes]

@Dongadooballstudios if you use nontoxic acrylic sealant, it will be water repellent.

[iguanaupdates]

whats the sealant for?

[LizardLandscapes]

@iguanaupdates it protects the lizard, as well as makes cleanup and much easier.

[reptiles4life100]

do you have any more videos cuz ive seen all of them?

[sexiilicous1]

=] sweet

[zcozmoz]

hi , just wondering , how much did it cost to

make , also sweet !!!!!

[sexiilicous1]

an it be used for a crested gecko ?

[LizardLandscapes]

@sexiilicous1 yes.

[XMeganMarvelousX]

is it not safe to do this in the house will i need to go outside or what PLZ reply

[AcArtGallery]

@XMeganMarvelousX it's safe to do these indoors, you just have to wear a dust mask.

[damashers]

your sealant,mog-podge where can I buy that,I bought some sealer from home depo thank I used for my background for my fish tank but I do not went to use it in my gecko tank im want to build....thanks.

[LizardLandscapes]

@damashers I got it at an arts and crafts store. Hobby Lobby

[damashers]

@damashers Thank you !!

[alexanderthexviii]

can you use poor mans technic for grout

[LizardLandscapes]

@alexanderthexviii No, grout is too thick to work it's way through a water bottle.

[purplepictures2009]

will this be ok for an alligator lizard?

[LizardLandscapes]

Any lizard that can climb.

[tjd1985]

This is completely safe? My bearded dragon is kinda dumb and likes chewing on everything, even the plastic plants I put in.

[LizardLandscapes]

My bearded Dragon doesn't chew his landscape at all, although he does lick it from time to time. Every lizard is different, so all you can do is try and monitor him to see if he starts chewing.

[tjd1985]

@LizardLandscapes If they chew it = not safe, if they lick it = safe? Just wanna make sure cause I really wanna build this. Any idea on how to make molds/reproduce it exactly so I can put it in for all my bearded dragon cages?

[LizardLandscapes]

@tjd1985 A bearded Dragon should not be able to penetrate this build if done properly. The most important step is to seal it with a non-toxic sealant. I'm trying to research a way of making molds so that this process is easier.

[tjd1985]

@LizardLandscapes The only way I could think of is probably using some expanding foam and filling a mold, then grouting/sealing that. I hope you find a way to make molds/reproduce these babies faster (or sell them at your site). Subbed.

[SuperLEO130]

can i use grit instead of grout

[LizardLandscapes]

I've not used grit, so I can't vouch for it, but it seems as if it would work.

[SuperLEO130]

@LizardLandscapes well paster of paris worcks fin i all ready did smoe

[rimzo127]

What size tank did you use for this?

[LizardLandscapes]

This went into a 40 gal long

[rimzo127]

Thanks, I'll just scale it down a little.

[berdeddragonboy]

thx im building 2 of thos for each corner then putting somthing in the middle for my new lepperd geckos im getting 2 in 1 and a half months cuz im not alould to get 1 yet si this will keep me acupide

[berdeddragonboy]

where do u get the foam

[LizardLandscapes]

Home Depot

[davejm1980]

awesome vid man. very informative and clear. the best diy viv video ive seen

[JAY4296]

i used the same sealer and the whole thing disolved :( 

why?

[davejm1980]

there are 2 types of 'no nails' one is solvent based the other is not. u want the no solvent based product

[rhinogek]

what kind of sealer was it?

[mackey087]

these are great backgrounds, thinking of trying out a similar design but its for a spur thighed tortise. thinking of a cave on cold side, raised basking area on other and maybe a walkway to top of cave. i have tortise in the same enclosure for 5 years, made it big when i got him. now i dont really have room for a bigger tank.

[isyourmamaallama]

Where do you get all your supplies from??

Isn't Styrofoam toxic when it gets hot? I want to put something like that pretty close to a heat lamp like 6 inches away. And is Styrofoam toxic to humans? I need a mask? Thanks sorry for all the questions defiantly subbing you.

[LizardLandscapes]

You can find a list of the supplies on my FAQ page on my website. The several layers of grout act as a shield against the Styrofoam. You'll want to sprinkle fine grain sand all over the basking spot as the last layer of sealant is drying, the heat even up to 120°F is surface temperature -so it's not as hot as you think -it will hold up just fine. The Styrofoam is toxic if you breathe in the dust.

[fineye5]

what stuff do u put on the styraphone

[LizardLandscapes]

Grout

[arabianlover97]

i made one of theese but it isn't grouted yet. it's so awsome! thank you soo much for providing this! i'll send a picture to your website and show you. (: alyssa & draco!

[MommyFate]

So if styrofoam is toxic when it is heated... is it safe to put one of these under a heatlight?

And how much could I buy these styrofoam sheets for?

[GeorgeA2k8]

Im making one of these and its taking ages because im using PVA glue :D... A tube of that no more nails kinda stuff in the UK is like £10 in my local shop ill just go out at the weekend and get some..

[jamesfuckinforeman]

You could quiet easily make 10 of these at a time, doing each stage as you go on each one - would probably take you all day - but buy the sounds of it - people are willing to buy... sell for $100-120 each a grand a day... schimples

[MrWhitefaces33]

how much will u sell me 1???

[LizardLandscapes]

Too much...

[kiwi3221]

I'd pay you to build me one of these!!!! If you are at all interested.

[LizardLandscapes]

I can only entertain offers I can't refuse, as these are just too time-consuming.

[flamegecko]

can i request something please? can you make a jungle theme background instructional, as you have not made one yet.

( i plan on making a custom tank, using an 20gal aquarium, with a mesh tower to simulate a canopy taking up the right of the tank. )thanks

[reptileboy450]

that will take so much room up in a tank

[GREE419]

depends on how big the tank is, are you talking about a 40 gallon breeder? because my costume cage holds almost a whole set up like his canyon set up

[bobizemo]

u should start selling these things

[LizardLandscapes]

No, the grout strengthens the structure -like cement.

[Hughjass505]

can you make a vid showing your bearded dragon's setup?, i bet it's incredible!!!

[LizardLandscapes]

My pet dragon lives in the complex fake rock wall structure that's featured on my YouTube channel.

[Hughjass505]

that's like beardie heaven then :), what's his/her name?

[LizardLandscapes]

Dexter. He's the same Dragon that stars in the short film "Big Dexter" -on the website.

[Hughjass505]

i wish my beardie could get that big lol!

[Hughjass505]

cool

[rcooper95]

have u ever thought about making a tropical one?

maybe a rock waterfall that circulates a creek with a aquarium gravel creekbed around the aquarium then goes back into the waterfall??? and maybee some palm trees sticking up everywhere??? let me know if u like this idea it would be really cool if u made one

[LizardLandscapes]

Good ideas, I'm still working on sealing fake rock for water.

[emofingerboards]

cane u use silicone caulking for glueing

[LizardLandscapes]

I don't know, I've never used it. It doesn't really matter what you use for the gluing of the Styrofoam stage, (you could use toothpicks) you're just trying to keep it together enough for the many layers of grout to be applied.

[emofingerboards]

good to now have you ever thought of making like a aztec stone head structure thing

[LizardLandscapes]

I hadn't thought of that.

[seanfeeleyrocks]

what kind of sealant do u use

[LizardLandscapes]

Non-toxic all surface sealant -I've used "Mod Podge" for dry environment lizards, and "Shields All" for high humidity environment lizards.

[Hughjass505]

can the material break off?, and how much time do you have to wait between each mod podge coat?

[LizardLandscapes]

It can't if you put at least three layers on (depending on what type of pet lizard you have). I wait about 24 hours.

[Hughjass505]

my mod podge drys in about 15-20 min when i used it for something else, i guess all podges are different

[LizardLandscapes]

The only proven way is to use aquarium grade silicone sealant. With other ways there might be a possibility of chemicals slowly leeching into the water. But I am trying to research this.

[LizardLandscapes]

No, these are for dry environment lizards.

[royaltywears]

nice man ^^ im getting the supplies saterday and yea but im not sure what to make the color of and yea i needa make a list of stuff i need so what cant be found at home depo? i got liquid glue and stuff

[LizardLandscapes]

I got the paint and Mod Podge at an arts and crafts store like Hobby lobby. The non-toxic fine grain sand I got off the Internet. The water bottles I got at a dollar store.

[royaltywears]

egh im getting suplies tomrow and tell me does this stuff conduct heat? like make it hot on the bottom to heat the lizards belly?

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, because of the grout and fine grain sand sprinkled on top it's a good conductor of heat. I've never had a problem acquiring the proper temperatures.

[royaltywears]

woo so if i make him ike a basking spot can that work?

[LizardLandscapes]

yes

[pb4ugo08]

Ive had tons of problems getting my colors right, they always tend to come out way to red. How did you get the clay looking red color. I felt like ive tried everything, thanks. Love your vids btw.

[LizardLandscapes]

As I recall, I mixed in some terra-cotta color and some very bright orange -almost florescent.

[pb4ugo08]

Thanks Ill try another mixture with more orange tomorrow. I am gonna post a video reply of all my pieces ive made over the past 2 weeks. I give you credit in them.

[beardielover369]

where u get the styrofoam?

[LizardLandscapes]

Usually you can find it at the hardware store.

[xxArcticWolf13Xx]

if im ahvin a hard time makin this could i buy one of these from you? lol

[alonsormz]

what kind of sealant do you use?

does white glue mixed with water works the same?

[LizardLandscapes]

With this project I'm Using Mod Podge. Because it's a little watered down, you want to put on four to five coats.

[BaRbUl3Scu]

hello ...

can I use this for my Corn Snake ?

can u send me a private mesage please :) thx

[TravI200]

Do you only put in one layer of paint???

[LizardLandscapes]

You can.

[worldindustrysk8er99]

wow i need that do u have any lizards or geckos??

[LizardLandscapes]

Right now I have a bearded dragon.

[gregkennon]

this is a very googd video i have a uromastyx and i made one in a day

[TravI200]

So since it's made out of Styrofoam, would the Dragon be able to cut at it, or would the grout make it so it wouldn't be able to do so?

[LizardLandscapes]

Thick grout for the last layer, and then fine grain sand, then at least 4 layers of sealant.

My dragon scratches a lot and has never broken the seal.

[TravI200]

Does it retain heat good?

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, as long as you cover it(the basking spot)

with thick grout.

[frostyinrehab11]

mine is bigger im putting the roof on tomorow

!!!!

[SLE335]

Excellent video. Very helpful and detailed. I hope to give it a try one of these days. Thanks for posting!

[leosforlife]

my bro just made one like this today were putting the grout on 2mw i think

[MrSandyPants]

Hi, Great Video...I have made a small hide for my 1 month old Bearded Dragon using your method... obviously it not even half as good as yours so i was wondering...could you psooibally make a fake rock wall pretty much exactly like this one, i will pay for it and give you the dimensions of the tank...Thanks and i hope you reply soon!

[LizardLandscapes]

Unfortunately I can't sell them, and don't know if I will ever sell them because they take too much time.

This project took roughly 15 to 20 hours to complete, and that would get quite expensive in addition to how much the supplies cost. If I can find a way of mass producing them I would consider selling them.

[MrSandyPants]

Ok i can understand that...Np m8 ^^

[suirllinddracus]

yes, i understand that now... lol im still working on that fountain... Hey you think plaster would be stronger?

[NateLazda]

how many coats of grout do you put on?

[LizardLandscapes]

A minimum amount of coats should be three.

[reggie15norman]

non toxic paints?? sorry if u mention tht in the video

but i got no sound

[LizardLandscapes]

I just use acrylic paint, the non-toxic sealant is what's really protecting your pet.

[adhdsk9]

this is amazing u helped me alot. rite now im in the proccess of making a turtle tank and im gonna use ur idea with the stirafoam an the poor mans spray bottle (lol). ill try to get a vid on it and send it to u thanks a bunch.

[LizardLandscapes]

Send me a picture when you're done, and I'll put it on my website.

[tambor74]

and excelent worck men thanks.-

[12kooko12]

amazing truely amazing

[FranksGeckoVideos]

This is Awesome, I cant wait to make one for my geckos

[cartman1423]

can the acrylc paint be bad for themif they lick it?

[Studman2011]

does it have to be like a desert red? or can it be like a tropical color like black to make it look like a tropical rock? cuase i have a chinese water dragon.

[LizardLandscapes]

It could be any color, you can mix in a different color acrylic paint

into the grout. I'm working on one right now that is a dark gray

with green highlights to represent moss.

[Studman2011]

ok cool thanks you going to put it up on youtube?

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, it's as different as it gets, compared to my other fake rock projects.

It should be up in the next two to three weeks.

[Studman2011]

ok cool

[civicgrl88]

amazing video! ive been looking at different ways to make this sort of stuff and this helped sooo much!

[stepover23]

Awesome work man! I'm going to be building one of these in the future. Looks simple enough. I was thinking about doing a similar cave but adding a waterfall coming down the mouth of it. Will a strong coat of sealant hold up to constant running water?

[LizardLandscapes]

The sealant I use is really just meant for dry desert themes.

When water is on it 24/7 it seems to get a cloudy look.

You might want to look into a pond sealer, that stuff

is supposed to be good but expensive, and a bit of a pain

to apply. The only other thing is -clear acrylic sealant,

both of these methods I have yet to try.

[runtone]

does it have to be that red colour? I think i'd prefer a light sandy sort of colour(not that yours doesn't look brilliant!)

[AngryFrogs]

Do the layers of coating ever wear off? What is the longest amount of time you have used one of these structures in a low humidity and/or high humidity tank? I bet the bearded dragon tanks can handle them, but I was wondering if I high humidity tank (such as that for a Chinese Water Dragon) could handle it. I would love to adopt this technique for something like a waterfall or simply ledges in a tall-standing water dragon tank.

[LizardLandscapes]

I was actually thinking about making one for a water Dragon.

If the water is going to be constantly in contact with the fake rock,

then what you want to use is Pond sealer. People use this

for outside ponds for fish. Very strong stuff, you might need to

re -seal it every year or two. Expensive stuff though.

Research this -Google it. Good luck.

[AngryFrogs]

Great! Thanks! I never would have thought of that! I would definitely love if you made and posted your water dragon structure on here, too!

[CPoston26]

also what are the hight measurements for first level?

[LizardLandscapes]

Not exactly sure what you mean. The measurements of your

fake rock structure need to be geared towards the size of

your pet lizard, and the size of your tank. The other thing

to take into consideration is the distance away from

the basking light.

[CPoston26]

hey me again lol i went to wal-mart and i got some polystyrene that is way thicker than the stuff u use only stuff they had i got sealent and liquid nails i just could'nt find grout i went to wally world and tractor supply couldnt find it if u know where i could find it please tells me ty

[LizardLandscapes]

I got my grout at home depot. I would call around

to different hardware stores, if no luck, search for it

on the Internet -shipping would probably be

rather expensive though.

[CPoston26]

thanks for the help,

i finished the glueing of styrofoam and building but i had to add two extrasupport beams so it would stay up for the glue to dry . all i have to do is the grout,sealent,and paint when i finish i will try to send a pic so u can see it. not as awsoem as your but it will do =)

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes -please do send me a pic. of the finished piece.

I'd like to see what everybody's creating.

[CPoston26]

with this material and stuff hurt my uromastyx or iguana?

[LizardLandscapes]

No, the three to four layers of grout, plus the four to five layers of nontoxic sealant

should be enough protection. For an iguana you want to make sure you build up

the grout very thick, and put a couple extra layers of nontoxic sealant.

Iguanas are a good deal stronger than bearded dragons or a uromastyx,

so more care needs to be taken to make sure the fake rock is very strong.

[CPoston26]

thanks i have another question. my mom and dad said the fake rock will burn if i put it in my uromastyx cage becuase the basking spot gets 110-120. so will it burn? p.s. thanks for giving everyone this info to make fake rocks becuase at the pet store they're like 20$

[LizardLandscapes]

You want to make sure you put several layers of grout, the last couple of layers being rather thick.

You also want to make sure you put it at least five layers of sealant-non-toxic. Another thing

I do is sprinkle a good layer or two of fine-grain sand before the last layer of non-toxic sealant dries.

You can build up layer after layer of this until the basking spot is extremely strong and tough.

[CPoston26]

thank you. So it wont catch on fire or burn? where can i buy the non-toxic sealent?

[LizardLandscapes]

I use mod podge all surface, water-based nontoxic sealant.

You can usually find this at an arts and crafts store.

[dirtbiker111195]

sick dude that rocks

[shuggy67]

hey dude you are so talented at that stuff im getting a 4 ft long tank 1 ft width and 19 " high so im going to try to make one for it

[shuggy67]

awseome man

[shuggy67]

awsome