Robc's 3-D Backdrop Tutorial

[XmissfenixX]

Wow that's brilliant! I would never have though that it would be that easy to make a backdrop! Quick question though, Does the substrate slowly wear off the backdrop (resulting in you having to replace it) or do they last? Thanks

[frankenstein04]

very cool

[nhantrungha]

That s the bag i bought for my t's since they didnt have smaller sizes

[thebarcode80]

EXACTLY THE VID I BEEN LOOKING FOR!!! thanks rob!

[ReptileFREAK22]

what type of board are you using?!

[DrummerRobby300]

@ReptileFREAK22 i think it's just that insulation styrofoam from the hardware stores. but i'm new to the whole hobby in general, but i am gonna experiment and try doing one of my own. and i can't find the items needed too. the stryofoam mostly. none of my hardware stores carry any.

[slapshot1209]

Can i use this with poison dart frogs that would get misted about 2-3 times a day? Also very cool technique.

[clipartmaster]

6 Year Old: you scare me by your smile!!!

[skinkuser]

thats kool ummh can you use glue or hot glue?? i need to know

[throughthetrees11]

Hahah... That's a good number!!

[boogybonz]

Thanks so much! This really helped, it's amazing how simple it is! :)

[craigmahoneyy]

Great video, was thinking of doing this for my Leopard Gecko, but using sand instead , will this work?

[NaturesJewels]

I love your videos so much. Thank you for all your great ideas!

[CrazyHippie166]

Eco earth is amazing! haha i work at petsmart and it was onsale plus with my discount i got bags of it for 3.50 each!!

[elecoj27]

wow impressive thanks ROBC probably gonna do this for my ornata.

[TheGreatBritishAlex]

4:20 is a very good number indeed my friend

[Kazahmish]

@TheGreatBritishAlex Yeah, I love that number as well.. growing up I couldn't figure out why ppl chuckled when I mentioned I was born at 4:20 pm... once I got older I saw the connection.. lol

[legohenrydao]

so.... is the pink thing is like the stuff that comes with the cage they always make it secured or did u just found it or what ever

[madchester1001]

is there any other way other than using caulk ?

[FrameFitz]

Hello!

I've become a huge fan of your videos recently. I aquired a rose hair late 2009 and am starting to get more into the hobby and these videos are really helpful. One thing I might recommend, however, is wearing a dust mask while cutting that foam. Breathing in particulate matter repeatedly is terrible for your health and can lead to lung cancer. Be careful, man. Cheers.

[kwozemodo]

you sound a lot like jack black, nice tutorial by the way

[Chillterra]

how long do you leave it to dry after putting the substrate on it?

[reptiloso1]

I'm thinking of doing this exact same thing but with sand...i'm thinking i could even make a cool single floor tile just like that and just use a different and darker sand color for terrarium background, for my leopard gecko and such.

[EricTzeo3]

how did you get that pink foam like substance?

[tarantulaguy1976]

@DavidtheaanimalMan I just use general hot glue...it hold it in place great and if you need to take the backdrop out it will let you.

[DavidtheAnimalMan]

this might be a silly question but whats the best glue to use to paste the backdrop to the terrarium. just want my terrariums to be perfect. thanks

[tarantulaguy1976]

@klokicar nope it is completely dry.

[klokicar]

Is this substrat wet?

[UnknownStoner420]

lol what was the 4:20 comment lol missed it?!

[ThePokemonJD]

thanks for the tip it works realy well i used wood gleu anyway but thanks for the vid works fine =D

[ExCeL356]

Nice work

[TheKillerking123]

Very very cool ima try this

[connjamm19]

420!

[monkythe3]

hey love your vids! they give me a lot of ideas of what i can do but, but i say wear the safety glasses even in your tutorials its better to look a little weird than to not be able to see at all, keep up all the inspirational videos!

[damashers]

Thank Rob,I was going to use this to build a background for a fish tank,using caulk and sand,but i dont see the video on what caulk to use,do you have a brand name by chance?

thanks..Steve

[tarantulaguy1976]

@damashers See video: (Don't use GEII caulk for backdrops)

[ihagtafuith]

Excellent tutorial Rob, I'm getting about 10 pokies next week. They are slings now but soon enough I will have to make some backdrops too. Something I noticed towards the end of the video when you said you can mist the backdrop, that eco-earth will hold moister so this is really good for humidity, not sure if you new that :), again fantastic tutorial.

[tarantulaguy1976]

@ihagtafuith Thank you, yep it does help with humidity. Also be sure not to use GEII caul, they changed the formula.

[ihagtafuith]

@tarantulaguy1976 Which caul should I use?

[tarantulaguy1976]

@ihagtafuith: Go to the video "Do not use GEII caulk for backdrops"....it has all the info in there.

[reiiruk]

Rob. I have watched most of your videos. You are great! You handle your tarantulas very well and treat them with all the care you can give them. Also you are full with life. =P. KEEP IT UP

[POLIDAMIAN]

WOW

great guide for backdrops O.O but won't the substrate fall off the backdrop when you sprinkle water into the tank (and also on the backdrop) to keep the humidity?

[tarantulaguy1976]

@POLIDAMIAN The substarte and caulk become one!! You c an spray them with high pressure and nothing...I have some that are a couple of years old and sprayed daily.

[POLIDAMIAN]

@tarantulaguy1976 That's great, now i'm definitely going to try this and also bark backdrop. Your vids are very helpfull, thanks.

[trommelumsen]

HI ROB!!!=o)

Thanks for the great tips on making a awesome-looking backdrop!!=o)

I just made a backdrop to my Nhandu Chromatus following your instructions, and it looks great!!

But i forgot to wear gloves, but quickly foud out that i HAD TO WEAR THEM!*Hahahahaha* =o) I now going to make a new backdrop 4 my Brachypelma Smithi.=o) THANKS ROB!!=O)

[villano111]

great videos

[MrSpidey85]

rob,

can you please post some videos about the dangers of handling maculatas and pokies. some people here think its ok to do. i was mentioning bites and how they gain unwanted attention to the trade...

thanks

[tarantulaguy1976]

@MrSpidey85 No need to post this on all of my vids, it is not un wanted attention it is about showing what can happen, people need to see what happens when potenyialy bit by a hot Sp.

[MrSpidey85]

@tarantulaguy1976 i totally understand what you are saying. ive just seen vids here on youtube of ppl handling these hot species like theyre handling an avic. ive been in the trade for quite some time now and i dont want the general public to handle these species and not knowing what can and will happen. too many friends have been bitten by t's and venomous snakes. the attention that they get sometimes gets to the papers. and you know where it goes from there..

[tarantulaguy1976]

@zetaetaz Thaat is what I use.

[MrSpidey85]

@tarantulaguy1976

btw rob, i love the videos on the backdrops and packing. keep posting!!

[zetaetaz]

can i use the glue stick used in a glue gun to glue it into the enclosure?

[Hadsatriani]

Genius!!!

[boehmeiboy]

Rob is $241.48 in total including shipping and tax a good price for a 1.5 p metallica

[tarantulaguy1976]

@boehmeiboy That isn't bad, maybe a bit high....if it is a sexed female it is a bargain.

[ILOVETARANTULA]

Hey Rob... Can I use others glue instead of caulk glue???

[tarantulaguy1976]

@ILOVETARANTULA I wouldn't for this!!!

[heather21206]

thats so cool i never thought of dont that i also love your tanks i want to try to make one

[AdamC316]

LOL ur face Rob when u get the silicone on the carpet n look up. "damn, my wifes gona kill me" xD

[austinrouse12]

what type of glue did u use to install into tank

[tarantulaguy1976]

@austinrouse12 General hot glue works great!

[bluefangpoisen]

@tarantulaguy1976

i loved it and so did my t. Blondie's aloha,and bongo aloha is a female blondie and is 12" long and bongo is the biest he is 15" long haha the loved the back drop the climbed on it all day you inspire me ^_^

[vinny4689]

Just made 2 of these! and I didn't mess up lol! thank you for that tutorial it was really helpful!

And just to know, why are the exo terras backdrops are bad? lol you never explained it in the video! xD

Thanks a lot!

Vince

[arthurobregon08]

if there is still a smell of the silicone is ok to put a snake in the tank?

[da0867]

I'm probably going to go for round 2 with it here in a few days.

[da0867]

I just did this for the first time tonight. There were a few tiny bald spots where you could see the styrofoam. I don't know if it was cause I used slightly moist eco earth or what but man it was bugging the crap out of me. I think I'll probably go and try to touch it up tomorrow.

[Bamargeraa]

Wow! You use aquariums instead of terrariums! You should make tutorial how to make the front opening glass ;)

[tarantulaguy1976]

I do, go see plexiglass lid tutorial....I use vents instead now though!

[Bamargeraa]

Cool! I tried to find it, but you have a lot of videos and I couldn't find it. Thanks for quick answer, mate!

[Raptiosaur]

I just created a tank (somewhat) based on your tutorials! I think it turned out nice! Take a look. This cage was built for my P. rufilata>>> s976 [dot] photobucket [dot] com/albums/ae249/PieLauncher/?­action=view&current=20100412_I­MG_0128 [dot] jpg

o btw the one in the cage is my first one! I DIDNT DESTROY IT =D

[tarantulaguy1976]

@Raptiosaur  That is awesome!!

[bluefangpoisen]

@Raptiosaur

haha good job my male and female T. Blondies aloha,and bongo love mine the climbed on it all day aloha is my female blondie who is 12" long and bongo is my biggest one he is 15" ^_^

[tloc3385]

Awesome vid jus made one for my pinktoes cage really makes it look more natural thanx again man

[MaskedWisdom]

Lol

April 20th

[TheBrianhardy]

you dont have soil in a fish tank even glued its bad for it

[gr4ndhustle]

@TheBrianhardy

im guessing you misunderstood this for something else

"it will be waterproof, you can spray these with water when your misting your tank, it wont hurt"

he's not talking about using it in a fishtank :)

[TheBrianhardy]

sorry

[TheBrianhardy]

is not good for fish because paint and silicone ( non fishtank grade) leak poisions into water and kills fish

[jippedo]

i commend you on the amount of effort you put into each tank.....your videos are dope!....your habitats are really nice.......i could never handle having a pet spider of those sizes......but your channel gets me as close as i can without wetting myself.....thanks rob!....please don't stop em

[tarantulaguy1976]

Thank you!!

Vids will never stop!! LOL

[jjbirdo]

Great idea rob, another good thing to do is use expandable foam to create artificial tree branches with arboreal hides, leave it to cure then use the silicone and Eco earth to make it look more natural. I do this for my T's and they look awesome plus expandable foam is a type of insulation so it's warm. Give it a worl see what you think!!

[tarantulaguy1976]

I have used it, but expandable foam does not last nearly as long. The substrate starts falling off, but it looks cool

[gr4ndhustle]

your an artist and a genius.

[wilomh]

wow nice, what else u can use to shape the foam besides a wire brush? like just carve it with a cutter or smthin

[tarantulaguy1976]

You can use a torch, or just about anything!!!

[wilomh]

sweet

[Evil0o0]

im telling no joke but u must be n expert on spiders

[tkilgour]

Great Video Rob!!!!!! How many times have you had to replace your carpet? Your wife seems to have a lot of patience with you. Mine would kill me if I did this inside and got caulk and foam all over, lol.

[tarantulaguy1976]

My wife is just awesome, I thank god everyday for joining our paths!!

[kupaltusin123]

hi big fella, what kind of plant you put in arboreal enclo? thanks

[tarantulaguy1976]

I use Potho's!!

[silentpounce]

would you recomend pothos in a juvy g.pulchra cage?

[ReclusiveBeing]

I have no access to a caulk gun, and I know I probably won't get that luxury, so do you have any replacement recommendations? :D

[snakeguy0942]

I loved this video, I have used similar techniques for my eyelash viper tank and my iguana tank but this looks so much easier. I am gonna give this a try soon for my rosehair tarantula. thanks for the info.

[ultum4tegunz]

Were I live.... 5 gallon tanks & 10 cost same price. 2 1/2 cost same as 5.

[Naggzu]

is it the same type of silicone as used to seal tigth a fish tank?

[tarantulaguy1976]

It is window & door caulk!!

[snakeguy0942]

it is similar except the fish tank silicone is clear. I use GE clear silicone I.

[iluvpie1223]

Do you own any turtles ? that looks like how people make turtle docks.

[tarantulaguy1976]

That is interesting, but I don't have any Turetles LOL....but I think they are cool!!

[Zombiefae]

You are awesome! I was fixin' to cover the back of this nice nice plexi bowfront with black silicone and great stuff expanding foam, before I saw this, Phew, nice removable alternative. I still like covering the back of tanks with black silicone though, from the outside it looks really neat and smooth and no foam shows through. ;) Your vids are very entertaining, thanks for the wonderful advice!

[1979Rambo1979]

great  thx Rob

[cjcarlosnumber1]

excellent job rob.You made it look so easy.

[Ailurus27]

that is great, i asked on another vid about how you made the backgrounds so you don't need to reply now lol. how do you cut the styrofoam to size? just with a saw? or what? thanks

[tarantulaguy1976]

I just use a sharp knife...cuts right through it.

[Ailurus27]

thanks for the reply, and the help. defintely going to do this at some point. thanks again.

[neufy123456]

go to any kind of hardware store and ask for an "Olfa Knife", cuts through styrofoam like hot butter and its great for cutting all sorts of stuff

[arvinkingballer]

so rob will 2" of styrofoam work?tnx

[tarantulaguy1976]

Thats what I use!!

[widowma]

thanks for the tutorial. now im off too try to make one my self

[Minitrkr21]

Very kool vid.....I like how ur very descriptive on ur vids....very kool......

[n2488]

I use p.v.a not silicon

[detectiveleroy]

Would 1 1/4" styrofoam work??

[tarantulaguy1976]

It will but it will not have as much detail!

[detectiveleroy]

Alright thanks! my dad has a giant sheet of that stuff in the garage, but no foam insulation!

[silentpounce]

im gonna make mine soon

[OffYouMustFuck]

what i figured out, if you mix the earth with sand, it looks even cooler.

[tarantulaguy1976]

That may work, never have tried that!

[silentpounce]

this is gonna be awsome for my mexican red knee back drop! it will really show the cololurs on it

[rednecklivin08]

thats awesome i have been wondering how to do those thanks

[chrisgraham1039]

dude, top tutoreal, Im watching all your how too vids, im liking what i see, wish I could show you my cork bark pokie climb/waterdish i made yesterday, you'd appreciate it :)

[cookism]

This really is simple and fun to make. I also suggest getting "goo Gone", if your gloves break like mine did or if you spill the silicone anywere the goo gone will remove it with ease. put mine in my A. Avicularia tank for 2 days now and she hasent came off it you :) plus just the look of them makes me want to make 4 more for her friends. Very helpfull Robc thanks !

[tarantula0006]

awesome backdrop u made there rob !!

[Yoshi4d]

Impressive Rob! I have a video on my vivarium background for my frogs and toads. I use Gaps in cracks, Black silicone and coconut fiber and works perfectly.

[ClosedBook88]

So the only foam that can be used are R10 and R12? I can't seem to find those numbers for some reason. I see a lot of R11, R13, and R19.

[tarantulaguy1976]

Those should work just fine...actually any 2" high impact foam will work - just stay away from the foam that's the pressed balls...that'll just fall apart on you.

[silentpounce]

nooby question. do mexican red knees climb on the backdrop? do they even climb?

[Siminczak]

Could U make a list of needed items in informations?? :P Cuz I can't understand what U say.

Greeting from Poland :)

[tarantulaguy1976]

You'll need the following:

- 2" R10 or R12 insullation foam

- 1 drill

- 1 wire brush attachment for drill

- 100% silicone - brown (made by GE)

- dry substrate/eco earth

- rubber gloves

That's it! Hope this helps.

[Siminczak]

Thanks a lot!

[bampoper7]

hey rob my avic. metallicas are puting web on the ground do u think they might molt

[tarantulaguy1976]

They usualy do it in a tube web! But he could be.

Rob

[bampoper7]

well its kinda shaped like a tube but with no top

[08209sucks]

skim just the angle?

[tarantulaguy1976]

Basicaly bevel the edge so it is not square!

[08209sucks]

i c, thank u wen i get some money again im doin this.

[irranus]

Thx for this tutorial. In nearest future i will use Your advices!(sorry for my english ;) ) Greetings from poland!

[lordabomity]

Awesome video!!! I have to do this, later =D

[bampoper7]

what could a use for climbing for a a. metalica setup in a kritter keeper because thats what i have them in

[tarantulaguy1976]

Use some type of branch.

[Linkacious1]

Thats the bomb!

[Ville2Ville]

That was the shit!! Voted 5 on every video ive seen today! Sorry for comenting so much i was shown your youtube page from a noninverts forum that had a invert thread, good shit! Do you know OHCrikey and Dr. G? They seem like a+ sellers!

[tarantulaguy1976]

Thanks!! Don't worry about commenting too much - that's what the videos are on here for. If you don't mind me asking, what forum was that thread on? Just curious.... And no, I've never heard of either of those guys...sorry.

[lolskilolski]

looks like poo :D hehe

[n2488]

i guess it holds humidity

[Pimporly]

Where do you purchase the foam??

[tarantulaguy1976]

Hope depot or Lowes.

[Pimporly]

oh really? Does it come in a large rectangle or somethin??? I wanted to ask what is that disk shaped bit that you attached to the drill? Where could a buy one? What is the exact name of that paste that you use to put on the foam?

I will apreciate if you answer these questions!

thanks,

[tarantulaguy1976]

It comes in 4' X 8' sheets.

The disk is just a wire disk.

The glue is actualy brown 100% silicone brown caulk.

rob

[BroadcastTheraphosa]

thanks for this rob, all your advice help me give my t the best of everything..thanks

[reptilyenmaster]

Thanks! I made this for my crested gecko. IT turned out GREAT! THank you do much! I made it for less than $20.

[antiwarcampaigner]

That was fantastic!  really good tips Rob, Thanks.

[galluspark]

the best backdrop tutorial, i ever seen.

[piman1979]

Very cool. Thanks I will try it

[19maurice93]

5* great vid

[h0med0gg]

Thanks for sharing.Great videos. I made some backdrops myself.

Greetings from Romania.

Alex

[Nilssons]

more tutorials pls :D

[XGCPR3D4T0R]

do yo put your terrestrials in that aswell or do you keep it oriented normally?

[tarantulaguy1976]

I use these backdrops in both vertical enclosures as well as horizontal enclosures...

[XGCPR3D4T0R]

I'm sorry rob this is Hilikus311 from the forums, what i ment to say was how is your actual tank oriented for your terrestrials; is it lhow you have it in this vid or is it w/ the open top facing up.. . .sorry im a bit off topic

[tarantulaguy1976]

Okay, I get you now...yes, they are orientated with the open top facing up...I have sliding lids on most of my terrestrial cages and anything else won't work with the shelving they are on.

[bleedburple]

i just finish building my backdrop

i used snad, and it came out beautiful

thank you man

if not for this vid

i would have spent 70 dollars.

[tarantulaguy1976]

Awesome! I'm glad it worked for you! And you're right about the cost of buying one...those things are expensive and they don't last.

[reptilyenmaster]

Awesome! I want to do this for all my tanks. How much did tis all cost?

[neyzenilkay]

Wow!

Thats awesome! Nice job!

Looking good and looks simple too :)

Thanks for this tutorial!

[Buphalaphus]

Awesome thanks so much for doing this one, I have wondered exactly how you do yours for awhile. There are also foam cutters that are just basically a heated wire on a handle that cuts through styrofoam like butter, makes for very smooth surfaces. They are used mainly by Warhammer enthusiasts (nerds like me who battle figures of orks and shit on tables made into miniature landscapes with styrofoam hills). I guess you could also use a dremel tool with a similar bit.

[musuroialex]

very  nice video

thanks

[sidewaysonhighways]

I actually tried mine using elmers glue. I can't say that I put enough on, so I may have to do it over. Anyway, I chose elmers cause it is cheaper and reputably non toxic. I don't know about caulk too well, but elmers has a rep to peel righ off when it dries, so that is what I did. Too I used a rubber head mallet to texturize my foam. Nothin wrong with a wire brush. Im just trying to use what I have around the house. I tend to spend money on stuff I don't necessarly have to sometimes.

[kornball83]

Yay i was so gonna ask how you do thoes , awesome vid thanks.

[talesfromthecrapper]

this may sound dum but where do you get the foam for the backdrops i need one to cover the back of a 60 gal.

[tarantulaguy1976]

Lowes or Home-depot....in the insulation isle