Fake rock structure, for a lizard cage, beginner level

[TheM0J0RISING]

Would something like 511 spray-on grout sealer from home depot work. Sorry it wouldn't let me post a link to make it easier. Also you said you add water to the paint. About how much water do you use?

[LizardLandscapes]

@TheM0J0RISING Does the sealer say non-toxic when dry? Do you mean add water to the grout? I never measure, it (the grout) should have the consistency of pancake batter.

[raptorboyz960]

can you please list all of the stuff you put on it, all the paint and other stuff please. thanks

[LizardLandscapes]

@raptorboyz960 check the FAQ page on my site.

[RhysonXbox]

what poly do you use? mine just crumbles everywhere....!

[LizardLandscapes]

@RhysonXbox EPS foam. Mine crumbles too until I started using a hot wire from the Hot Wire Foam Factory.

[RhysonXbox]

@LizardLandscapes and how much does it cost to build just 1 structure? please tell me :)

[LizardLandscapes]

@RhysonXbox Depends on the size of course. For this -it was around $15 to $30 depending on where you buy.

[RhysonXbox]

@RhysonXbox final question, can I buy these from you?

[shotgun123456789ful]

is this 100 percent safe for a gecko...but if it is u are like god when it comes to making theese

[LizardLandscapes]

@shotgun123456789ful It's safe because of the last stage of adding a non-toxic sealent (4 layers)

[Gingeranio]

hi, first i must say that your works are great!

But I was wondering if these objects are used for an aquarium, because I do not know if the products you use to create them are toxic to animals, so can I know what are these products?

[LizardLandscapes]

@Gingeranio i don't use them for under water, but you could if you cover it with aquarium silicone. check out my waterfall videos.

[Gingeranio]

@LizardLandscapes Ok, thank you for answer.

Now i'm looking for materials. The expanding foam that you used is polyurethane foam right?

[AndyMahnFL411]

Thanks to the techniques demonstrated in this series of videos, I was inspired to create the background rock structure within my uromastyx habitat. This technique works!

[directearnings]

Whats funny is I did not anticipate how hard it was to grout the rough edges of the Styrofoam haha. unless you absolutley cake it on it doesnt get into the little nooks and crannies of the bubble like edges. even two coats was tough to put on. but I got some nice sand textures desert colored paint to use. looks nice and textured. thanks for your video though. helped me a lot

[AndyMahnFL411]

@directearnings - When I had a go at the techniques demonstrated, this was a very time-consuming part of my project. I wanted several layers of grout coating and the crevices were hard to get to. I rotated the entire project and used gravity to allow the grout to seep into the deeper crannies. Thinner consistency grout also helped. I also used paintbrushes of different sizes to apply the grout coatings.

[directearnings]

I seen on ehow that they say to use a matte finish outdoor paint to paint outdoor fake garden rocks. "One should be dark gray and one light gray. A third color of an in-between gray or brown may be used as well." is what they said. could I use this instead of acrylic paint IF I seal it with many coats of mod podge to seal it well?The rock in their picture looks REALLY real. just thought I would get your ideas on this. Im doing a large area for my new viv. took 4 days to do the styrofoam alone!

[LizardLandscapes]

@directearnings you could.

[directearnings]

last question.. what 'burnt orange' colour did you use? remember the exact name of it? thanks

[LizardLandscapes]

@directearnings Red oxide, i think.

[directearnings]

Can crickets climb the modge podge stuff if its flat and not sanded??

[LizardLandscapes]

@directearnings if it's straight up they might not be able to.

[Veteran94s]

@LizardLandscapes what can i use instead of polystyrene to make something harder? my lizard has chasp nails and he likes to scratch stuff, i just dont want mess in a week

[LizardLandscapes]

@Veteran94s It's the grout that makes it tough. I would just add more layers of grout.

[Veteran94s]

@LizardLandscapes thanks!

[KristinaTsai]

Do you have any tips on using cement?

[KristinaTsai]

What is your rough estimate of how much it would cost to make this? Also do you have any tips on easy cleanup once your done.

[LizardLandscapes]

@KristinaTsai it cost around 20 to 40 dollars. For easy cleanup I put down trash bags before I start on the worktable. Once I'm done I fold up the trash bags and throw them away.

[lukehurcum94]

what could i use instead of the nails stuff??

[LizardLandscapes]

@lukehurcum94 Loctite's power grab

[lolcatz988]

where do u get the foam from ???

[UKCallum1]

I've built a false rock for leopard geckos. It's about 1cm thick with grout and sand on. As geckos need a heat mat. Will the heat penetrate the rock and go into the hide

[LizardLandscapes]

@UKCallum1 there will be some residual heat -yes.

[LizardLandscapes]

@Necroamnthys mine hasn't.

[LizardLandscapes]

@vietreptiles you should yes.

[lilg429]

how solid is it. i know that styrofoam is brittle does the grout add support and rigidity? and what kind of groat maybe a brand name or keywords im looking for? excellent video btw. very very nice thumbs up

[MrLuisitoo123]

how much is grout and where can i find it

?

[LizardLandscapes]

@MrLuisitoo123 I buy it for around 5 to 10 dollars, and I get mine at Home Depot.

[LizardGenuis47]

hey man great vid! i am new to youtube i could really use your subsciption. i have a few lizards and i love making this for them but am no where near as good as you!

[sammmm32]

How long does this take to make?

[LizardLandscapes]

@sammmm32 off and on a few days.

[GGss6]

uhh....grout?

[xrateduser]

Thank you so much this video rocks! Your very talented! Finally a good how to video on youtube.. Take notes fellow youtubers.

[strangerdangers]

hey i dont understand the whole grouting part can u ezplain that to me plz?

[drewby15FromPS3]

So the structure won't melt under the heat lamp??

[dineesmiles]

Can this be washed? My beardie tends to do his potty business right on his current log.

[dineesmiles]

Can this be washed? My beardie tends to do his potty business right on his current log.

[LizardLandscapes]

@dineesmiles yes, I use a mixture of white vinegar and water -and sometimes a toothbrush if it's been sitting around for awhile.

[RoccosReptiles]

what brand of non sanded grout do you buy and were do you get it from?

[christianTubeVids]

@RoccosReptiles it doesn't really matter what type of grout. I get mine the Home Depot.

[RoccosReptiles]

what type of non sanded grout do you buy and were do you get it from?

[Steph1060]

gonna ask a really mongy question ^^' could u use a hot glue gun to stick? or should i just not even go there n just stick to waht u use? ^^'

[LizardLandscapes]

@Steph1060 any adhesive will work.

[thebrokenpenguin1]

What is the sealant called? I can't find it anywhere.

[CrestedGecko217]

How long do you allow it to cure before you put it in you reptiles tank?

[LizardLandscapes]

@CrestedGecko217 a week.

[CrestedGecko217]

@LizardLandscapes thanks

[SombreroBanana]

Where do you get the polystyrene?

[LizardLandscapes]

@SombreroBanana Home Depot.

[LizardLandscapes]

I assume it would.

[Chezza6969]

Would this work if I wanted to make a fake rock wall for a snake tank ?? Great videos by the way

[doom2548]

wont the storerfom burn/melt

[lozman1231]

Would this be ok to hold an adult beardie???

[denisesfeathers]

since I have never done this before I am going to make one of these instead first and see how it goes.

[iamcairnsy]

ive never seen that or heard of it , i live in scotland and work in the uks biggest hardware store (B&Q) so i wouldve heard of it.

[LizardLandscapes]

@iamcairnsy Check Amazon.

[iamcairnsy]

@LizardLandscapes cant find normal stuff on amazon.co.uk, i might try my local hobby /model shop

[iamcairnsy]

ok ive started on my structure , but i cant find any non toxic sealant , is water based ok?

[LizardLandscapes]

@iamcairnsy What about Mod Podge?

[iamcairnsy]

how much water do u add to the grout

[LizardLandscapes]

@iamcairnsy I never measure the amount of water, I just keep adding water or grout until I get the consistency I want.

[iamcairnsy]

@LizardLandscapes ok thanks im going to start at the weekend , i work in a hardware store , so got as much polystyrene as i needed for nothing lol and get all the stuff on the cheap . your work is so good btw

[sexiilicous1]

is that liquid cement coloring ?

[Iodtouch]

Can you please tell me the names of all the products you used to make this.

[LizardLandscapes]

@Iodtouch It's in the FAQ page on the website

[Cabiling023]

pleaaase help! what do i need for painting it?? thanks!!

[Goop023]

can you make one that will work under water

[GirlieBeku]

Are the different colors grout mixed with acrylic paint or is it something else? Thanks!

[AcArtGallery]

@GirlieBeku You can mix them, otherwise paint it after.

[XxRomo69xX]

could you use the poormans paint sprayer method for the grout

[LizardLandscapes]

No, the grout's too thick.

[CSofoDaMofo]

check out the video of my beardie eating a pinky mouse. you can see my fake rock castle in it. pretty simple and it was my first time making something like this.

[ILOVETARANTULA]

Can I make this rock for my pet tarantulas???

[rammsteingrl]

i'm in the process of making a fake rock nearly done the grouting then i'm onto sealing, however i'm really struggling to find a safe none toxic sealant, can anyone suggest anything? thanks

p.s i'm in the UK.

[samimaxandleon]

Won't polystyrene hurt reptiles

[LizardLandscapes]

Not when it's covered in grout -then non-toxic sealent.

[SuperLEO130]

how long do i have to wait to put it in the tank

[LizardLandscapes]

I would let it air out for at least 72 hours. This is assuming you've sealed it up.

[SuperLEO130]

@LizardLandscapes ok then thanks also did youknow you can do it with plaster of paris thats wat i yous and it looks just like yours

[FISHmann100]

@LizardLandscapes is grout like cement or do i have to buy any special stuff??

[kimbie727]

i'm not sure if this was asked and it seems like the grout would keep it tough enough but how is it with scratching? ive purchased other foam decorations and my beardies and iguana tore them to shreds! lots more layers of grout for sustainability?

[LizardLandscapes]

Had a similar problem with my bearded Dragon. In the areas where I noticed my Dragon scratching a lot I would take the fake rock out and cake on several more layers of sealant with no sand sprinkled on top. Without sand he cannot get a "grip" on the fake rock and since then I've not had a problem. I've never built these types of structures with the intent of providing it for an iguana, but I would love suggestions for larger lizards.

[kimbie727]

@LizardLandscapes this is an amazing idea though which i'm for sure gunna try once her cage is built. shes a big girl shes creeping up on 5 feet now. I'll let you know how it goes maybe denser foam under many layers? and will do the sand on top for sure as well! thank you so much for this!!!

[GetTheJist]

how do you make grout

[LizardLandscapes]

I purchase tile grout, so just follow the instructions on the container. All you're doing is mixing powder grout with water.

[jimmydeanakafatty]

You can also use polurithane even if it's toxic because there is another guy on YouTube and has no problem with it. Plus if you have a wood cage it has to be water profed with a poly for wood it just needs to air dry for a week or so.

[Pieishman]

nice, I should try this sometime! But first I need a lizard..... I do have a snake, but shes only in a 10 gallon tank. Do you think I can put anything in there? This would be way too big.

[LizardLandscapes]

You might look at my fake tree tutorial

[Annamarierw]

Does the mod podge make it waterproof or will it get tacky?

[LizardLandscapes]

I still use mod podge, but only for dry environment cages such as a bearded Dragon cage. It still cleans up fine, but I give my bearded Dragon water outside of his cage.

[tj27x]

verry nice work on all ur stuff keep it up

5 stars

[Boowee1515]

ever tried using a blow torch to shape your foam? it works excellent on the pink hard foam that i use. i also noticed one day it was snowing out and the snow was landing on the foam as i was torching it and gave it the weird bumps everywhere that made it look 5 times better

[xMissCrazyLadyx]

i love your work cant wate to see your waterfall

[TheVirginslayer3]

dude ur fuckign awsome! thank you so much ..... do you have anything or ideas for like a fake water fall that sits in water i have crocidiles so i want their cage to look incredibly realilstic the only problem i would have with the styro foam is that it floats... n is the paint water resistant

[LizardLandscapes]

I'm working on a waterfall...

[kdog5995]

will my lizard be able to eat any of the remaining little pieces that can fall off

[TheSpartan5700]

at 1:24 it looks like a dolphin

[nienien]

great demo and inspiration! thanks for sharing!

[2lizards5]

that is soo cool i might do a few of them for my berded dragons

ould i be able to have a like brownish paint and put a bit of sand in so it looks like a rock

(i havent wtched the vid yet i just watche a couple of seconds beause my mum and dad put the radio up really loud)

[LizardLandscapes]

Any color will do.

[2lizards5]

about the toxict stuff i have normall paint and i was wonder i want to do like a cave by the corner and have a basking space but i was wandering if i got the white untoxict stuff would i be able to buy it at B&Q

sorry for the long comment

[LizardLandscapes]

I get mine either online or at an arts and crafts stores.

[2lizards5]

would any paint do?

and sorry for the questions on like all your videos

[LizardLandscapes]

Any paint will do because you're going to be sealing it with non-toxic sealant.

[XxHaHaXx3]

Hey,

Instead of the liquid nail glue could we use just regular glue?

[LizardLandscapes]

You can use any type of glue. Products such as liquid nails or lock tites power grab are able to hold quicker.

[TheMacDool]

what grout do you use, are we talking tile grout here?

[LizardLandscapes]

Polyblend

[bakuganbrawler02]

do you have to put so manke coats on it?

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, it strengthens it.

[A4C707]

How much grout does something like this use? Can something like Quikrete be used if grout is unavailable?

[LizardLandscapes]

I usually get a 5 pound box of grout, with leftover of course. I used concrete once, but it's not as easy to work with as grout.

[xlULTIMATUMlx]

so do you just add some paint in your grout

[LizardLandscapes]

You can, or add cement color mix.

[xlULTIMATUMlx]

k thank you

[jamesmotzer]

i use elmers glue and water in a spray bottle and it works fine

[Hallowhead1]

I just made one of these just grouting it still

[dan3106]

can u name some other non toxic sealers

becuse i want to make a background for my bearded dragons tank but i want it to be safe

so i wanna know other non toxic sealers u would recommand.

[LizardLandscapes]

The only sealants I've used are Mod Podge, and Shields All

[envavne]

okay, so i was gonna make something like this only instead of rocks i was gonna make a tree for my tree monitors. so does the grout come in different colors so i can make it look like a tree, or can just paint over the grout?

[LizardLandscapes]

Watch the leopard gecko habitat -fake tree video on my channel. You can buy colored grout, or mix in paint in the grout.

[LethalMX]

do you think of these structure of the top of your head??

how long have you been doing this for?

[LizardLandscapes]

I draw out a plan. Several years.

[Hughjass505]

how much do the materials cost?, and can the paint be harmful to your lizard?, and can your lizard bite off the material? please i need these answers, i looking into making this for my lizard

[LizardLandscapes]

The materials run about $20-$30. The paint is not toxic because it's being sealed by four to five layers of non-toxic sealant. You want to put at least three layers of grout so your pet lizard cannot bite it off.

[Obanisty78]

What type of paint and glue can you use in the UK because they dont sell grout or liquid nails.Your videos rock. Keep on making them please. U deserve millions of subs! Do you think you could do a tutorial for the basics of using styrafoam and making things. Thank you so much for the vids. Sorry about the long comment

[LizardLandscapes]

You could possibly use a fine grade cement instead of grout. Any type of glue will work, there should be products similar to liquid nails, if not try another type of glue. The sealant is really the most important step.

[Obanisty78]

Do think instant nails is ok and cant i just paint it with acrylic paint cause im only 11 and im not a good artist

[LizardLandscapes]

You have to think of the safety for the pet that's going to make this its home. Because of that the grout is absolutely necessary.

[callumreganebrown]

i live in the uk and u can get grout from b and q and you can get no more nails from bnq to

[Kevin0749]

You can get grout in the UK? B&Q, Homebase and all builders merchants. Grout is the stuff used to fill the gaps in a tiled wall.

[TheBeastWithinYou]

This could be toxic to your reptile. Crickets have been known to eat things like this, and when ingested they become toxic to your reptile. if you do do this i suggest god cricket watching and or tong feeding.

[LizardLandscapes]

I always feed my bearded Dragon in a separate container. If you do feed your bearded Dragon crickets in the same container as your fake rock structure, be sure and check after he's done that there aren't any other crickets still left. You are supposed to do this anyway even if you don't have fake rock because crickets have been known to nibble on lizards as they sleep.

[akm17011]

it only cost 20 to $35 that is cheap

[ybmahtaerap]

could you just use normal paint, or does it have to be that grout stuff, and what does sylene do?

[LizardLandscapes]

You do have to use grout. It doesn't matter what paint you use, but I usually use acrylic because you can find it very cheap.

[ybmahtaerap]

can you just use normal glue

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, it will just take longer to dry.

[beardielover369]

what about can it be under a heat lamp

[LizardLandscapes]

Just put extra sand on the basking spot to hold more heat

[adamb94]

what type of motar do you use or grout?

[LizardLandscapes]

I use poly blend non-sanded grout

[beardielover369]

will this be ok for a 5 month old bearded dragon and how much will it cost?nice video?

[LizardLandscapes]

It should be okay for a five month old bearded dragon. It costs roughly $20-$35 depending on what type of supplies you get.

[Falandorn]

This guy has one of the coolest voices of all time - like Jack Nicolson hehe Awesome video too thanks will be attempting one of these in the near future :)

[chiefthethief]

Great id I wanna know can I use this for my indoor waterfeature? I mean will the paint wash away in the water with the repeated water being ran over the project. Iwant to make some ting very nice for my dinning room and this will completely be off te wall.

[LizardLandscapes]

This particular project is really just meant for dry environments.

You will want to research aquarium grade non-toxic silicone sealant

for waterproofing.

[leopardgecko2009]

this is gonna sound stupid, but whatt's grout?

[CountGecko]

not really I didn't know what it was at first :) Its used for tile floors, bought some at Home Depot, prob can find it at home improvement stores.

[repex99]

can you wash these because if the reptile poops on it you sorta gotta

[LizardLandscapes]

Yes, after you seal it with four to five coats of non-toxic sealer, you can clean it.

[repex99]

ok tyvm

[LizardLandscapes]

Even an adult Uro would be able to use this.

Just use more grout to make it stronger.

[rsTHEKINGHHHrs]

So creative!

Im thinking on doing this for my lizard, thanks for uploading this video!

[joshua12buchwald]

dude your really artistic and creative! would love one of your pieces! for my reptiles

[beestinger23]

if u have a lizard next time take a pitcure off it on it

[miketinck]

i'me trying to make a small waterfall but i'me using sanded grout wich would be waterproof. is this possible? if not can you tell me what would make my construction waterproof?

thanx

[LizardLandscapes]

You might look into "pond" sealers.

[ireallyjustdunno]

grout is not waterproof. IF you're trying to create a waterfall effect, go for nonsanded grout. the sanded grout provides a sandstone effect, whereas you probably want a limestone for the waterfall. Do not use pond sealers, as they may prove to be toxic. Be careful of the paint you use. If you use grout, spray it down thoroughly with vinegar for a few weeks to help it cure and deplete the pH acidity. Seal with epoxy, and let cure.

[snufalufages11]

would it be ok to use sanded grout

Yes, it's just easier to thin with non-sanded

-for the 1st coat.