Polystyrene rock wall - Some questions?

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GilesColey

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Hi all

I have a new enclosure I'm getting ready for my SWCP - see pics


I am planning on building a fake rock wall with ledges and a couple of hides for the back for the enclosure. I was going to use high-density polystyrene then coat it with grout, then non-toxic paint and pond-sealer to finish it off. Is there any particular brand/type of paint, grout and sealer to use that is better than the others. I was going to have a look at Bunnings

I obviously want to ensure her safety first and foremost, but at the same make it look at realistic as possible.

Any suggestions on where to buy some sheets of polystyrene and what adhesive to use to glue the bits of polystyrene together with?

Thanks all, sorry about all the questions again, appreciate the help
 

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Expandafoam at $12 for a 750ml can. Apply, spray paint, job done.
 
Hi Giles,

I just but a fake Rockwall for paludarium, here are the products I used and the results

I used self expanding foam, shaped and carved.

Then I applied 3 coats of Grey grout below 1st very thin/soupy. 2nd thicker like thick gravy. 3rd a very thick soup. Let each coat dry for 24 hrs

NOTE SAND/SCORE OR ROUGHEN UP THE ENTIRE SURFACE. I missed this step and a section chipped.

c5a03104a02ecd138dc722fac554d825.jpg


Second step go the same mix as stage 2 from before or maybe stage 3 depends on your detail in rock wall I had small crevices so went a 2.

30c96e8c9799cfc263d471a2e09483a9.jpg


Seal with below

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And here is the result

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then I waited a full seven days.

As this is a paludarium with waterfall I then assembled the pump system setup the enclosure and ran everything for 3 days hosing down the entire surface to flush everything. If this is for a snake you could just hose down twice a day for a week the grout sealer leaves a dusty residue.

Then I put it together and this is the result

cd6a009789dcf340210b02415ae1123a.jpg


It has tropical plants, miniature fish and freshwater miniature shrimp. The shrimp are super sensitive to contamination and are still alive after 3 weeks. If fact the female is gravid.

I would suggest given the size and strength of snakes you may want a skin of hydraulic cement or even skip foam and go straight to hydraulic cement I'll warn you now it won't be cheap if you choose the second option but may save heart ache in the future due to the snake breaking it.

If your want help feel free to ask questions or pm me.
 
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