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martinb20

last night i had a great idea (i think)

i wanted to change my bearded dragons substrate (currently on wood chippins) to some kind of tile like slate I've got a few around the house and just placed them in there but it looked a bit too dark, then i saw Jordi J post in the photography section with the antwep zoo, and saw the bearded dragon and thought of this.

if i made i slightly uneven surface to fit in the whole floor of the viv and then use some-kind of glue to stick play-sand or grout down and then coat that in something so its sealed (maybe paint it a rocky color) and it should look something like hard rocky surface which will seem more natural then tiles and wont have to worry about him getting any impaction Smile

or does all of the above just sound stupid and go the nearest wall and bang my head against it until i get a better idea

Young_Gun · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:20 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a great idea, I made something similar with small and large plant pots to make little hills/cliffs and a ceramic dog bowl to make a swimming pool a while back, I used expanding foam then grout and put sand on it then gave it a coat of yacht varnish.
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Venomator · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a fund idea and would look good ... Wink

... I suppose you just have to be careful you use reptile friendly glues and paints and stuff ... Question

I'm sure we'll be treated to pics of your finished model ... Mr. Green

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martinb20 · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 1:55 pm Post subject:

yeah speaking of that any suggestions or just mix some sand in with the grout ?

what about paint? or will i need to paint then put some kind of finish over it? obviously i don't want anything that will make it shiny looking

Young_Gun · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject:

I just sprinkled red/black desert sand onto the grout while it was still setting and then used a coat of yacht varnish to seal it.
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garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

Why not just use Sand? Are you really worried about impaction for a reason?

Ive always used sand without any problems.

If i read the above correct you are going to create a 'fake bottom'?

If so, based on my experience of creating countless 'false backgrounds', make sure crickets cant get under it ANYWHERE otherwise there will be no crickets in the viv during they day, but they will ALL come out at night.

Also they CAN start eating the background which would remove any strength the floor might have.

Also seal it well with yacht varnish or similar and run the vivarium as long as possible WITH THE HEAT ON to allow the fumes to clear.

I have found that the fumes might seem to be clear if you just leave the viv somewhere, but as soon as the heat comes on, the smell appears...

Be glad to offer any other tips as ive done this kind of thing many time. I'm in Kent too, pretty handy Smile

Gary
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bloodycurtus · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:07 am Post subject:

compaction isnt as big problem as it is made out really.
i found with floors like your planning they can tbe a pain to clean as the sand gives a rough texture

sushi · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:28 am Post subject:

i use non adhesive lino on my bearded dragon tank Very Happy

no problems so far and very easy to clean
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Rickeezee · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:15 am Post subject:

I think its a good idea but a rough gritty surface may prove hard to clean. Beardie pooh as we all know is not the nicest of things, and has its own unique aroma Laughing

But it would look really good, the floor not the poooh.

I know, there is a huge controversy regarding beardies and what type of substrate to use so am not going down that route.

Lots of folk use non-slip floor tiles, may be able to get some that look natural, stone affect etc. Just a thought and perhaps a reasonable compromise.
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aidan · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:06 pm Post subject:

i started with sand then to tiles and lino and now im back at sand
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