Rock wall...

divingne1 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2008, 08:41 PM

I started making the rock wall for a 24x18x18 exo terra. Here are the beginning pics. I just put the first layer of concrete on today.

Will post an update next weekend.
Candy

divingne1 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 12:54 AM

I did the second layer of concrete. Sculpting rocks is hard. My husband laughed at it and said it just looks like lumps of clay. Hopefully I can make it look more like rocks when I paint it..either that or add another layer of concrete but make it thicker.

Candy

bksbuddha · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 01:30 AM

Well, I think it's coming out really neat. Better than anything I can do. I cheated & bought a premade background.

One of my big plans for the new viv is to camoflauge the PVC pipe w/some Reindeer Moss & fake flowers...w/a Philodendron in a pot for a topper. Please keep showing us the pics...I can't wait to see the masterpiece when it's completed!

morselchip · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 02:24 AM

The sculpting looks good! I haven't been able to find that kind of foam anywhere- as soon as I do, I'll get working on one of my own- I love the look!

melas · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 02:56 AM

Looking good!

keekalmatter · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 05:09 PM

I have a question about these kinds of backgrounds. Would something like that hold up completely submerged? I would like to make one for a paludarium and parts would remain underwater.

melas · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 05:39 PM

I would think so. I made a small pool with this stuff and seems to be working so far. If cured wet this stuff gets VERY hard and should last a long time. just be sure to neutralize the pH before using it in water. This can be done by curing the concrete in water with a bit of white vinegar (acid) to neutralize the basic pH of the concrete.

keekalmatter · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 05:43 PM

ok sounds good :]

Jerm · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melas

I would think so. I made a small pool with this stuff and seems to be working so far. If cured wet this stuff gets VERY hard and should last a long time. just be sure to neutralize the pH before using it in water. This can be done by curing the concrete in water with a bit of white vinegar (acid) to neutralize the basic pH of the concrete.

When you say cure it wet, do you mean completely submerge it until it has cured? What happens if you let it dry instead?

melas · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 06:47 PM

completely submerged would be best but you could also spray it as often as possible. curing it dry with just prevent the concrete from fully curing. you will get the greatest strength when cured under water.