1. When using GS what do you spray it onto? Such as styrofoam or the glass? Also what do you use to carve it?
Some people use silicon, some straight on the glass, some people make a frame of eggcrate. I have done glass and silicone. I prefer the silicone for now.
Carving - I used a kitchen knife. I also squished it in when it was partially dry and that was fun.
2. Is it better to make a false bottom or just make layers? If layers what layers am i looking at?
Is the tank going to need to be moved? Eggcrate false bottom is lighter. If you don't use eggcrate false bottom, most people use little clay balls AKA LECA. I have not tried the LECA because I need to be able to move my vivs. And I like the way the false bottom looks with gravel around it. On top of that I'd use ABG mix.
3. What is really the best wood to incorporate into a terrarium? Mopani,grapewood,cork,drift?
Most people here suggest staying away from grapewood because it molds more frequently. Mopani is heavy but I used it in my last viv and I like how it looks. Cork is fabulous - plants and animals stick well to it and it is light. Driftwood is great too - I have some driftwood en route that I am excited to make a viv out of. Maybe the answer depends on what you are going for.
4. Is textured spraypaint safe with a sealer (Krylon)? I thought of using this instead of silicone with substrate.
Let me preface by saying I am not a frog owner. i have geckos only.
Soime gecko people feel comfortable using this with acrylic waterproof sealer on top. I am guessing the frog people (frogs are more delicate) would be very cautious about using the textured paint in a viv. But i suppose I should let them speak for themselves.
Some people use silicon, some straight on the glass, some people make a frame of eggcrate. I have done glass and silicone. I prefer the silicone for now.
Carving - I used a kitchen knife. I also squished it in when it was partially dry and that was fun.
2. Is it better to make a false bottom or just make layers? If layers what layers am i looking at?
Is the tank going to need to be moved? Eggcrate false bottom is lighter. If you don't use eggcrate false bottom, most people use little clay balls AKA LECA. I have not tried the LECA because I need to be able to move my vivs. And I like the way the false bottom looks with gravel around it. On top of that I'd use ABG mix.
3. What is really the best wood to incorporate into a terrarium? Mopani,grapewood,cork,drift?
Most people here suggest staying away from grapewood because it molds more frequently. Mopani is heavy but I used it in my last viv and I like how it looks. Cork is fabulous - plants and animals stick well to it and it is light. Driftwood is great too - I have some driftwood en route that I am excited to make a viv out of. Maybe the answer depends on what you are going for.
4. Is textured spraypaint safe with a sealer (Krylon)? I thought of using this instead of silicone with substrate.
Let me preface by saying I am not a frog owner. i have geckos only.
Soime gecko people feel comfortable using this with acrylic waterproof sealer on top. I am guessing the frog people (frogs are more delicate) would be very cautious about using the textured paint in a viv. But i suppose I should let them speak for themselves.