Styrofoam/grout hides? Supply brands?

So I'm thinking about re-making some tank decor for my 10-gallon and 20-gallon tanks for my leos, and I'm wondering about a few things.

Do all hides need to be on the same level, and if not, then which hides can go where? i.e. do all warm hides need to be directly on the tank floor for proper heating?

What brands of grout and sealant have worked out? I'm noticing on my hides that the grout is already cracking and chipping in places, so I think I need to replace them ASAP.

Sanded or non-sanded grout? What is easy to clean?

Should I consider other materials besides styrofoam, grout and sealant?


Uuuuummm....if I have any other questions, I'll let you know.

You definitely need to have one good hide right on the floor to receive full belly heat. Besides that, you can put hides wherever you want.

I've used the Lowe's unsanded grout brand (Keracolor). For sealer, I tired Minwax Polycrylic but I was not pleased with the way it smelled for a while. I have since spent the money to order some Shields All #50. Not cheap, but the smell is certainly milder.

Grout structures are definitely not easy to clean, which is why I recommend knowing where your gecko likes to poop and then not putting a structure in that area. The more you seal it though, the easier it will be to clean.


Some other things I used in making my structures: toothpicks (for anchoring), Loctite Power Grab adhesive, non-toxic acrylic paints, sandpaper, floral foam (softer but easier to sculpt)