My DIY Fake Rock Canyon

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
tank1.jpg


tank2.jpg


tank3.jpg


tank4.jpg


tank5.jpg
 

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
Sorry for bad pictures as I'm using my cell phone and testing out my new moonlight led strips
Here's a test of the lights
tank6.jpg


Here's what it looks like with the tops off
tank7.jpg
 

Dreamsong

New Member
Messages
50
Location
Maryland
A quick question - Do you use an UTH with the foam bottom? I saw the dome fixture, but I can't tell from the pictures if you're using a heat lamp or UTH.
 

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
I have a lamp and the UTH on the left side. I cut a hole out of the bottom so the heat would transfer as I didn't really feel any heat when I left the styrofoam over the UTH. We don't keep the lamp on all that much since the UTH makes a nice warm hide...especially with the lid on. Surface is 89-91F and the gecko usually just hangs out in there.
 

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
Thank you. I had fun making it and might end up making another one for my nephew.
 

Lavodnas

New Member
Messages
164
Location
San Antonio
I basically turned my whole tank into one huge hide but I like doing visually pleasing projects like this for others. I'd like to see a pic with your gecko enjoying the scenery.
 

Lavodnas

New Member
Messages
164
Location
San Antonio
Nice! And just like a gecko, he's using the tightest places to try and hide under...when I have mine out, he tries to hide in the folds of my shirt or under my collar...lol
 

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
jigsaw4.jpg

Hanging out of the viewing hole I made in the hot hide. He was sleeping until we moved the tank a little to get this shot.
 

perfectsoldier23

New Member
Messages
96
Location
California
Hey Jigsaw!
This is my goal when I begin creating a custom rock setting for my 20 gal.
The styrofoam I have around the home is very "crumbly" and I wouldn't be able to cut it the way I want without it breaking apart - did you use a certain type of styrofoam?
What did you use to coat it with? Grout? Looks almost smooth in the very last picture you posted of your gecko peeking out of the hot hide.
 

Phantom240

New Member
Messages
292
Location
Slidell, LA
Looks like a latex paint or a non-sanded grout applied really smooth.

As for making fine cuts in expanded polystyrene foam (the crumbly kind, as you put it), can be cut smooth using a hot knife... though I doubt you have one hanging around, and don't feel like going through the trouble of building one, though they're incredibly easy.
 

perfectsoldier23

New Member
Messages
96
Location
California
Ahh, okay. He has such clean cuts that it looks as though he has an entirely different type of foam! Good thing I have plenty of the foam he did end up using lying about.
A hot knife? Would this be something I could possibly find at an arts and crafts store? Or is their main purpose something else?
 

Phantom240

New Member
Messages
292
Location
Slidell, LA
I dunno if they'd have it or not. Hot Knives, from what I understand, are used almost exclusively for cutting and shaping foam. As for what foam he used, it looks like Extruded Polystyrene, which is the same type used for craft/project boards. It looks like a totally different foam because it IS totally different. lol
 

Kab

New Member
Messages
18
Location
Canada
Just a note-- If you just a hot knife you should wear a mask and goggles! It releases fumes.
I'm not sure if Jig mentioned that, but thought I would just in case.

that is AMAZING by the way. I wish I could do something that well, but I'm to chicken to use a hot knife hehe
 

jigsaw

New Member
Messages
15
Location
FL
It was regular polystyrene foam that I got from lowes. It comes in a pack of 5 sheets and is pretty cheap. I did use a hot knife cutter I got from Michaels craft store as well. It does put off some stinky fumes so like mentioned above, it wouldn't hurt to have a mask on. I used unsanded grout that was the same color as you see and used a slightly darker acrylic paint for the accents.
 

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