Building From the Basics

[NinjaDuo]

Well I've been wanting to build a more natural looking tank for awhile now, and I think with a 20 or 30 gallon long tank it'll be a good starter tank to experiment. I want to put about 3 females in it....most likely.

But I have a few questions on do's and don'ts.
First, is grout safe to use? And is it easy to mold to make caves and platforms?
2. IF grout is bad....what can i use and how do i make/use something else?
3. Would a UTH work well with a bedding like this?

I'm sure ill have lots of questions, but ill post pics as well when I get started. And any further advise or hints would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Cody

 

[thegeckoguy23]

I bealive grout is okay and yes a uth would be ok I would recomend putting it on a rheostat or a thermostat though.

 

[NinjaDuo]

Why's that?

 

[thegeckoguy23]

Why's that?

So you can control your temps most heat pads well get to 110 if you let them or well not heat enough when you put them on the thermostat or rheostat you control the temps.




Jake

 

[gmaier19]

you should use grout, but first you should get a large sheet of styrofoam. you can find the styrofoam at home depot in the insulation isle. cut the styrofoam however you want it, and then put the grout over it. i like sanded grout cause it looks more natural. i like to do tile bottom and grout/styrofoam hides. heres a link to my youtube vid of this kind of setup. i even made a grout cover for the unsightly gladeware moist hide. you can make it look as natural as you want. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXV0CaR5Sg

 

[Noahboa1]

I get the pink insulation, I find it's easier to cut and less of a mess. I also use sanded grout and put two or three layers of it on. I seal it with "Minkwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, Clear Satin Finish"