I did some custom backgrounds in my other vivariums too, but never thought of putting the coco fiber and stuff on the still moist foam, instead I waited till its hardened and put silicone+coco fiber on it... This way is way better, at least less work! Thank you. Did you wait a bit between letting the foam rest and putting the coco fiber on it? Or straight after foaming up the bark, you put coco fiber on it?
Bruh i just finished my brown anole aka anolis sagrei enclosure, wish i saw this beforehand Also for anoles i recommend 12x12x18 for two females or one male
Is the silicone and egg crate better than just foam? I’ve seen lots of your shorts and when making backgrounds you don’t always use silicone or egg crate
Will coco fiber also adhere to the 'gaps and cracks ' expanding foam? This seems awesome since you don't have to carve the foam and then reapply silicone. I just dont know how to manipulate the foam while it's curing to prevent it from expanding too much.
How long did it take for the silicone to dry before you apply foam? I genuinely have been waiting three days with a fan on it and it’s still wet. I took the fan off to try and allow humidity to do it’s thing?? Pls help ! I’ve been watching videos preparing for this for years but maybe I used old silicone and it’s just never going to finish curing.
I do this in Bioactive enclosures. Isopods and springtails are nature’s clean up crew. They break down mold, decaying plant matter, and animal waste turning it into nutrients for the plants to utilize. I have more videos explaining the progress.
@@loooongneck I never got a response so I looked further into it and others told me theirs have lasted anywhere between 5 and 20 years so no certainty to how long they will last
I used to always do it directly to the glass and it works but it peels off too easily years down the road. Something as simple as trimming plants might take the whole thing off. I find it worth it to add the silicone, you don’t have to use egg crate. Just something for texture for the foam to stick to.
When using this method along with a water feature cause any issues. Or does the traditional foam sealing method need to be done when adding a water fall for example? Please advise , help needed .
I wish I did it this way, had some issues with the traditional way. Silicone still stinks after A MONTH my gecko is still living in a freaking plastic tub. I'm so annoyed. I have another gecko to give a tank makeover so I'll use this technique :)
Are you doing a lizard? I have one and I used top soil for the back ground repot soil works fine too I’m not sure if it works with play sand though since it’s harder
@@EverEvolvingExotics can i ask how much you would sell this for? i’m trying to get into the terrarium business and i’m struggling to decide how much to charge. do you have some formula for material and time spent compared to price? i don’t want to overcharge people, but i also don’t want to get ripped off
Hell no! You gotta cut the foam. Also "more surface area for the foam to stick" is BS. All you need to do is wipe the background with surgical spirit and that'll ensure that it is the cleanest it can be and it will create more 'stick'. This video hurt to watch ngl.
I’m so happy it brought you so much pain to watch. I have lots more video examples if you’d like to cringe any more including some builds with the great stuff directly on the glass. This was for a client that paid me nicely, I didn’t want to skimp. He and his tarantula were happy which is what matters to me. I appreciate the feedback, Daniel. Keep being awesome!
@@teganmolyneaux5204 I never thought carving it looked as natural as the foam does naturally expanded. I love all the crevice too add plants. I used to do it the way all knowing Daniel was saying but this method works better for me. Carving and using silicone is the traditional way of making backgrounds. It works too, I did it that way for years.
Ahhh i wish i saw this before I made my tank :’) this looks lovely
Thank you!
@@EverEvolvingExoticshow much does this tank cost? And is it good quality?
The tune use for background is incredible
Thank you, I really like this one too!
Finally an easier way to make a good looking background! Have to try this on my next build!
That's a beautiful background I'd love to get something like that done for my BP
Looks beautiful
Nice video ,quick -easy and thanks omw tooo the store
Thank you, stop by anytime!
Oooh this looks satisfying
Thank you!
Love the channel. You guys are so nice in person
I appreciate that, thank you!
Beautiful
THANK YOU
You should try a zigzag method, making small trapezium kinda shape and angle the bark downward to make ridges for basking
Great video
Bold choice, using the black foam. It's like 3xs the cost of standard
I did some custom backgrounds in my other vivariums too, but never thought of putting the coco fiber and stuff on the still moist foam, instead I waited till its hardened and put silicone+coco fiber on it... This way is way better, at least less work! Thank you.
Did you wait a bit between letting the foam rest and putting the coco fiber on it? Or straight after foaming up the bark, you put coco fiber on it?
Dude sounds like Rod Serling.
Bruh i just finished my brown anole aka anolis sagrei enclosure, wish i saw this beforehand
Also for anoles i recommend 12x12x18 for two females or one male
Is the silicone and egg crate better than just foam? I’ve seen lots of your shorts and when making backgrounds you don’t always use silicone or egg crate
Will coco fiber also adhere to the 'gaps and cracks ' expanding foam? This seems awesome since you don't have to carve the foam and then reapply silicone. I just dont know how to manipulate the foam while it's curing to prevent it from expanding too much.
You will still see the cream color under it which is why I use the black variety. I don’t feel like it expands a lot using this variety.
Did you let the silicon with the egg crates dry before foaming?
he mentions in another comment that he lets the silicone dry overnight. It won’t be 100% dry but it’s better than fresh
Can I use Fine bark mulch to make the background?
Do wait for the silicone to cure?
Can you use sand instead of the moss?
Do u have to use the pond and stone can u use the one with the yellow cover the regular one ???
That was brilliant
Thank you!
How long did it take for the silicone to dry before you apply foam? I genuinely have been waiting three days with a fan on it and it’s still wet. I took the fan off to try and allow humidity to do it’s thing?? Pls help ! I’ve been watching videos preparing for this for years but maybe I used old silicone and it’s just never going to finish curing.
I usually just let it dry over night and it’s good to go. It shouldn’t take 3 days. I wish you luck!
Did you use non toxic silicone and foam can you tell me where I can buy them please 🙏 Thank you 🙏
This is GE 1 silicone and great stuff black pond and stone foam. They can be found at your local hardware store or online.
Yay egg crate i fuckin love egg crate!!!
🥚📦
It’s really cool but how would you clean it?
I do this in Bioactive enclosures. Isopods and springtails are nature’s clean up crew. They break down mold, decaying plant matter, and animal waste turning it into nutrients for the plants to utilize. I have more videos explaining the progress.
@@EverEvolvingExotics oh ok that makes a lot more sense, thanks
Do you wait for the silicone to dry before applying the foam?
No
Do you let the clyicone dry
Polyurethane under water? R u sure with this?
Curious to the longevity of a background like this, looks amazing but how long do they last?
This is what I’m wondering. Will the spray foam hold up forever once cured? Especially with any heavier hard scape elements pressed into it
@@loooongneck I never got a response so I looked further into it and others told me theirs have lasted anywhere between 5 and 20 years so no certainty to how long they will last
Is the silicone and egg crate needed or can u just apply to foam
I used to always do it directly to the glass and it works but it peels off too easily years down the road. Something as simple as trimming plants might take the whole thing off. I find it worth it to add the silicone, you don’t have to use egg crate. Just something for texture for the foam to stick to.
@@EverEvolvingExotics Ok thanks will also order some silicone aswell
When using this method along with a water feature cause any issues. Or does the traditional foam sealing method need to be done when adding a water fall for example? Please advise , help needed .
Ide go over everything(foam) with silicone(preferably black silicone)
Would this technique work with a reptile requiring higher humidity, such as a Kimberley Rock Monitor?
Yes but you would have to put a layer of silicone and then another on top or just water proof it
Can this be used in acquariums ?
As long as it’s plant and animal safe kind it can!
i’d let the foam set, trim, silicone cork and foam, then add substrate. less likely to mold
Wiw
I wish I did it this way, had some issues with the traditional way. Silicone still stinks after A MONTH my gecko is still living in a freaking plastic tub. I'm so annoyed. I have another gecko to give a tank makeover so I'll use this technique :)
Can you use top soil and play sand + excavator clay or repti soil
Are you doing a lizard? I have one and I used top soil for the back ground repot soil works fine too I’m not sure if it works with play sand though since it’s harder
Do I tap the morning after or as soon as I apply spagnamoss and coco fiber?
Wait a couple minutes
It’s pretty hard to find black expanding foam, do you think this will work using the traditional expanding foam?
Thanks
It works bro
I'd be careful not using pet safe foam. You can find thie right foam most pet shops especially fish based shops
Has anyone else tried this method with any results?
Do you make terrariums for customers?
Yes, it’s a big part of our business. This is a commissioned build for an adult female Brazilian White Knee Tarantula for a client.
@@EverEvolvingExotics how would I be able to contact you guys ?
@@EverEvolvingExotics can i ask how much you would sell this for? i’m trying to get into the terrarium business and i’m struggling to decide how much to charge. do you have some formula for material and time spent compared to price? i don’t want to overcharge people, but i also don’t want to get ripped off
I bought eggrate to do my tank idk
Would this b good for a pet snakw
Definitely, I’ve posted some snake builds using this same method.
@@EverEvolvingExotics nice thx 🤝👍
Que produto é esse?
Great Stuff Pond and Stone expanding foam.
Wow so beautiful
Thank you!
@@EverEvolvingExotics can you scrape off the back ground and reapply easily when it gets old or time for a cleaning?
@@lastblood8550 it can be removed but this is a living ecosystem that uses isopods and springtails to clean itself.
Have u got a finished project pic? Or video?
Yes, I posted a full enclosure build.
Is this good for the fish no chemical in the foam or glue
Hell no! You gotta cut the foam. Also "more surface area for the foam to stick" is BS. All you need to do is wipe the background with surgical spirit and that'll ensure that it is the cleanest it can be and it will create more 'stick'. This video hurt to watch ngl.
Is there a specific reason you need to cut the foam besides an aesthetic purpose?
I’m so happy it brought you so much pain to watch. I have lots more video examples if you’d like to cringe any more including some builds with the great stuff directly on the glass. This was for a client that paid me nicely, I didn’t want to skimp. He and his tarantula were happy which is what matters to me. I appreciate the feedback, Daniel. Keep being awesome!
@@teganmolyneaux5204 I never thought carving it looked as natural as the foam does naturally expanded. I love all the crevice too add plants. I used to do it the way all knowing Daniel was saying but this method works better for me. Carving and using silicone is the traditional way of making backgrounds. It works too, I did it that way for years.