DIY Reptile Background Desert Style

[@SwissFrogGuy]

Really nice explanations! As a suggestion, you will find it faster to get a deep, 3-D texture if you first put on the darker color, and let it seep into all the cracks. Follow that up with the lighter red with a dry brush technique, leaving the dark in the cracks.it’ll be a lot faster and the end result will give you much more natural, looking rocks, with much less effort!

[@goblinofsharksnacks]

I use animal safe sillicone /glue to put the ledge foam together, adds a bit more strength before foaming

[@jessicasisk7832]

Use balloons to make caves would be a fun design.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I’ll have to try to that in a future build!

[@Anonymouseys]

I'm definitely going to try this. Thank you.

[@zulah_]

I did this in a 40 gallon and it came out beautifully

[@Hogstrictors]

Really cool build

[@SwissFrogGuy]

I explained a bit of this in my video on building the artificial tree. I think it’s the third in the series. Great work!

[@ayarlett]

Thanks for this video. I am currently building the same for my bearded dragon who should be really happy once I finish it. Appreciate what you have done and so far, so good for me!

[@pabitramohangayan1482]

I also being an artist am enchanted by the way you perfected the precision rock. Jay Shree Ram Jay Maa Sarala

[@zerocatchem6628]

Will the heat from any of the lamps melt the finish product or expose the beardie to any harmful fumes or smells? Thinking about setting up my terrarium this way!

[@zorainanunn2854]

Thank you again, so simple and straight to the point. I got a lot of ideas. I think I was thinking I was going to mess it up. I have watched so many videos. Thank you. I am going to try it!! ❤

[@athenaofthenorth5747]

I really enjoyed this tutorial- thank you!

[@Supra_Na96]

Either way, I appreciate you taking the time to break down your videos with step by step directions. Everything I’ve seen so far in multiple videos is awesome!!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you I really appreciate the kind words man! As for the expanding foam yes I have used the pond and stone before buts it’s a lot more expensive and really just for water features.

[@Supra_Na96]

@@mightymorphingreptiles yeah- just googled the prices- $23-$26 (Amazon vs HD) for 12oz of the Pond foam…. Or $3 bucks for 12oz of the Regular Foam in your video… DEFINITELY a HUGE difference in Price😳- not to mention you might have to use multiple cans? HA- yeah, good call bro. 🤣that’s a hard pass on “fish approved” stuff

[@CirylDrawsStuff]

I love this! Would this work/be safe in a more humid tank, like for a Crestie?

[@Zero_toocool]

Can I use any other paint in the background if I can access dry lock?

[@darksidetygaming]

Bro You are killing it! Keep up the awesome video's!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Hey man thank you so much for taking your precious time to watch my video, and really appreciate the kind words! I’ll keep pressing record!🤟😎🎥

[@jennifernorton701]

Thank you for this. You are such an artist! WIsh me luck on upgrading our classroom bearded dragon!

[@happyhugget7940]

i think a more dark brown, like a darker version of the og color would look even better for the shadows

[@ThePrpr1nce]

really great build but I'm curious if the clear enamel you sprayed is safe for my boa? do you happen to know?

[@katelynsumner8802]

Exactly what I was looking for…thank you sooo much!!!

[@Mod3rnCrusad3r]

Was wondering if I could have the link to the sand before christmas I doing this as a gift to my lizard lol

[@gregnielsen4019]

Great job Ryan! Your Chanel is great and better every time I watch your videos. Keep up the good work too.... 👏 👍

[@kimberlygardner8392]

Thank you for your video you just save me about $400 really appreciate your work.

[@Super5150crazy]

That was dope

[@wolfgang1052]

EXACTLY what I was looking for! Soon to be a first time Leo gecko owner and I want it to be solid home, amazing work man!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Glad I could help!

[@reptiletailz108]

Leos are perfect for a set up like this there poop is generally very manageable and they will " usually" pick one specific corner and poop in that corner every time make sure u have a good enough clean up crew and I'd focus a large amount of them when u figure out which corner she poops in and add more clean up crew in that spot but I also add a lil piece of newspaper or something like a thin cardboard in the spot they will do there biz onto of it as u will lay it in the corner of their choosing and all u do once a week atleast is go in pick up the cardboard and toss it away now I haven't began using clean up crews yet so idk how much of the Leo poops they will actually consume however it's such a small amount of u put the paper in the corner they pick it's so easy to get out

[@reptiletailz108]

Whereas lets say bearded dragons they have a poop that is quite large and can be runny at times especially when well hydrated so it can be messy to say the least and it stinks so u want to be able to get it all off so idk how great this wud be for them but for a leopard geckos it's absolutely perfect

[@thesucculentcity]

A few notes: 1) You should only use dry lock original, not extreme 2) Add silicone between the “slats” / rock layers, in addition to the toothpicks 3) Wear an n95 mask when carving 4) Water-based sealant like minwax works best 5) Start with darkest color first, then add your neutrals, then highlights

[@loveme52761]

I need to know how long to wait to put my beardie in it once it’s complete and dry?

[@timothybeaudoin4315]

Is there any concern using these materials with the heat off the lamps?

[@mannyc7747]

Amazing work, I'm gonna go for it, you've inspired me, thanks

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you man appreciate that! Just take your time with it and enjoy your build!🤟🫠

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

Can you use any spray foam if you plan on coating it with sand?

[@GabrielYeager]

So epic! Thanks for this. Looks like my cosplaying skills are transferable to bearded dragon keeping - who knew!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

That’s tight you do cosplay man! I’ve always wanted to go to a comic con! DIY projects with reptile keeping is essential and really fun if you ask me!🥸

[@reptiletailz108]

One of my fav parts I can't wait till I have the space to do it because I currently do not have an indoor space big enough that isn't where my animals are and I can't use the paint foam or silicone inside my crib for me and my animals

[@brucebird133]

Wanna build one similar to this for my Beardy with protrusions for him to sit on... question though.... How much gap would you leave between the heat lights and the backgrounds-fake rocks etc? Even though its painted and mortared etc...

[@denniss2336]

I thought the extreme is bad but not the regular dry lock.

[@justbeingtaylorr]

Rather then adding in cement coloring to the drylock, do you think I can drylock it, then use acrylic paint and paint it the colors I want and then seal it with the spray and it be okay for my beardie?

[@danielleb.7055]

This turned out amazing! The black paint totally took it to the next level. I have seen some people make different shades of the drylock/ cement dye and dry brush it on. I've personally never done this but maybe it'd be easier to do than paint the cracks? Idk but the hand painted cracks looked awesome. I guess it just it comes down preference. Anyway it's awesome have a great night

[@CyrusChung-jj7gm]

0:41 for the ledges

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

Now this is the kind of design I want to make for my Leo. Awesome dude.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you appreciate that! And good luck on your build

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

@@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988 Home Depot😎👌

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

@@mightymorphingreptiles Dude i looked everywhere at Home Depot even online I looked specifically for what everyone buys there and they don’t have it I even dug through everything on the insulation isle I don’t get it I’ll have to ask someone.

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

@@mightymorphingreptiles Either way thanks I saved your video it’s going to help a lot, you’re very artistic.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

@@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988 thank you I appreciate the kind words!🙏

[@drunkcropduster]

Now that this enclosure is a year old you should do an update on how the foam is holding up the their claws

[@jaroslavstepanek4123]

Jakou sílu skla jste zvolil

[@reptiletailz108]

Hey ok so here is my biggest question Bec I want so badly to do this but I have 6 beardies and 4 leos currently and occasionally breed so I'll deff be building ur baby rack that was sick however this one how do u keep the ledges clean when they shit on them?

[@leahwalczuk8556]

The enamel coating or whatever you use as a top coat should be thick enough where it’s like solid plastic and easy to clean I use polyurethane fast drying from mini wax in a can and it’s super easy to apply and super durable

[@jcr3208]

I have a question. How safe are DIY backgrounds made of Styrofoam and expanding foam? My concern is having a heat lamp just a few inches away from two materials that are flammable. Thank you!

[@harveyevans8408]

Spray foam is very heat resistant. Most are rated up to 90 degrees celcius. Not sure about styrofoam tho

[@bobbiwallace662]

love this .. i have the cage but never got doors on right now i know how going to give it to my leo gecko i love the rocks ty

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

You’re welcome and good luck to your build!

[@ctmihal]

Ok this is absolutely amazing!!!!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you

[@SultanAlmazmi-xt6kw]

Does this enclosure work for snakes?🤔

[@RossJ316JC]

😯nice work👍👍👏

[@AngelCasillo-n1f]

Does the foam ever separate from the walls when it dries? I saw someone use silicone before spraying the foam on, not sure if that's necessary or not

[@NatOStylist]

Very cool 😎

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thanks for watching and appreciate the kind words!🙏

[@deadbeat5165]

what kind of flooring is that?

[@Alextherelic1]

Any alternatives to dry lock it’s like 65 a gallon where I’m at 😭

[@OnePumpWiIy]

Could this work in a glass enclosure?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Yea it can. Check out some of my other bioactive builds

[@mckynziejohnson596]

how many cans of the foam did you use?

[@knightfury7212]

How long did you let the drylok cure?? I used extreme as well and with the heat lights on, it still gives a smell, it’s been like 3 weeks since it was painted. Any advice?

[@breannaa.1754]

I’ve heard not to use the Extreme version bc it has more toxicity and fumes due to having an added mold-resistant chemical added to it. I was told to use the Original version.

[@preppergirl2866]

I’m looking at clear sealers for the acrylic painted foam background, that I made. I can’t find any info on water based poly urethane’s safety in terrarium use. Is it safe for use in Dart Frog terrarium? I have Behr premium water base matte, on hand.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Sorry I can’t recommend it. I’d say join a dart frog Facebook group and asp

[@wcamericanmade9828]

How does drylock hold up to bearded dragons nails? Is it easy to clean as well ?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

It should hold up! It holds up against my collared lizard just fine. It’s pretty easy to clean in my opinion. The drylok extreme is a smooth based latex. While original is a sandy texture. My collared lizard poop on this background often and I have to problem getting it off. But I may be a lil difficult if your bearded dragons poops are always wet and smeary.

[@wcamericanmade9828]

@@mightymorphingreptiles Thank you! I'll have to give it a try

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

@@wcamericanmade9828 also a I’d recommend probably doing 3-4 layers of it since your bearded dragon will be bigger than my collared lizard.

[@wcamericanmade9828]

@@mightymorphingreptiles sounds good thank you for the advice!

[@josephbarrios5536]

Is the drylok safe for your reptile

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Yes it is. But it’s not safe for aquatic life. Just not safe if left submerged in water

[@dirtye1981]

Thanks for the videos. I’m following what you have done to make my own. Can we get an update on how this held up and how your dragon enjoys it?

[@lisavanderbloomen4935]

How long after you apply the Matt finish do you have to wait to put the lizard in the enclosure

[@g3eneralz382]

About a month.

[@jackveneto420yearsago7]

You should sell these

[@jennifernorton701]

I'd happily order it!

[@Supra_Na96]

Have you tried using the expansion foam that’s black? I think it’s for ponds? I’m not really sure. I saw someone use it on social media. I just remember it having a fish on the front, and said safe use with fish and water. I wasn’t sure if it dried differently, or expanded differently since it would be designed for use in or with water.

[@LoveForACountryHouse]

There is definitely a black spray foam. I got a couple of cans from ProSolutions. It costs a few dollars more.

[@stephencarlson7373]

this is super cool, but my beardie is such a fatty he'll crush those ledges if he (and he will) climb onto them. even though it's Styrofoam based, does it hold up well due to all of the sealant?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you! You don’t necessarily have to do it with ledges or exactly like me but just to give some ideas it’s great! It’s been holdin up great for my collared lizards.

[@meditationandenlightenment9060]

Looks amazing, I enjoyed your previous video where you built the enclosure too! My only concern would be the Styrofoam. Would it be safe in there with a basking light? Great videos very inspiring!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I haven’t had any issues I don’t use the background as a basking site. I use a separate brick my giy

[@reptiletailz108]

True good question tho

[@rfishrfish4242]

Lmaoff, what’s up with the howdy Doody hat?WTFLol

[@tokec8471]

How many spray foams did you went through?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Don’t remember to be honest probably 3-4 cans

[@TheLumberZak]

Can they walk on it?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

yes they can

[@traxxassender9882]

bluds hat isn't hating lol

[@LisaCupelli]

😂 your hat

[@dustinb419]

who wants to build me one?

[@scrigs532]

hey ccan you tell me where you got that enclosure pls

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I mad the enclosure

[@scrigs532]

@@mightymorphingreptiles thx btw can you make a foam background on pvc walls?

[@ReptilianUnion]

How long did you let this dry? I followed step by step and I’ve finished just wondering maybe how long it should be before I allow my beardie dex to move in? Thank you

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I can’t remember off the top of my head. But you must at least wait till All the smell of the fumes is gone for sure. I’d say at least 2-4 days. I may have waited like 2-3. It’s been quite awhile since I made this now

[@ReptilianUnion]

@@mightymorphingreptilesthank you for the fast reply! It’s been about 48 hours for me still got some fumes going on but I’ll definitely keep on waiting. Really appreciate it the reply!!!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

@@ReptilianUnion you’re welcome man! You caught me playing on my phone at the right time lolz. Go by the smell of the fumes is my best advice. As everyone’s setup is different ya know?

[@ReptilianUnion]

@@mightymorphingreptiles yessir. Thank you!!

[@ReptilianUnion]

@@mightymorphingreptilesit came out great and he’s loving it! Can’t thank you enough for this video!!

[@FooManPu2]

This dude is the same dude that was wearing flipflops while cutting wood, and now he's cutting foam with a steak knife TOWARDS himself.

[@patryk4793]

improperly made ventilation, poor air circulation