Rock Wall background tutorial for lizard cage -slate rock

[@AbRealProduction]

I have way too much love for this narration style

[@crazybrain641]

Thank you for this tutorial! My bearded dragon’s store bought background melted and I’ve been looking for a homemade alternative. This was very helpful and you seem like you know what you’re doing.

[@kenbad8271]

I know this is an old video but I felt that I had to comment. WOW!!! it's the best there is anywhere your the best when it comes to DIY backgrounds and I am going to try your technique ASAP.

[@LizardLandscapes]

Thanks Ken! Good luck on the background!

[@mapsandviolins1]

I'm glad I found your channel. It's a great resource. Awesome work on this one. It looks amazingly lifelike.

[@thegirlwithkaleidoscopeeye1827]

You're like the Bob Ross of the reptile world. "I'm not sure where he's going with this... What is that? It looks like a big blog of... Good god, it's a rock wall."

[@makeitcool]

You kind of remind me of Bob Ross, just add a happy little rock here... lol Great job, now my mind is dreaming up all kinds of projects.

[@Mekhanic1]

I know right? he should read zen poetry

[@savvygarcia7862]

😂😂I was thinking that too!! He's the Bob Ross of Reptile enclosure backgrounds 🤣

[@medoskill]

so I just finnished my wall, it looks way better than I expected, thanks to you and your videos! Cheers!

[@KLGB420]

Ive been looking for ideas for my leopard gecko. This one looks like a winner to me. Great job and great video! Thank you.

[@LizardLandscapes]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cinbrandt]

You can get a hot wire foam cutter at any craft store. I got mine at Michael's for really cheap and I use it for so many different things.

[@mohamedalabbasi8925]

Wonderful work and not easy you are an artist .. now you make me sad .. because im extremely love this piece and can't do it like you

[@motodrip1643]

Are those ledges strong enough to hold the weight of a bearded dragon mine is about 14"

[@leenewey4683]

Love the video, what is the sealant as I cant find a list ?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I used Shields All

[@leenewey4683]

What is the sealant you use ?

[@gennaromenafra4335]

if you want to make flower pots just do a square and then glue it in it will look basic at the start but you can do the smae thing as the hide covering it with rocks and the it will worked like flower pots

[@pallysupatra]

great vdo! is this suitable for aquarium also?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Thanks! No, it's not suitable for under water.

[@dalohe82]

Which foam coat is better for a snake? the regular one, or the exterior one?

[@sleepinglizard781]

Awesome paint job! Looks so real!

[@FaZeZombieslayer]

If you were selling these id probably buy some for my cages

[@medicated_maddie]

Thank you for your responses they are very helpful. For cleaning the fake rock would you use light water if you use shields all? Or is it ok to give it a hose down for cleaning purposes. Other than that only light mist would be put on the structure. Or would food grade silicone be the best bet. Thank you so much.

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Madison K It's probably best to use food grade silicone.

[@losouth2209]

I am wondering if when you use the bounce with the foam coat, do I need the shields all if I mix the acrylic in the last few coats? Thx!

[@michaelpoissenot]

you remind me of Bob Ross....... to watch you relaxes me.... please make more videos...... your my Prozac dude..... thanks

[@ArduinoTronic]

Re hotwire - cheapest way is a coathanger heated with a propane torch or the stove....

[@leenewey4683]

Brilliant, what glue do you use as im in the U.K ?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I used Loctite's Power Grab

[@mimilee7410]

Love the narration! Narrative and painting made me think of Bob Ross...

[@dave5903]

Awesome videos. What sealant do you use? I looked and can't seem to find it called out. Thanks again!

[@LizardLandscapes]

Shields All

[@razvan701]

First thank you very very much for this video .i want to ask if i use cement and then expoxy resit will resist in aquarium ?i mean the longer pieces will not brake ?what do you think

[@LizardLandscapes]

Not sure, I've not done that before.

[@medicated_maddie]

Also, if I have a tropical lizard like a water dragon would I need to add a layer of silicone to prevent any ware? Or is it not necessary

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Madison K I can only advise these for a dry environment cage. You can try the silicone just make sure it's food grade.

[@sarahsittenauer8078]

Hey, First I want to say awesome video and I LOVE all of your projects!! They're amazing!! Secondly I wanted to ask you a question about the sealant you use, if I was to make this for a crested gecko which needed their cages misted often would it still hold up or should I use something else?

[@iwistudio7337]

If you got a water proof sealant I don’t see why not

[@reaper22387]

I love your builds but wish I knew witch ones I can use for my fish tank?

[@LizardLandscapes]

With these techniques I would say none, but I have heard of many using concrete, -and then doing washes to get the ph correct, -and having success with it.

[@ИгорьИгорь-к1ъ]

And what kind of glue and paint do you use? On what basis? Why use it yet? And still a huge mystery to me that in the paint? From what you powder it smeschivaete in what proportions?

[@wtfjosh985]

Did you watch the video? He mentioned the glue he was using and also a video of the materials he uses.

[@beachaddict7653]

I love your work. I would like to see a angola or Namibia desert rocky outcrop.

[@LizardLandscapes]

Thanks! Yes, I need to do another desert scene!

[@jimjones_koolaid]

I've seen a video that sais it's safe to use the minwax polystain and polyurethane clear in a lizard enclosure. Do you know if it's safe to use?? I'm building an enclosure for my water Dragon and I'd like to know for sure that it won't be harmful.

[@SuperLayce]

Hi, would this be suitable to run a waterfall through and would this product be ok sitting in a small pool of water? I'm wanting to make a vivarium for my Green Tee Python with a rock wall at the back and a very shallow lagoon at the bottom... Thanks! I love your vids! :)

[@LizardLandscapes]

Layce Manns You would have to cover everything that water is touching with aquarium grade silicone.

[@cprn.]

In regards to water repellent sealant... You often remark it might not be water resistant. Did you ever test it? E.g. can't you just put a small piece of covered styro in water for few weeks and see what happens?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I've never tested it for fully submerged under water -long duration. For that I would recomend aquarium grade silicone.

[@cprn.]

Yes, I understand that. It's probably just me but I would prefer to make an experiment out of it instead of having to repeat myself in every video. It only takes a jar of water, 2cm dice of covered styrofoam sample and a shelf to leave it on.

[@bradvonoven9313]

Did you only use the hotwire to shape the rocks or did you torch it as well to melt it some?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Just to shape the rocks.

[@ok_iot]

Maybe a list of all tools and items used at the beginning?

[@sergiodraw]

I have seen your other videos and I wanted to ask you a question, what materials do you use to seal the end? neutral silicone resin,? and to glue the pieces of polyurethane glue ?, serves any isolates that cement glue? thank you very much! I subscribe!

[@LizardLandscapes]

With this project I used a non-toxic sealant called Shields All, which is water resistant, but not water proof. To glue the pieces together I use Loctite's Power Grab. Have you watched the materials list video?

[@novym]

@@LizardLandscapes is it possible to use HWFF all purpose foam coat in a spray form? I have a lot of tight spots on my reptile background and using a brush is proving to be very tedious

[@ristovgyorge453]

Hallo bruda brutal super 10+ aber was ist thise grund beton oder? Danke

[@gwenlionlefey]

Where did you find the cool cutting wires for your soldering iron?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Gracie Spacecadet They are from the Hot Wire Foam Factory.

[@pmahendra24]

1st thank for this wonderful video.... just tell me bro...which kind of color use for paint a wall ?

[@LizardLandscapes]

MAHENDRA PATIL There were several different colors used, -all very earthy.

[@MHRubel-tg8nd]

its cool but need detail about color and etc . i don't know whats that gray color . you told foam code. whats that

[@LizardLandscapes]

I used acrylic paint. Foam coat is a strengthening agent, -I got it from the Hot wire foam factory.

[@MHRubel-tg8nd]

thank you. is foam coat available in market?

[@LizardLandscapes]

It's available on the Hot wire foam factory website or amazon.

[@ralphdacanay1926]

can i use cement? or cement and grout are just the same?

[@sealymoss]

I love this video and plan to make one but I’m subscribing for your voice. Oh wow, your voice! Mmm. Are you a radio dj? Narrate documentaries? You should.

[@LizardLandscapes]

Thanks Sealy!

[@kennethyoung1980]

Would you do a reptile enclosure that is a combined background and underground hide and tunnels for like a leopard gecko. I have a 20 gallon long. Totally respect and look up to you and your amazing work! Such a big fan from Smiths Falls ,Ontario ,Canada .

[@LizardLandscapes]

Sorry, these projects are just too time consuming. Have you thought about attempting it yourself?

[@kennethyoung141]

@@LizardLandscapes I am going to just thought if you needed ideas , then I could see what you would do! Lol. You have amazing eye for this.

[@darrylortiz8119]

You make it look so easy lol nice job I'm working on mine now an it's nothing like yours

[@blgad2010]

Will the polystyrene break if a bearded dragon sat on the larger ledges?

[@whitecyborg2449]

Yeah

[@evanlenahan3598]

do you think this adhesive and foam would be able to hold full grown ackie monitors?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Not sure on that one, they might be too heavy.

[@carlsaam7770]

I'm thinking of doing something similar for a tropical terrarium where the humidity would be 50-70% (gargoyle gecko). Could I use that aquarium-grade silicone and have it not crumble?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I would advise against it. It would be quite difficult to get into all the little cracks.

[@elvis_ismyking530]

is that foam coat stuff safe for frogs?? I didnt see the ingredients list for it?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Don't know if I recommend creating this for a wet environment, but the last stage is what makes this non-toxic. You need to cover it with a non-toxic water resistant sealer like Shields All.

[@abrahamnutrition]

What you would you do to make this for a wet environment? That is safe for animals.

[@LizardLandscapes]

I wouldn't, because it would then be very difficult to guarantee it safe for animals.

[@PotiaGraphy]

may i know whats type of colour u use.?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Earthy colors.

[@karlboyer9591]

How much would you charge me to build one for a 55 gallon tank.

[@colbolt54]

My roughneck monitor requiers 130 degree heat will this foam hold uo to this basking type heat and humidity?

[@LizardLandscapes]

It should hold up. Is it only the basking spot that gets to 130F? To make the basking spot tougher: when you get to the sealant stage keep adding (to the basking spot) layers of sand then sealant then sand and repeat until the surface becomes very tough.

[@delfinsieiro1004]

hello!!! i wanted to know if u can do this for my terrarium???

[@tonkalittle-fawn105]

Would this work for a turtle? he has a 3 foot dry basking area that this would look good with

[@LizardLandscapes]

Tonka Little-Fawn Does he tend to nibble his environment?

[@tonkalittle-fawn105]

No he might climb on it but won't eat anything besides his food

[@LizardLandscapes]

Tonka Little-Fawn If you've got water in his cage then depending on where it is you might have to apply aquarium grade silicone to areas that would have water hitting it.

[@tonkalittle-fawn105]

Okay thank you very much

[@KrystalN]

Do you make and sell? Ship? I’d be completely interested??

[@tekkux]

if i use clear lacquer as a protective coat is there any diff? once dries it isnt toxic right?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Not sure on that one. I would contact the company to see if it's animal safe.

[@amandasalgado6876]

Would something like that be heat-resistant for a basking spot?

[@alyssazoto8497]

Just curious, how would you fasten it to the back of the enclosure? I have a melamine enclosure so maybe some velcro or something?

[@LizardLandscapes]

They should be heavy enough to stay in place, but I've also used velcro in the past.

[@umanggupta8539]

what is the sealent and why its needs

[@dennisatkins9837]

That looks fantastic! Great job!

[@LizardLandscapes]

Thanks Dennis!

[@abelgomez8698]

What is the powder he uses in the video to cover the foam ?? Please answer back i really want to do this. Please help me

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Abel Gomez I used Foam Coat from the Hot Wire Foam Factory, but you can also use non-sanded grout.

[@ziffa27]

What we can use instead of "Shields All" from people from Europe/Malta because it is so expensive the shipping

[@andygipson7908]

Can Owens Corning FOAMULAR 150 1 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-5 Tongue and Groove Insulation Sheathing be used?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Not sure, never used it.

[@sddragons843]

What type of tools are those can you get them at Home Depot

[@LizardLandscapes]

You can get them at the Hot Wire Foam Factory.

[@plumtucker9514]

I couldn't get a minute in without noticing the spit sounds, sounded like you were mid-chewing gum. but the rock wall looks great.

[@reptileforest2643]

RIGHT I WAS DYING FROM THE NOISE LOL IT WAS A GOOD VIDEO BUT THIS KILLED ME

[@ouj3070]

that apply to polystyrene materials after creating the wall?

[@LizardLandscapes]

+OSIRIS URBINA I applied foam coat, but you can also apply non-sanded grout.

[@jjhill001]

Is there any method you could use that would not be so glossy?

[@LizardLandscapes]

jjhill001 Not that I know of.

[@KevinK87]

What sealant did you use to seal it

[@LizardLandscapes]

This was a while back, but I believe I used "Shields All" -it's a non-toxic water resistant sealer.

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

Awesome looking dude... great job.

[@seselapaz]

how can I make this project for an aquarium?

[@jomarvazquez5241]

Hi, I wonder that materials you used to tarnish and what type of paint to use Thanks

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Jomar Vazquez There's a materials list video on the channel.

[@katieliz]

I can't find this materials list

[@pocketpj2722]

I have a California king snake and I want to give him a more natural vivarium type thing, would this be safe for a snake??

[@LizardLandscapes]

It might not because of the strength of the snake.

[@medicated_maddie]

Could you glue the back of the polystyrene to the back of the cage?

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Madison K You could, but it might be easier to clean if it's removable.

[@turtlephobic7297]

AWESOME BRO..AWESOME. Im just speechless of how good this looks I've been thinking about getting a leopard gecko but its a definite now cuz im gonna make this. Ever thought about building a underground hide?

[@LizardLandscapes]

That's a good idea, -with the ability to look in through openings. I though about doing a Grand Canyon one for spiders or scorpions.

[@crowcorpse1562]

LizardLandscapes what you should do for turtle phobic above is make a table like thing with a bottom and top and open in the front but closed on the sides and back and then have a ramp with a little bit of a ledge coming over to get in and out and the top of the cave can hold substrate and all the other stuff and the gecko could go down to get out of the light and cool down :)

[@darrylortiz8119]

What's up with the prices for them

[@Jakeurb8ty82]

Todd Berry does DIY lol - nice instructions cant wait to try some of this out

[@pattycakes1146]

Wow you did such an amazing job! I'm going to do a wall like you have but use two plastic Halloween skulls to press into the background and some great stuff to create a tree stump. Really good job

[@THUNDERPIGGY50]

Can u do like a canyon floor

[@elizabethstein369]

can this be used in an aquarium? Or will things be toxic to fish or dissolve over time?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I wouldn't use it for anything with water.

[@priyankgupta4628]

Sir please help make this mountain to make this for aquarium I just want to know that use use mud or what for first and also what you use for colour and after making how much time to take this project to sunlight and how much tym in water for good use my some will die when I use some other processes

[@LizardLandscapes]

+PRIYANK GUPTA Not sure I understand you. I wouldn't use this for underwater.

[@blackgt0]

Love the videos man. I have been working on a project too now for almost 6 months. I kind of underestimated how long this actually takes haha. I wanted to ask if you have ever tried using color washes? I have noticed you typically go in with a brush and black paint to create shadows between the rocks but than can get a little too streaky if you're not careful. Watching videos on youtube related to model train scenery and miniature gaming terrain has really helped me. My black wash consists of a mixture of 1:1:60 black calligraphy ink, pledge multi-surface acrylic floor wax, and distilled water respectively. I have 3 ml droppers which hold about 60 drops total, so basically 1 drop of ink and acrylic for every dropper full of water. The acrylic (much like acrylic flow aid from Golden or Liquidtex) breaks the surface tension of the water and allows the pigment to only settle in the crevices. You can go with a stronger load of ink but remember you will slightly darken everything so you don't want to over power it. This also works great for blending areas. I have some "iron/rust deposits" in my slate wall so I drybushed a couple layers of dark brown to red brown, went back over it with a little dark and light grey, and then washed it with that same red brown color to bring it all back together. You can really bring out some complexity with this method. Oh also use a 1-2" foam brush and just press it into the wall. You will want to hold a paper towel up against the model if you don't want the color to run all the way to the bottom. I tried spraying the wash with an air brush but it provided too much of an even coating effectively darkening everything. One quick caveat though, since you are using a highly dilute mixture of water it will dissolve some of the foam coat. You definitely don't want to do more than two wash layers in quick succession. I was in a hurry and did four layers and before I knew it I had chunks of acrylic and foam coat just falling off my wall. I have read that altering your paint layers with oil or spray paint can keep the two from mixing but you also risk melting the foam. The other method I heard from Woodland Scenics was to apply their Scenic Cement (which is basically just 1/2 water with 1/2 Elmers glue) before applying the final layer of black to cut down on bleed through. I am actually just about to try this so I can let you know how it turns out. Anyway, hope this helps. Again love the videos--well maybe not the religious stuff by I am an evil atheist :). If you want to see some build photos search rcl27cornell on photobucket and click on the terrarium folder. The painting starts on the second page. Cheers!

[@michaelcouture5282]

Thanks for the post. If you ever get a video up of this process, please link here. I've been wanting to turn a few of my ideas into legit backgrounds, and knowing the different processes will really help. I'm pretty crafty with my DIY skills, and I'll probably get carried away with these backgrounds once I start. But I really want to make sure that these are safe and reliable enough to actually keep in the cages, under the stress of hot lights and lizard claws.

[@blackgt0]

michael couture I probably won't make a video because I have already moved on to the sealing stage. If you look up woodland scenics color wash on here you should be able to find their videos. I will also attest to putting on a layer of 1/2 elmers glue (the standard stuff, not the school kind, I think it's called max something) and 1/2 water for those final black coats. The color coats work better before the glue since it will mix freely with all the colors. The glue seemed to help protect your dry brushed areas more and allow the black to really just settle in the crevices. As to how safe everything is with lizards I have no clue. I am building my wall for a carnivorous plant terrarium so I don't have to worry about claws. Well some plants have claws but none that can attack the foam haha. And yea it is very easy to get carried away with this. I started with a basic cliff wall and waterfall, then added a stream across the top, then added pots inside the wall, then ran coolant pipes through those pots to better manage night time temps, then added a secondary waterfall in front of a pot, and yea you can see the general trend lol. Still it has been a lot of fun and surprisingly easy to do. I still get excited every time I look at my wall like holy hell I actually built that! If you do decide to build one good luck!

[@Es-rp4ys]

Is acrylic paint toxic to lizards?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Omar Calderon It might be, that's why I used a non-toxic sealant at the end as a last stage.

[@LeopardGeckoBreeder1]

Would this work in an 8ft blackthroat monitor cage?

[@whitecyborg2449]

Brody - no

[@uroslukic2018]

which is the weight in the second step prior to the first staining?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Uros Lukic Are you asking about how much it weighs?

[@farhadjalali7450]

great job , but i actually want something to put it in a real aquarium not dry on, could U please do same project on it

[@miist3rp1974]

i've followed your other videos and i'm stuck with the grouting. I put the light coat on then a little thicker. I'm using the premixed grout. However i'm getting light pieces of loose grout. Yours looks like it's dried solid without the loose bits. is this ok?

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Aaron Poponne You shouldn't have loose bits. Can you mix a thicker batch of grout, or is the premixed set?

[@miist3rp1974]

The premix is set and it's pretty thick. I had to add some water to apply it. It's not 'flaking' but if I run my hand over it small pieces about sand size come off on different areas.

[@miist3rp1974]

The guy from home Depot thought it was because I used one that wasn't premixed and had too much water. So I bought the premixed instead

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Aaron Poponne It might help to add more layers and see if that helps to solidify the mortar. When I was using grout the first layer was always a little thin and unstable, but the more layers I applied the better it got.

[@miist3rp1974]

I just checked it and it's not as bad. It could be because it's not fully dry. I've put on 3 coats. I also noticed on the bottom of yours it wasn't completely coated is that ok

[@eduardalegre4535]

How do you glue the background to the terrarium?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I don't, -so you can take it out and clean it.

[@marysal9488]

What is the foam coat ? Can i use cement instead of it ? Pleas answer me .

[@LizardLandscapes]

It's a strengthening agent, cement might not work as well.

[@marysal9488]

LizardLandscapes Thanks alot . I love what you do .you are amazing .

[@renzopalacios2081]

what materials did you use to make the stones?

[@LizardLandscapes]

I used polystyrene, foam coat, and acrylic paint. I've got a materials list video on the channel.

[@fishingwithspencie]

were you chewing gum during this voice over or were you just dehydrated?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Neither, -just tired.

[@rubitaaahh]

what material you use? I'm sorry if I don't write well, I from spain.

[@LizardLandscapes]

Check out the materials list video on my channel.

[@rubitaaahh]

You know if I can find these materials in spain

[@LizardLandscapes]

Sonia Fernández Don't know about that.

[@Archeopterix2680]

Your english is good.

[@leenewey4683]

Could I use mod podge clear acrylic sealer ?

[@LizardLandscapes]

Depends on if it's for a wet environment.

[@behnam2778]

Hi. Where is your materials page?

[@LizardLandscapes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCXmHargLd2m7c www.lizard-landscapes.com/lizard-cage-questions.html

[@sunshinetomoonshine1645]

would it sustain 80 percent humidity

[@LizardLandscapes]

I wouldn't make it for wet environments.

[@razinwadkar2446]

witch types of colors u use for painting

[@LizardLandscapes]

Earthy colors. Brown, gray, black, sandstone, some dull burnt reds and oranges (gray mixed with red or orange).

[@meryemeli5290]

LizardLandscapes Ela👍👍

[@meryemeli5290]

LizardLandscapes Please Bird was the first of what the water flowing white

[@ravenbeaudine7281]

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the video!

[@K_RTUSH]

Hello!!! What solution have pulverized to background to resist water?

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Robert Ursu I used a non-toxic sealant called Shields All. It's only water resistant, -not to be submerged in water.

[@K_RTUSH]

+LizardLandscapes and if I want to put him in the aquarium???

[@LizardLandscapes]

+Robert Ursu I wouldn't advise doing that.

[@acgaming9568]

could you sell some of your items?

[@zachmiller8568]

Do you sell these?

[@layankees08]

Hello LizardLandscapes, Is any of the product safe to freshwater aquarium fish? Can I use the same product and supplies for freshwater aquarium fish? Please advice and thank you in advance

[@LizardLandscapes]

I wouldn't recommend it for any underwater purposes, or even wet environment cages.