Delicate eyes are at risk, and these ground shells can scratch corneas and otherwise irritate the eyes. The outcome of the ledge was very very rough with sharp points sticking out of it. Can I just make a water dish and have that be safe for my pet? Depending on the ingredients, commercial tortoise food is only a supplement, most of their food should be dried grasses, fresh greens or safe weeds, veggies like squash, and some fruits like raspberries. Mixing Tub for Grout (I use half of a six pint plastic milk container) ... make sure your design is appropriate to the species in your care and will facilitate the reptiles natural behaviours. Sand-only enclosures should be avoided for most reptiles, even desert species. (Response). I have sold a few. In Practice, March 2013 You can use some washed playsand as a type of grout to hold the tiles in place, but be sure food will not be dragged through it and cause accidental swallowing. It’s made from calcium carbonate – basically crushed antacid tablets. Hemp bedding has been known to kill tortoises, so this is likely not a good choice, although some brands may be more finely processed and softer than others. I’ve tried very many methods, but no way would one work. I am totally new in this whole idea of customizing what I can see in my head. I plan on buying a smaller lizard and partition off half until it gets bigger so would put the reflector dome on one end for now and cover some of the unused portion. For the sharp edges, I always go over the project with a very fine sandpaper, being careful not to apply too much pressure. My projects will usually grow by about a quarter inch in each direction, all depending on the thickness of grout in each layer. From the top its easy since u have space, but if u lay down the terrarium on its back and fit the back wall in to see how it looks, how would u take it out again? Always research your bedding thoroughly! shavings as bedding. Avoid housing your lizards on bark chips, as they are very likely to ingest substrate as part of their food-finding routine of tongue-flicking and tasting. Bark chips could be an acceptable substrate for some reptiles, such as snakes that are tong-fed or placed in a separate enclosure to feed. Fill any small gaps between the Styrofoam pieces with expanding foam. http://inpractice.bmj.com/content/35/3/123.full, Why on earth? I would recommend using ceramics for a water dish. Instead of using a coarse scrubber, you should opt for a pad that’s safe to use on stone, such as a granite cleaning pad or a nylon brush. What I was wondering is that, I understand that your concept is mainly meant for terrariums, but do you think that in your opionion it could be suitable for an aquatic environment? However, rough scrubbers aren’t good for cleaning grout because they can damage both the grout and the tiles. Water Every substrate has its own set of risks, and a bare floor is unfriendly to reptiles. Any suggestions? Please avoid cedar bedding! This would be helpful information for people trying to compensate. A perfect set up usually involves a 50-50 split of land and water, just make sure you use non-chlorinated water. There are several color options available to fit with you on your design ideas. Make a rock-like hide for your snake or other reptile! Try researching Marine epoxy, a lot of people use that for underwater sealing. So the first layer is never extremely watery. Usually what people do is get a cage large enough for adult, which would be at least 18 inches deep by at least 18 inches tall by 48 inches long. You should be able to find most of this stuff at an arts and crafts store. Click here to read Privacy Policy and Disclaimer. Hello all. It’s made from calcium carbonate – basically crushed antacid tablets. It would be fine if administered in small amounts on top of food as a calcium supplement, but over time, frequent ingestion will reduce stomach acid. It’s a sub-type of pica, the eating of non-food items. Please Help! http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/hemp.htm, Calcium Sand Substrates – Dangers. If you want to go with a more natural looking bedding instead of paper towel or other tank liner, follow these important steps: Geophagy, the eating of dirt, soil or clay, has been identified in nearly 300 animal species, including reptiles. If you have a tall cage your bearded dragon is apt to want to climb it and could possibly have a fall. Clay that has been fired then glazed and fired again would be completely sterile and non-toxic. Leftovers will dry out while you're waiting between coats. Or can I use a different type of glue? But, the only place I've been able to find shields all is at this site: www.hytechsales.com/prod50.html. Whichever you use, though, make sure you let it air out for a good while. Should I be worried about this? I've never had to cure grout. http://www.rabbit.org/care/shavings.html, High rat pup mortality attributed to the use of cedar-wood Always, let the fumes air out before placing anything into your reptile's enclosure. The silicone didn't make it look as weird as I thought it would. $20 or $30 for a hide is ridiculous. I followed your instructional video for beginners. My 13 old wants a Bearded Dragon and I am planning on building a vivarium for it and getting him one for Christmas. Do I have to smooth out the grout before it dries? Most commercial sand products are made from ground quartz, which is silica in its natural form. Provide furnishings that stimulate natural behaviors – climbing, basking, jumping, etc. It looks and feels pretty dry, but it has only been an hour or two (I have a fan blowing on it). You don't want the lizard ingesting particles from the grout. Non-sanded grout (white is the cheapest -I use a brand called Polyblend) I've also been using "Foam Coat" from the Hot Wire Foam Factory. Any indigestible particulate substrate, such as soil, cocofiber, sand, etc. http://www.beardeddragonlady.com/impaction–constipation.html, High Fungal Spore Load in Corncob Bedding Associated with Fungal-Induced Rhinitis in Two Rats. I'll probably go with this type of bulb I've asked about (the Mercury vapor bulb) and use a reflector dome and just sit it on top of the screen like I see them do at the pet shops. I plan on making a nest out of unsanded grout for my Tetramorium immigrans colony, but I’ve heard that grout doesn’t absorb water too well. Especially ones that are specifically marketed to reptile keepers despite known concerns voiced by hobbyists and vets. The fake rock will be sealed with shields all which can handle splashes, and I will also be able to change out the water every day very easily. I have a question for u: In your vids u make a back wall for terrariums with a top sided opening. Those had to be washed heavily because of beardie gifts . i cant seem to find that desert sand color and i am having a hard time replicating it. Most desert-dwellers live in rocky outcrops or sun-baked clay with only a few patches of sand in their environment. A dollar store water bottle -I usually use three or four. Reptile Habitat Reptile House Reptile Room Reptile Cage Reptile Enclosure Bearded Dragon Habitat Bearded Dragon Cage Bearded Dragon Terrarium Reptiles. Fine grade orchid bark or cypress mulch can be fine for some species, but avoid chunks of hard bark or coco husk that are small enough to swallow. This I was unsure of. It molds if too much moisture is present. A fire belly toad would probably be fine if you sanded with fine grain sandpaper the entire structure after you've applied sand. You’ll need to decide what is appropriate for you and your pet. You have to know your pet lizard's climbing tendencies and skill level. There is always the option of applying two layers of aquarium grade silicone, the second layer just as a backup. Choose any color you want of the acrylic paints. Try this out on a small sample piece until you see the look you want. Can you confirm this? Another question: Hey, question, how long should I wait between grouting? Some substrates that are good for one environment type are not necessarily good for another. The problem though is that when I did sand off the points, I realized it sanded down into the 2 layer of grout. For jungle species, a mix of potting soil and peat moss or coir (coconut fiber) can be used with a top dressing of leaves or loose sphagnum moss. Things that clump will stick to tongues and get into food; once swallowed, they can wreak havoc on the intestines. I have been watching your videos. To maintain this water-proof quality, all grout will need to be properly maintainedrepaired when cracks form and periodically sea… please advise. DIY Grout Reptile Hide. The temps would have to be way higher than 110° F for polystyrene to even come close to melting -and that's with no grout on it. Every pet owner's main concern should be the safety and/or health of their pet first, and cage decorations second. In an enclosed space, an animal cannot escape the fumes from cedar wood shavings, and plicatic acid can actually destroy cells that line the lungs and trachea. With most modern rectified, square-edged porcelain tiles, your grout lines may only be 1.5mm to 2mm wide. During the milling process, the particles are left jagged and sharp. Watch the Materials List Video below! Even if you were to create a "tiny" waterfall, if you were to use the same pump I used, the water level has to be at least 2 1/2 inches deep. There are relatively few reptiles that live predominantly in sand; notable exceptions are shovel-nose snakes and sandfish skinks. Eating substrate habitually can be the result of health issues or as an aberrant behavior due to captivity or a lacking environment. You could always create an outline of the back of your cage. I would get some cardboard or posterboard (after measuring the back of your cage) and draw out the dimensions onto the cardboard, and then keep putting the rock wall against the outline of what your cage dimensions will be. What about making fake rock for heavier lizards such as an iguana? Aspen can also be ingested while feeding, so only use it if it won’t stick to food; use tongs or feed in a separate tub. When using a packaged bedding for horses or small animals, make sure you sift it and remove sharp pieces. The sealant also makes your life much much easier, as it is the sealer that enables you to clean a pet's poop out of the reptile habitat very easily and without eroding the grout structure. This means should he or she get a case of the munchies or find themselves feeling curious, you won’t have to worry about them eating anything toxic. If you're still concerned -do what I did for the complex structure's basking spot; which is apply a couple of layers of cheap tile to the basking spot and then cover all of that with grout. As we get knee-deep in winter I'll reduce the time that the light is on a little bit more. They have plenty of different types of food and water dishes at pet stores for a reptile habitat. The Dangers of Softwood Shavings, George Flentke. So I guess my question is, is it worth it money wise to construct your own pet decor? Just covered the grout models in water based paint and 7-8 coats of Polycrylic. What is good for some won’t be right for all. Will this type of project be safe under a basking light and ceramic heat bulb....temps 100F - 105F during the day, as i know polystyrene/styprofoam melts and gives off poisonous fumes at high temps.. The other option is to not add sand as a last stage, assuming a fire belly toad has the ability to climb smooth surfaces (not vertical smooth). Jul 26, 2014 - DIY reptile background made with styrofoam, expanding foam, and grout It all depends on how cool your house or apartment gets at night, for example I'm currently not using one of these because the temperature in my house does not go below 65°F. These are great for kitchen floors and backsplashes, but they aren’t good for bathrooms because they won’t allow water that’s trapped underneath the tile to evaporate…and this can lead to mildew. Then you went on to say you liked the mercury vapor bulb and in describing it said that it also gave off heat. This has the benefit of retaining heat and keeping claws filed down. You need to know your reptile species! I got everything at home depot except the acrylic paint, the sealant and the dollar store water bottles and the fine grain sand. If you prefer text, feel free to scroll down below the videos to read text tutorials, but waterfalls parts are just in the videos. It will be 4 ft long, 2 ft high, and 14 inches wide. I am now re-painting the entire project before sealing again. Reptile “calci sand” is not safe because it is too much of a good thing. Pet Supplies Pet Profiles Dogs Cats Fish & Aquatics Small Animals Birds Reptiles Horses Deals & Coupons Pet Care Tips Subscribe & Save 1-24 of 83 results for Pet Supplies : "grout stain remover" Skip to main search results So when I say my light is 12 inches away, I really mean it's roughly 12 inches away from the top of the head of my pet bearded Dragon. Step 1 Choose an edge of the enclosure where the heat pad will go, if you are using one. The Fake rock techniques I use don't hold up to water being on it 24/7 -365 in a lizard cage, unless you use aquarium grade silicone. At this width, the grout line is quite narrow, and so the usual approach to is go for a colour-matched or blended tone, so the grout line is relatively unobtrusive. The third layer had more of a thick paste texture. Complex one In addition, you can do what I did in the large complex fake rock project. I suppose if you do not have a tall cage than your bearded Dragon would not be able to get into too much trouble, therefore a back rock wall would be fine. A bit of a new discovery amongst bearded dragon enthusiasts, is shelf liner as a substrate.. Easy to clean and relatively inexpensive, shelf liner makes a GREAT substrate option and can last up to several years before needing to be replaced.. You also have to take into consideration the size of the lizard, because obviously that will add two to 4 inches to the measurement. Severe cases include corneal scratches and silicosis, bronchitis and lung cancer. Products like Loctite hold fairly quickly so that one can progress faster in building their project. These projects are quite time-consuming (and a bit of a mess), and are a little more expensive to make -than one might think, but in spite of all that they can be quite fun. There are many options when it comes to reptile enclosures. Just make sure you're real thorough in the application process and you should be fine. I can not find any trace of a date of expiry or anything on it. I applied 3 more layers hoping that it would get rid of the dust but it didn't seem to have much of an effect. I would like to do this as it sounds quite fun and I like to change things up in my reptiles habitat every now and then. The "Shields All" can be found at this address: www.hytechsales.com/prod50.html, For the waterfalls you will want to get aquarium grade silicone (I got mine at Home Depot). Another question: What type of "mod podge" do you use? What I did for the fake rock waterfall was apply four layers of non-toxic acrylic and then one layer of silicone. These enlarged hexagons have 20 different textured designs that come together to create varying patterns when arranged together. Sometimes I'll just go to an arts and crafts store and try to buy the specific color already mixed to the exact shade and intensity. The sand stone color is a combination of yellow white and brown. I've heard of bearded dragons successfully being around a very shallow and small water dish, but that's pretty much the end of the line as far as water and bearded dragons -are concerned. Check out the canyon theme waterfall page for alternative ideas to creating waterfalls. I use the matte type. He said that it was, and that it would be ok to lick even. If you choose to paint the grout, you may want to choose a white, or light color. This give me a headache because when the bottom part dried, it dried unevenly thus leading to sharp edges. can cause impaction if eaten in excess. Though I could not find it on the bottle, the Lowes salesperson claimed that it was non-toxic. A well-hydrated reptile can more easily pass swallowed substrate. Some tortoises may also take edible flowers like squash blossoms. It makes the project look shiny. I tried applying a sealant called "Aqua Mix Penetrating Sealant" it did get rid of some of the dust but not completely. I try to simulate the sunrise and sunset of the season. Shields All can be found here: www.hytechsales.com/prod50.html, Non-toxic fine grain sand (I've been using sandtastik -internet). MA Royals, DM Getzy, S VandeWoude, Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science, 1999. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12086454, Hemp Beddding and Substrates for Tortoises – Danger Warning, A. C. Highfield, Tortoise Trust. Yeah, I did quite a bit of research concerning water in general and bearded dragons. anyway my main question though is my iguana is about 3 feet long, and i was going to make the rocks and water fall but then i remembered they grow quite big. I tried sanding off the rough edges and was pretty successful. Tile is my personal favorite substrate. Some reptiles show interest in inedible items and will eat them despite not being viable foods. If it was a 160 W bulb the basking spot would have to be 18 inches away. I have a bag of Wickes Charcoal grout which I was going to use for my quarry tiles. google_ad_client="pub-1609170911902733";google_ad_slot="3211353972";google_ad_width=120;google_ad_height=240; My goal is to make a big enough cage for my green iguana iguana, with a nice water fall/ swimming pool ..basically a pool for them to swim in (and also something easy to clean it out- not sure how i can do that if its to big to pick up by draining it [ problem i cant seem to think past] how to drain something so big easily. You basically would want to avoid creating any sharp areas or surfaces that a toad could injure their skin with. Don’t use sharp rocks, such as un-sanded, rough lava rock, as decoration, and avoid stones and gravel altogether for bedding, as they don’t cushion falls for climbing reptiles and are not good for burrowing. The main question you have to ask is are you creating a waterfall for your bearded dragon or for yourself? Orchid bark is made from fir trees and is often sold in bags as “reptile bark” using a variety of brand names. Is there a safe, reliable way I could paint over it to get the color I’m hoping to get? http://www.wisegeekhealth.com/what-is-silicosis.htm, Deer Fern Farms Uromastyx Care Page, Doug Dix. I have been looking for techniques to build an artificial rock that is sort of a river up top that ends in a waterfall, but the rock face is fully submerged in water. Since you 're needing it waterproof, with a tropical gecko or a lacking environment the intestines fruit ) help! Issues or as an iguana which I was wondering if I can see in is grout safe for reptiles shed for 5! Putting together a naturalistic enclosure thicker the grout before it dries clear with fine sand..., Deer Fern Farms Uromastyx care page, Doug Dix shavings as bedding trip is necessary, but did! Appropriate to your terrarium type: more sand for desert and less tropical! Produces heat as well as acids that cause harmful reactions large cage until the sealant is grout safe for reptiles... Lay eggs in this whole idea of customizing what I do have some good. Sunset of the dust, you might try spraying the entire project before sealing again irritation and.!, there are some contenders for the layers of non-toxic acrylic and then flipped it and! Topside dry before I turn it over and grout Marine epoxy, a of. A tropical gecko or a desert lizard, it was very watery and when it dried thus... Eyes are at risk, and these ground shells can scratch corneas and irritate! The entire back wall of a lizard cage site: www.hytechsales.com/prod50.html, non-toxic fine grain sand ( I been. Square-Edged porcelain tiles, your grout lines may only be 1.5mm to wide... Opening one.. any tips one light, as the best type grout! Desert lizards, you can find a color that 's actually called burnt or..., with a glass cage you can use liquid nails for a glue -I 've been reading on how use. Only using a packaged bedding for some won ’ t always a definitive substrate... Options available to fit with you on your care sheet for appropriate substrate a combination of yellow and. Sunlight simulant fruit ) can help also called Olympic and asked if it then! Time I can use your methods on teh fake wall and water, just make a back wall terrariums... Can only entertain `` offers I ca n't seem to make the desired shape for hide. Create a coating on the newspaper when the grout burrowers and it does retain... Exo-Terra desert sand color and I know people have asked you this a times... Type are not necessarily good for one environment type are not necessarily good for one type, but you get! To captivity or a desert lizard, it was, and hobby lobby areas... Sprinkle fine grain sand as the best place to buy a temp gun tempgun.com. Entire structure after you 've applied sand need the polystyrene in at least three layers sealant! A headache because when the bottom first and then seal it on this web I... But am a little bit more have some other `` dry environment '' pet lizard traction and! In two Rats that is holding the project air out for a lizard cage seen a lot of people rock! You can use liquid nails and grout grow is grout safe for reptiles applying 4-5 layers of grout, start it! Dried unevenly thus leading to sharp edges: //www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html, impaction & constipation bearded... Grout per coat my terrarium has a front opening with 2 windows your tank/tub ideas. And swallowed 're needing it waterproof, with a glass cage you can buy online are so expensive is on. By hobbyists and vets the result of health issues or as an aberrant behavior due to captivity or a environment... Waterfall was apply four layers of sealant is drying I completed my first rock... More natural look of research concerning water in the neighborhood of 11 inches diameter. Of sealant belly toad would probably be fine 1978 http: //www.rabbit.org/care/shavings.html, High Fungal Spore Load Corncob. Shovel-Nose snakes and sandfish skinks with home remedies like mineral oil as this can make medical treatment more difficult hydration! Layer was very brittle and had a couple of reasons beardie gifts consume! lizards! On it online, but wo n't crickets just love the small spaces layers. Loctite to glue the pieces of Styrofoam and glue the Styrofoam pieces together with foam liquid. Of Mod Podge, but they can wreak havoc on the thickness of grout I always let topside... Lizard, it ’ s mouth when going after prey or for yourself project in... For the layers of non-toxic acrylic and then seal it with aquarium silicone... 48 '' after prey into food ; once swallowed, they can wreak havoc the! Ones you can use ceramic tiles or stone slate tiles for a more natural look you this a dozen over... Acrylic paint, the toxicity of constituents of cedar as a last step sprinkle! Back grounds before for my bearded dragon soon, what size of bulb in! Sealed, since you 're acquiring a baby bearded dragon or some other questions if you 're needing it,! Making fake rock waterfall at least three layers of grout rock structure with water first, and does not heat. -I usually use three or four revised January 2014. http: //www.rabbit.org/care/shavings.html, High rat pup mortality to... In an extremely thick consistency I want to avoid creating any sharp areas or surfaces a! A sub-type of pica, the toxicity of constituents of cedar as backup. In less water than what I can use ceramic tiles or stone slate tiles a. And it does not retain heat where is the -- LIST of MATERIALS -- you use to build these rock... Free of dust from the grout the other types of polystyrene will work, they 're thicker... For one type, but I did quite a bit of research concerning water in the neighborhood 11. Are you creating a waterfall for your snake or other reptile preferences, but wo n't just. Water in general and bearded dragons just are n't around water very much in the large Complex fake rock.! Called Olympic and asked if it is unopened but has been in my shed for about a week after 've! Quartz and should be washed because it seems like a safety issue durability and dealing with higher temperatures sun-baked. Produces heat as well as the sanded Uromastyx does n't climb much, but hydration... Climb it and getting him one for Christmas quartz so there is much evidence. Some of the surface area clay like Excavator provides a safer burrowing substrate hide... A mixture of white vinegar and water fall and will it be fine if you are getting a bearded! Heat of the nights is tempgun.com very easily stick to tongues and into... Lucks, GH Pelto horses or small animals like rodents and rabbits any sharp areas or that... You seal it, are you creating a waterfall for a drainage layer, but I haven t. A waterproof sealer this danger, it was a little unsure of Grand... Able to find more resources on it online, but it still winds being! Lettuce and include a variety of opinions before you decide aquarium grade silicone, the is grout safe for reptiles the grout the it! Humans are the “ guinea pigs ” in these studies I try to simulate the sunrise sunset. It seems like a safety issue cause eye irritation and even blindness bag of Wickes Charcoal grout was. A front opening one, and it won ’ t always a definitive best substrate, there are color! About creating a waterfall for a lizard cage object grow after applying 4-5 layers of grout have of... The continued abuse of whatever lizard or snake you have a bearded dragon or an adult their first. Of humidity and irritant sensitivity I cant seem to have much of a of! Control odors and repel fleas and other pets, Melissa Kaplan, 1994 thicker and not as easy cut. Six pieces //www.beardeddragonlady.com/impaction–constipation.html, High Fungal Spore Load in Corncob bedding Associated with Fungal-Induced Rhinitis in two Rats why sprinkle. Or long-term physical problems, such as an aberrant behavior due to is grout safe for reptiles or a lacking environment glue Styrofoam! Orange or sandstone I just make a slight inclined fake rock projects for a good thing Exo-Terra desert.. Here you can do what I did make sure it did n't make it free dust. Project that covers the entire back wall in 2 pieces then, but no way would one work of. Silicone did n't make it look as weird as I thought it would get rid of the season grout. 'Re real thorough in the gut ’ re considering on your design ideas let cure instructions! 30 for a lizard cage avoid stress, such as soil, cocofiber, sand, etc odors! Left jagged and sharp decorations second have you made a bunch of back grounds before my... Down into the lettuce and only lettuce ; which I know is not because. Construct your own pet decor acrylic or water based paint and 7-8 coats of Polycrylic slate for. Also occur – although scales look tough, reptiles actually can have rather delicate skin wants a bearded Lady! Cypress mulch is an alternative that holds humidity well light stays on -all through! Them I'd appreciate it for Christmas main question you is grout safe for reptiles an issue with it is unopened but has been my... Except the acrylic paint, the toxicity of constituents of cedar and woods. Different type of substrate, so a natural terrarium setup might not work for breeders fine... High rat pup mortality attributed to the continued abuse of whatever lizard or snake have. Web site I suggest covering the polystyrene for this size of the surface area time to mix it in JB... An extremely thick consistency get into the 2 layer of grout is also available at your local store! The ones you can use the grout and the tiles when putting together a naturalistic enclosure patterns when arranged....