Epoxy resin or polyester hard are both water resistant and can be colored any way you'd like with pigment powder or paint. I'm useing a yellow ocker for my monitor cage and flocking it with yellow sand. It can easily be put directly on the expanded foam or styropor "Rocks".

__________________
http://www.ig-phelsuma.de/
http://dght.de

ok all...that is alot to think about =) I reread all the tips and helpful steps...so I hope I can figure out the best way for me to get this job looking right =)

I hope I can do a nice job. I wrote it all down so I can make sure I do this right the first time

I may have to wait till spring for the ventilation part...so I guess I have awhile to figure out how I will place the driftwood and things! I think even if I mess up it will serve the purpose...but not look so professional as yours hehe. I wish I could get Dave tohelp me..he did do the tile in Sunshines cage for me sooo maybe if I BEG enough he will help me. Maybe I am better off doing this myself haha cause he has no clue what I am talking about when I told him my big idea lol! I'll have to show him pics of yours! Thanks everybody! I'll let you know when I get started.

HEY!

I have planned the pools out first so I know where to put the wall...I am doing two pools side by side with a sloped ramp...=) it is one side of the 55 split ing half for each pool and it is 9 inches long counting the ramp part..so itis 5 inches flat ground and then 4 inches sloped hill to the dry land...and 5 inches deep..or so I figure it will be good.

I am going to use plexi glass and sel that in with silicone..which Ihave to get yet. I guess I can try to use the rest of the silicone to smear the walls of the tank sot he GS will stick..and go from there. Ihaven't decised to use silicone or epoxy/polester yet..i guess I have time.

I am going to silicone gravel to the bottome of the pools and part of the waterfall and filters..so it should look nice. if I can pull it off =)

I think I am going to silicone some driftwood in too before the GS...which means I have to bake them and clean the levels already in the tank to put in...I guess I can find something els for them to climb on for the time being.

What do you all think would look or hold up best...the silicone or epoxy ( I think the morter will be too heavy..but it looks real good too)? I think I am going to use EE on some areas too and leave some "rock" like so the epoxy might look more rock like? I also have to cover the plastic levels with something to make it look realistic. what would stick best to that? if I have gravel left over I may do some with that.

I can't wait to get this started! I am waiting for the filters ordered off ebay...so I can make sure I leave enough space for that.

did I forget about anything? I hope I can fit all the driftwood and levels in there. I am not sure where I can put it all =)

when you silicone the sides for the pool, spend the extra few bucks and go to the pet store and get aquarium sealant. I learned the hard way!!!

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

hmmm...I didn't know they had aquarium sealent...lol does it work better...is it stronger or something?

yes, its stronger. Regular silicone will pull away and break down in water.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Its also intended to be under water in a fish tank and so is non-toxic once cured out.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

ok I found some aquarium seal and bought my plexiglass today..so as soon as I get help cutting it lol I will get started!

I have been emailing the habacrete mortar guy...for info on it. He says the silicone is a bad idea because of the smell...I know though once dry it is fine cause I used it for Sunshines tile floor.

anyways I have decided totally for the mortar or the silicone...mainly depends on price. Has anyone used the habacrete vivarium mortar before? he says to put it over the expanding foam. He also says about 10 pouns to start with for my 55! I hope that is way too much lol...I think this stuff is 10 buck apound plus 10 bucks shipping if so then it is now way I can do that.

I am sure using the silicone will be fine..as long as it doesn't pull off the foam. I just wanted to make sure I do it right is all the first time =)

just heard back and it will cost 95 bucks for 10 lbs! I just can't afford that right now! I guess I can either do part of the tank or just stick with the silicone and EE