Naturalistic "How To"

This is meant to be a "How To" guide for making naturalistic vivariums with "Great Stuff" background. This specific enclosure was made for pygmy chameleons, but a few changes here and there (plantwise, branchwise, etc.) and it can be used for other reptiles or amphibians. Decorative items can be substituted for other "terrarium safe" items. (Just because I like to use cork for the background, doesn't mean you have to!)

ALWAYS remember to use proper safety procedures. Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and if you are clumsy... please, PLEASE have a non-clumsy person operate any kind of "tricky" machinery! (Do NOT circular saw off your fingers, foot, ear, whatever and blame me!!!)

Let's get started! Be ready for TONS of pics... descriptions are UNDER the photographs.

Supplies needed-

Enclosure (at least 10 gallons, I used a 39 gallon here)
"Great Stuff" Window and Door Foam (Blue Can)
GE Silicone II (w/o mold/mildew resistance) in Black for Doors and Windows
Silicone Gun
Plaster spatula or other "spreading tool" for silicone (Can also use foam paint brushes)
Razor Blade
Decorations (Plants, wood, cork, whatever)
Lots of Coco Fiber
Peat Planters
Face Mask
Gloves

--DAY ONE--

Step 1:

After gathering your supplies, cut your cork hollow in half to be able to place it flat on the back of your enclosure. Use proper protective gear.

Step 2:

Use a razor blade to remove any unwanted stickers.

Step 3:

Thoroughly scrub your enclosure.

Step 4:

Liberally squirt silicone onto the sides of the enclosure...

Step 5:

Spread silicone 4-5" up the sides of the enclosure and make sure to spread it on thick. (Wear gloves and face mask for this... I was a dork and didn't wear gloves.) This will prevent people from seeing the Great Stuff Background when everything is dry. If you don't do this, you'll see yellow foam when looking at the side of the enclosure... NOT pretty.

Step 6:

Place your cork, wood, etc. where you want it. Juggle the items around until you find a position that works. TIP: For a natural-looking terrarium, don't line stuff up perfectly.

Step 7:

Spread silcone onto the back of your decorative background items.

Step 8:

Stick it in the same spot you originally positioned it.

Step 9:

Make sure you are wearing gloves (You should already have them on from the silicone) and a face mask. Shake the "Great Stuff" Can for one minute and start applying.

Step 10:

Finish applying all-over "Great Stuff". (Make sure to have enough or you'll have to run to the store again!) I used 3 cans on this enclosure. You can make ledges, caves... all kinds of stuff.

Step 11:

Place peat planters into the still wet "Great Stuff" where you want your "falling" plants to eventually be.

Step 12:

"Great Stuff" around your planters.

Step 13:

After finishing with the planters... leave it to dry overnight.

--DAY TWO--

Step 14:

After the "Great Stuff" has been allowed to dry overnight, trim off excess with a razor blade. If you did large blobs of "Great Stuff" background for a cave, you can carve it out with a razor blade or knife now.

Step 15:

Start spreading silicone over the "Great Stuff" in "patches". Don't be shy... blob it on there.

Step 16:

Spread with a plaster spatula or foam brush.

Step 17:

You can also use your (gloved) fingers for "tight" areas.

Step 18:

Stick DRIED coco-fiber to the background. Repeat steps 15-18 until all of the "Great Stuff" has been coated. Allow to dry for 24-48 hours.

--DAY 3 or 4-- (depending on the time it takes for silicone to dry.)

Step 19:

After silicone is dry, add substrate to the bottom of the tank. (I used Coco-fiber here, but later switched to 50/50 peat moss/organic potting soil.) This is also when you want to use a razor blade to remove any excess silicone poking out from the sides if you're doing an enclosure with "solid" sides. (My enclosure had a screen partition so I skipped this step.)

Step 20:

Rinse off your plants if you are using live. Don't forget to gently wash the leaves.

Step 21:

Plant your "Bottom" plants.

Step 22:

Plant your "Top" or "Falling" plants. Use coco-fiber to pack them in place.

Step 23:

Spray everything down and... voila! You've got a naturalistic vivarium.