Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I intend on building a false rock, multi-level back ground out of styrofoam and grout. My question is for the basking spots, which will reach about 100-110 degrees, will this melt the styrofoam? Should I just apply alot of grout on the basking spots, or use some real rocks or slate? Any help would be great. Also has anyone ever sculpted the styrofoam to look like driftwood, logs etc;? Thanks in advance.
Cheers

Hi,

110 F shouldn't be a problem. I only keep snakes so don't utilize such temps regularly/purposefully but I may expose my polystyrene basking spots to such temps on occasion. Certainly they regularly go a little over 100 (says my temp gun). Probably 4 hrs/day. No site-specific cracking of grout (I cure it carefully). Mine is a little thicker on the horizontal surfaces - no problem with that either. Note I use CFL 14W bulbs about 6" from the highest level of "rock" for my basking points (for terrestrial saxicolous vipers). Air temp doesn't exceed 85F. Something more "spotty" (focused heat) or a steeper air/substrate temp gradient could maybe cause you a headache??? I'm a biologist, not a physicist, bear with me!

Here's the king of fake plants, to me - this guy's proficiency is incredible. Haven't gone there yet, still fussing with fake rock, but someday I'll try to be like Brent:
http://www.bbrock.frognet.org/Making%20artificial%20trees%20and%20vines.pdf

Anyway, hope this helps.

cheers,
Jimi

thanks Jimi for your response, and the link
Slainte'
Chris

The one time I heard of a foam background having troubles with heat was when modeling paste was used instead of grout.

I think applying the grout thicker at the areas underneath the basking spot is a good idea and also recommend you set up a test of piece that you can monitor over the course of a couple of long days when you'll be home.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.