Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I am working on a new 20gal high and have started using Expanded Polystyrene. I am wondering if this is the right stuff. It does not see to shape very easy, and is a bit brittle. It is 3/4 of a inch thick. Now Lowes had 4x8 sheets of thicker stuff, but this seemed to be the same but thinner. The thicker stuff is covered in a blue plastic that would have to be removed.

Ideas? Does it even matter since it will be covered with ecoearth? I think i can get the look I want with the thinner stuff, but just wanted to make sure it was the same thing.

Thanks,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Kyle,

I think you are using the wrong stuff. The foam that is being used in the vivariums nowdays comes in a can and sprays out in thick 'globs' The kind that a majority of us have used is DOW Great Stuff. I could only find the minimal expansion stuff but found this to work great and didn't have to worry about over-applying and causing the tank to 'explode' from the pressure.

-Bill J
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The way I understand it its the same stuff. I have great stuff also, but saw this tank, and thought it would be a bit easier to start out, then I plan to use the greatstuff to add to it. I think the stuff I have is the same, but maybe not as easy to cut.

www.giggler.de/terrarien.php
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Kyle, are you using the same stuff that people use for plastic flower arrangements? That's what it looks like was used on the website you posted. From the photo of the stream it looks like he had a hard time with it too. (my high school german class was a long time ago) You may want to try and test a small piece by running water over it, then sticking it in the freezer overnite. It might be easier to shape then.

That is a good idea, I think I have the look I want, but this stuff I bought just seems a bit more brittel. I think after I cover it should be ok. I have posted pics of what I have done so far, its a few posts up.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators