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how do you make lightweight rock walls caves etc that are safe for herps? I want very realistic setups but can't exactly slice off some cliffface to put in my tanks.

>>how do you make lightweight rock walls caves etc that are safe for herps? I want very realistic setups but can't exactly slice off some cliffface to put in my tanks.

Check out oogieboogie's posts. He's posted a link to what he did a couple of times recently. It's one of the better tutorials I've seen...

is that method going to create a watertight rock that could be submerged or half submerged or does the method only work well with dessert or dry enclosures?

>>is that method going to create a watertight rock that could be submerged or half submerged or does the method only work well with dessert or dry enclosures?

Dunno. Read some more of the previous posts. I think there've been a few discussions about this. My guess would be that any part that isn't covered by grout and sealer might have problems if submerged. You might try doing some google searches, too. Last time I was looking, I somehow managed to find a site that told how to make fake rocks for ponds... I've attached one link that I found. Here's another that might help.
Fake Rock Recipies

While doing research into fake rocks I found sevearl sites from people who were putting them into aquarium. One site listed using foam covered w/ grout, another listed foam covered w/ epoxy. Both indicated that they made sure to leach them several times in clean water to get them clean before using (Concrete/grout type compounds contain some very alkali compounds which should be removed before adding them to any evironment)
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Russ

You can use a vivarium mortar. I actually sell it if you like, and have been using it for some time now. it was dveloped by some serious science based herpers in northern california and the stuff works great. it dries hard like rock, can be used not only for hardscape items like caves but to hold stones together for leo vivs and used in water features for streams and the like.

let me know if your interested or go to new products and check for it.

Deven
Link

I fasten together styrofoam and then cover it with a healthy coat of tile grout. After it dries I paint it. It is easy and works well. I have this type of rock work in my centralian python cage and they routinely rest on the rock shelf in the cage and it can support their weight. I also have it in ball and children's python enclosures.
Justin J