Reptile & Amphibian Forums

can i use grout for a rockwall backing? i am doing great stuff foam under grout. the grout will conduct heat better, and it will look more like a rock. only thing is, i dont think that it will be a problem but i need it in writing to present to get funding (it is a "school project"

Remember that grout is okay for use on tile kitchen counters where food is prepared and for floors and bathtubs where children crawl around, bathe, etc.

Seal it with a quality latex sealer and you should be fine.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

thanks, i just needed it in writing. i told them it was fine but they needed it in writing..... thanks. what woudl the latex sealer be for?

>>what woudl the latex sealer be for?

It keeps the grout from flaking away and makes it easier to clean.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

I've heard about using a 50/50 water/elmers glue solution to seal it. What kind of latex sealer are you saying to use? I havent ever seen one in the flooring department...we have a latex primer but not a latex sealer? Also, latex usually like to harbor and grow mildew, so would it have a mildewcide in it which could pose a threat to the health?
-----
The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

Battling ignorance one stupid person at a time.

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat (Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds (Jose and Rosa)
0.1 Blue Beauty (Brunhilde)

>>I've heard about using a 50/50 water/elmers glue solution to seal it.

That was my recommendation way back when.

>>What kind of latex sealer are you saying to use?

I'm not completely sure. I did a bunch of artificial rock work for a zoo many years ago and used gallons of a concrete sealer I shipped in from Canada. It was latex based. But it was also very expensive and the minimum order was pretty large. I believe I had a colleague at a Canadian Zoo send me some personally.

Very recently someone posted an excellent link on rock work and discussed a latex grout sealer they used. I've since recommended that assuming it would be easer to find. There have been a few other posters who have recommended it.

I do not have that link. It was a product found at a HIC, probably Home Depot.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Don't know how big of a help this is, but I was recommended Aqua Mix Grout Sealer. I haven't used it as I haven't started building the enclosure yet, but it is what I plan to use. I provided a link where you can read more about it. Hope I helped.

P.S. If you don't feel like going to the link, here are the major benifits listed:

>Lasts up to 5 years!
>Outperforms silicone sealers
>Repels food, dirt, and grease
>Inhibits mildew and bacteria
>Resists stains
>Easy Maintenance
>Preserves beautifully

>A single gallon will cover 400 to 1200 square feet depending on size and porosity of the grout joint, as well as temperature and method of application.
Aqua Mix Info

-----
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

Oops, I forgot to ad, if you go to the link, on the left side there is a link for Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice 15 Gold, a little more expencive but it lasts longer.

>Advanced Water-Based Formula
>Lasts up to 15 Years
>Maintains the look of natural stone and porous tile
>Excellent grout sealer

>Depending on hardness and texture of surface, and a few other factors the expected wear is up to 15 years.

Again hope I have helped.
-----
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

I figured you had probably researched the sealer recommended in that thread I mentioned.

I suppose it's worth looking into the mold and mildew inhibitors, although in a non-aqueous environment it's probably not as big of a concern.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

No problem Chris, LOL I owe you anyway! Always feels good to help people (EXPECIALLY fellow hepers!).
-----
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~