Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First let me thank odatriad for giving me the ideas to do this in the first place, it's my first so it doesn't look any thing like his work, but hey, gotta start some where right?? Let me know what you guys think? I'll send some more pics when it's a done deal. Happy Herpin

I'm glad I was able to help, and offer perhaps a "different" approach(even though this has been used by the zoo exhibit industry for decades) than what is commonly seen on these online fora.

Looks good, did you happen to waterproof it? The reason why I ask, is that cement, and all of its different aggregates are very porous, and will suck up water just like a sponge. When working with cement in waterfall applications, it is important to apply a waterproofing membrane to the areas that will be physically in contact with the water. Otherwise, the structure will ultimately turn into a big sponge.

There are two products which I have used successfully in the past. One is a granular compound named Xypex, which is mixed directly into the aggregate as you are mixing it with water, prior to application. As the cement cures, this compound closes the cells in between the cement granules, thus waterproofing it. The other product, which I used on the waterfall I posted photos of a couple of weeks ago, is called DryLoc, and is a latex-based waterproofing membrane which is painted onto the cement. Because this has a glossy and "paint-look" to it, I place apply this membrane in between the structural and textural layers of the waterfall, in the areas that will be exposed to/in contact with water. While the top layer/textural layer will suck up some water, it will not penetrate into the main body of the structure.

Good luck, looking good, be sure to post some photos of the finished project! Cheers, and happy creating!

Bob
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Treemonitors.com

I looked at the DryLok, and will definately use it on my next project. I used a craft sealer waterproofer I had laying around, I've used it on my Oil paintings, picked it up from a hobby.craft store near my house a long time ago. The spray has a polyurethane in it, and it says it's waterproof. Who knows for how long right?? lol I ended up doing lil mod to the design, I secured a piece of plexiglass to the base to act in a dual purpose role, one, complete the structure as a whole thus giving it more support, and two to use the lower portion as the reservior for the waterfall, ( drilled 4 drain holes in the plunge pool at the base of the waterfall for the return feed.) So, who knows how long it will hold up. The exterior of the falls is painted using the milky technique you mentioned, I've used this one before doing watercolors, give a very random effect. I've also added a "tree" at the corner of the falls, I'll send you a pic when it's all said and done. Thanks again!