Curious About Pond Foam

[Elliot the Tree Dragon]

iv seen a few Terrariums that the creators have used brown pond foam for the sides an back. how safe is this product or does anyone know of a certain brand that works well? any photos of people that have used this technique ?

 

[JacksJill]

It is safe enough to use in fish ponds after it cures and has been used in chameleon cages for years. I have personally used Great Stuff pond and stone in many of my cages.

 

[Kaizen]

iv seen a few Terrariums that the creators have used brown pond foam for the sides an back. how safe is this product or does anyone know of a certain brand that works well? any photos of people that have used this technique ?

@GoodKarma19 and @JoXie411 have both used it.

Ive used it several times now. Some people say that only the pond stuff should be used as it non-toxic, but I’ve seen many people just using regular spray foam. Moreover, you end up covering all of it in silicone, or some sort of adhesive, then coco coir/peat moss or some other natural product, so really non is exposed

 

[JacksJill]

PS. it is actually black but if you don't coat it the UVB lights weather it to a brownish color

 

[Elliot the Tree Dragon]

okay awesome im going to research that product you mentioned.

 

[GoodKarma19]

I used GreatStuff Multi-Purpose Black in my second build, and GreatStuff Big Gap Filler in the first (beige). You'll be covering/sealing it anyway, so it doesn't really matter what you use as long is it isn't one of the Pest Block/Mold inhibitor formulations I figure.

 

[Elliot the Tree Dragon]

what sealant did you use ? product name?

 

[GoodKarma19]

what sealant did you use ? product name?

I went in an unconventional direction and used emulsified rubber to seal my carved foam - specifically, LiquidRubber (though liquid FlexSeal would also work I imagine).

With the stone textured, acrylic painted bits on my second build, I used several coats of outdoor water based polyurethane (Varathane brand).

 

[jamest0o0]

First time I made a foam wall was almost 4 years ago lol and I didn't seal it. Stupid mistake

 

[Tony_S]

I used Great Stuff Pond and Stone and would/will use it again in my next build.

 

[Elliot the Tree Dragon]

thank you for that knowledge, this is my next goal for Elliot's enclosure !

 

[AnamCara]

Do not cheap out on foam -- go with GreatStuff Pond Foam -- I bought some cheap stuff and fully regret it. Hard to work with and seeped heavy through the screen.

 

[absolutbill]

Another tip - when you use the foam, put down a thin layer and then let it set before putting on the next layer. I have 3 Large Clearside Dragonstrand cagees, and inevitably we try to do too much foaming at a time and it bulges out the side. For my cages I use the silicone, then use the foam (typically I'm foaming in pots for plants), then a layer of silicone and the coco fibers to cover it all. I let everything air out at least a week or 2 before putting in a chameleon. I'm doing my third cage currently and if we ever finish it I'll make a photo blog how-to guide (though I've been saying that for a year, but this time I really mean it!)

 

[Elliot the Tree Dragon]

Another tip - when you use the foam, put down a thin layer and then let it set before putting on the next layer. I have 3 Large Clearside Dragonstrand cagees, and inevitably we try to do too much foaming at a time and it bulges out the side. For my cages I use the silicone, then use the foam (typically I'm foaming in pots for plants), then a layer of silicone and the coco fibers to cover it all. I let everything air out at least a week or 2 before putting in a chameleon. I'm doing my third cage currently and if we ever finish it I'll make a photo blog how-to guide (though I've been saying that for a year, but this time I really mean it!)

id watch that blog forsure !!internet is lacking this design process for cham enclosures!!