So, expanding foam in a reptile tank...

It will be safe when it dries, you need to let it cure for 3 weeks for all the harmful vapors to be gone. That is another reason why I liked the Polycrilic, it only takes a week to cure but I waited 2 to be sure. The GE silicone is similar to the DAP silicone. I will never use either again. A lot of people do and swear by it but I didn't like the results nearly as much as the Polycrilic, not to mention it is expensive and much harder to apply.

You could leave the plastic on if it doesn't interfere with your design. It will all be sealed.

My first project I didn't want to spend the $15 for the grout either. Try it all out, have fun with it, if you don't like it try a new way. That's what I did.

Remember, ALWAYS post pictures afterward for us to see!

Will do, thanks a lot for your assistance!

You said you can get the Polycrilic from Home Depot or Lowes, correct? I may take your word for it and return the Silicone.

The hide I'm constructing is for a ball python. The texture from the tile grout wouldn't harm it's belly if I decided to use it, correct?

You can get it from many places, HD being one of them. Like I said a lot of people swear by the Silicone II, I just prefer the Minwax Polycrilic. There are some people that swear by Mod Podge. All you can do is try it out for yourself. If you do use the Minwax buy that little spray bottle to make a paint gun like I talked about. It will save you SO much time!

The best thing about the grout is you can make it whatever shape and texture you want. If you don't like it rub it with a little water on your finger or a small paint brush, be creative with it. It if looks sharp, it probably is. You can sand things off after it dries but it is much easier to do within the first few hours.

I bought the sanded grout because I read that it is stronger, but it has more of a texture, I would recommend it, just make sure there are no sharp edges and your little friend will be happy.

Yeah, the simplicity is what I like about the Polycrilic. Anything that saves time. ;)

Alright, thanks again. I'll be posting pictures when I'm finished.

Awesome, good luck. We will all be waiting for the pictures!

Another quick question. When attaching the foam layers, what would be the best method? I bought a hot glue gun but of course it dries very quickly which makes it difficult when trying to glue a large area.

I use a hot glue gun as well. As long as you can get it to hold together it will be fine. Make sure the grout gets in all the cracks. This is why you start with a thin consistency at first and work your way up to thicker, you can ensure all areas will be well covered and hold well.

http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Furniture.html

http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/Fak...-beginner.html

http://www.beardeddragon.org/bjive/v...?f=75&t=151228

Just a few ideas and examples. I was going to do this when I had dragons. Now my daughter has a BP and these sound like a good idea again. Hope this helps.

My son and I just a followed directions from Lizard-Landscapes for our leapord gecko. We used hodge podge, they have a few different fomulas. Just got in her tank yesterday, so not sure yet how they hold up. But for a first attempt it looks pretty good. If it seems to do well we most likely will try something out for the snake. I like crafts and nice looking scenery.

Unfortunately, results will be delayed. Sliced my thumb open carving the foam >.>
I knew there was something to that carving away from yourself thing..