?'s on DIY waterfall and water bowl

[Expensive hobby]

I planning on doing a display tank with a DIY waterfall and lagoon/pond at the bottom using a filter/pump.

I'm going to use great stuff minimal expanding foam to make the rock work, and Rustoleum American accents stone finish to add color and realism. I'm also going to paint the inside of the plywood enclosure with the same stuff with varying colors to make it more visually appealing.

My question is, what sealant is safe to use for constant submersion and temps typical of a snake enclosure that doesn't look hideous?

[MootWorm]

I planning on doing a display tank with a DIY waterfall and lagoon/pond at the bottom using a filter/pump.

I'm going to use great stuff minimal expanding foam to make the rock work, and Rustoleum American accents stone finish to add color and realism. I'm also going to paint the inside of the plywood enclosure with the same stuff with varying colors to make it more visually appealing.

My question is, what sealant is safe to use for constant submersion and temps typical of a snake enclosure that doesn't look hideous?

I did some research on this back when I was ambitious about making display tanks. Then i got lazy and mostly switched to tubs lol. Basically look for aquarium grade sealant for the final coat. Apparently a product called 'shields all' sealant is wonderful, but it'll cost ya. A lot of people use it in frog tanks, it holds up great to humidity and is non toxic to boot. It's a clear sealant, but will have a shiny look to it. If that doesn't bother you, awesome. But if you want something duller and a bit more natural, you can add some sand to the top coat so it doesn't look so artificial. Hope that helps!


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[Expensive hobby]

Ya I have read about that stuff and I guess you can only get it online and the cost of shipping is nearly as much as the product. I'm already gonna have hundreds invested in this enclosure.

Btw it's 48"W x 43"T x 21"D with a divider between the two.

The bottom will hold my new(today) BCC Columbian Red Tail Boa(0.1) and the top will hold my Normal Ball Python(0.1).

My boa is so awesome. No head shyness AT ALL! Totally cool with you doing whatever to her, and she loves feeling secure in your hand. Being semi arboreal she loves her little branch lol



My wife holding her:

[MootWorm]

Wait so it's gonna be divided horizontally? What are you using to support it? And are you planning on doing water features on both levels? If so, I'd definitely reinforce that barrier pretty heavily. I'm sure you have a lot of the details planned out I'm just nosy lol. I'd love to see the plans/ sketch if you have em handy. It sounds like an awesome project. Keep us posted if you find any cheaper alternatives to shields all. I'd love to do something in like that in my display tank, but that's wayyy out of budget.

[MootWorm]

Beautiful boa by the way. She looks like such a sweetie.

[Expensive hobby]

Early stages of construction. Hot the basic shape built and square, now I'm gonna do some trim with 1x3" oak, which will add some support.

Water features will be in the corners to give it the most strength least sag, and some bracing is included around the perimeter...

I'll keep ya guys updated and thanks for the kind words!

[MootWorm]

That's gonna be killer!!! When are you looking to get it done by? I had another question but I totally spaced. It kind of makes me want to get my butt into gear and be productive thanks for sharing!

[Expensive hobby]

That's gonna be killer!!! When are you looking to get it done by? I had another question but I totally spaced. It kind of makes me want to get my butt into gear and be productive thanks for sharing!

Hopefully I get it 100% in a few weeks... Got our sons b-day party coming up so that's a lot of time away from it, still have my fish so they require a ton of time, and our 3 kids keep us busy 24/7...

But I'm gonna push to get it done ASAP. Still have to buy heat tape, light fixtures, viewing lights, sealer(if I find the right kind) and build the stand to house the fogger and all the controllers etc...

It's gonna be fun!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Not to rain on your parade, but a female RTB is probably going to outgrow that cage... It really should be 72" x 24" x 24"

[Expensive hobby]

Not to rain on your parade, but a female RTB is probably going to outgrow that cage... It really should be 72" x 24" x 24"

Of course she will! I hope she does! This is temporary, for her, and lifetime for my ball. After my RTB outgrows this enclosure I'll make a new one for just her, and keep my ball up top, an probably get another ball for the bottom...