[atlfrog]

I was just wondering if anyone else is using something other than GS and is successful with it. One of my larger setups has GS and I was interested in using something else but I wasn't sure what was being used outside of the norm. So any advice would be appreciated.

[Socalsam]

I use GS. I have used the light blue can and the red can and the thing with the light blue can is that it doesn't dry as hard so its still kind spongy when it cure completely. The red can cures kinda hard overtime and one thing I have already mentioned in another thread was how the light blue can of GS doesn't warp or bend my netted plant pots when it cures. I personally like the GS,coco background look, but I really want to make a rock wall Viv. I dunno well see As for GS you can get the pond foam sealant. I think its called something like Handyman foam or Handy foam. I have read some stuff on it and it looks good. Its black and not cream. It doesn't turn brown over time when exposed to light and from what I have heard it is easier to use. Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Sam

[atlfrog]

Yes I know what you are talking about. My problem is the crickets in this tank, which are not dart frogs, are destroying the GS and I don't want the frogs ingesting the same pieces. I was just wondering what people use other than GS really. I personally think I will stay away from it.

[Philsuma]

I use cork backgrounds exclusively.....easy to silicone in or just wedge tight without silicone. Reusable....sterilizable.

[JoshK]

I'm with Phil, I have a couple tanks with GS or HF but for the most part all my tanks are done with cork bark. I love the look, it holds up well, and it is 100% natural. Not to mention it is 100x more time efficient than a foam and coco BG.

[atlfrog]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Can I buy that locally or just online? I just don't anything to happen with my bigger species of amphibians as crickets are destructive little b@stards! Die, cricket, die!

[Socalsam]

For the most part you can buy it online or even at reptile stores. Although it is sometimes expensive I to prefer the look over GS. I have a couple piece's and a Panel the size of a piece of construction paper(the big ones) that I was gonna use for my 55g , but have decided to put off the 55 and move onto some verts and exo's. One thing I have been told about Cork bark is that I breaks down faster than driftwood like Mazanita,Malaysian,Mopani. Is this true?

[JoshK]

It will break down faster than Mopani or others, not nearly as quick as grapewood. You will get years out of it. It has been my experience that the cocofiber will rub off GS long before cork bark breaks down.

I find mine in a local shop, I figure I spend 1.50 a gallon on cork bark. The last tank I did with GS was a 55g and I spent at least $120 on silicone and foam, my 55s done with cork bark cost half that.

[Socalsam]

Ya a GS background is more expensive I guess. Considering each tube of caulk costs 6 bucks. then the GS is like another $5 per container. The coco is cheap one brick will cover at least 5 Viv's.

[nook_shneer]

Originally Posted by JoshK

It will break down faster than Mopani or others, not nearly as quick as grapewood. You will get years out of it. It has been my experience that the cocofiber will rub off GS long before cork bark breaks down.

I find mine in a local shop, I figure I spend 1.50 a gallon on cork bark. The last tank I did with GS was a 55g and I spent at least $120 on silicone and foam, my 55s done with cork bark cost half that.

How much GS did you use ? How much silicone ? How much does it cost for each ? Here in PA GS is $4, and Silicone is $6.

Are you saying you used 10+ cans of GS and and 10+ tubes of silicone ?

I did a 55g also, with 3 cans of GS and 4 tubes of silicone. (Approx $36.00)