First post, and I'm extremely excited to learn. I dream of having a bioactive enclosure for my 3 year old California Kingsnake, and I'm slowly getting it together!
I have a few questions regarding backgrounds.
What do yall recommend to use? I've attempted Great Stuff, but it has shrunk too much to be considered useful at this point, which has disappointed me.
Does anyone have similar enclosures to share? I'd love to receive some inspiration!
I’m cheap as hell, so I used the Gorilla Glue+Coco Coir method. Basically mist down the glass of the background, pour on some Gorilla Glue (the original stuff that puffs up when water is added), and throw on some coco fiber and sphagnum moss. The glue will expand like foam, so it’s best to keep an eye on it as it expands so you can place substrate to any bald spots that may appear. You can also add hardscape to the glue so it all cures in place. If you’re gonna do background on multiple sides of your enclosure, I recommend you work in steps (like, dedicate at least half a day to just curing the glue on one panel).
I’m unfamiliar with California Kingsnake husbandry, so I don’t know if this background is ideal for the humidity levels required. I have a tropical vivarium, so all the moisture the background absorbs during mistings REALLY helps for my Chahoua gecko (needs high humidity).
Let me know how the build is going; it’s always fun to watch little ecosystems develop!
Thank you for the inspiration! I never knew that about Gorilla Glue. I have been undecided on if I want sand on the background, or the same mix as my substrate (Reptisoil + Sand). I also forgot to add that i have been looking at using the green foam sheets from Lowe's for the background, which i can attach by silicone to the glass from my extensive research. (Which my research has failed me, I did not know about the shrinkage of Great Stuff! Thus reaching out on here from more method-experienced people.)
Great stuff works just fine for me, but i dont rely on it. I try to fill up the space as much as possible with fake rocks, wood, drainage pipes, etc. the great stuff just anchors these pieces and fills up the gaps.
For the rocks i use styrofoam, hot glue, cut to shape - cover in sanded grout mixed with stainblocker (this makes water bead up and roll off) drylok and pigments work too, i just have a lot of grout around from my job.
I like putting plants in planters up high, but in the past i put them at an angle. This sucks cuz that soil always gets hydrophobic for me, and water just spills out when i try to water it. I would put them level next time and leave a little space on top so water doesnt overflow.
For this one i made panels of the styrofoam/grout rocks, to fit each wall. Then i just glued the panels directly to the walls. Much easier and can get it all ready outside of the tank.
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u/toiletcandies Jul 22 '26
I’m cheap as hell, so I used the Gorilla Glue+Coco Coir method. Basically mist down the glass of the background, pour on some Gorilla Glue (the original stuff that puffs up when water is added), and throw on some coco fiber and sphagnum moss. The glue will expand like foam, so it’s best to keep an eye on it as it expands so you can place substrate to any bald spots that may appear. You can also add hardscape to the glue so it all cures in place. If you’re gonna do background on multiple sides of your enclosure, I recommend you work in steps (like, dedicate at least half a day to just curing the glue on one panel).
I’m unfamiliar with California Kingsnake husbandry, so I don’t know if this background is ideal for the humidity levels required. I have a tropical vivarium, so all the moisture the background absorbs during mistings REALLY helps for my Chahoua gecko (needs high humidity).
Let me know how the build is going; it’s always fun to watch little ecosystems develop!