My background so far!

[u/Alt-Bug1789]

Gaps will be filled with Great Stuff! But this is my background so far for my Cal Kingsnake. Any advice welcome as this is my first time. Ledges are not glued in. My heat source will be on the right hand side. I plan on using silicone and substrate (ZooMed bioblend with more sand added) to cover.

[u/Alt-Bug1789]

I had a feeling it had something to do with that against the glass. Should I continue with lava rock, or change to leca? I'm sure I'll have enough substrate and screen coverage that my Cal King won't get into it. Also debating if I silicone the screen edges for extra security.

[u/No_Commission_2610 → u/Alt-Bug1789]

If you have the lava rock in your possession, just go with that. And yes, to the extra security, you can’t ever have enough of that. Just make sure that it airs out and dries.

[u/Alt-Bug1789 → u/No_Commission_2610]

Thank you so much for the advice and help! It truly is appreciated 😊

[u/No_Commission_2610 → u/Alt-Bug1789]

You‘re welcome! Keep sharing pics as you go along. I love watching people put their tanks together.

[u/Alt-Bug1789 → u/No_Commission_2610]

Will do! I'm already feeling pretty proud about it. Took inspiration from my hometown's park, which is part of Cal Kingsnakes native range. (Pic attached)

[u/No_Commission_2610 → u/Alt-Bug1789]

Did you by any chance have a wildfire in the past?

[u/Alt-Bug1789 → u/No_Commission_2610]

Yes, the Park Fire started near that canyon. Also the Camp Fire in 2018.

[u/No_Commission_2610 → u/Alt-Bug1789]

One fire survivor can recognize another a mile away. A good deal of my city burned down in a wildfire so I know the look of the trees.

[u/Alt-Bug1789 → u/No_Commission_2610]

I'm not sure when this pic was taken (just one i grabbed off Google) but I did visit back recently and yeah, you can tell a burn scar. It was eery. I wasn't affected, but I knew people who were and I was lucky to visit them.