Background for newt tank

[apoplast]

So, I've finally decided how I am going to get back to newts. Cynops cyanurus. I'm looking at doing around a 75gal tank. I'm struggling with the backdrop. I don't like to foam ones, and because so much will be below the waterline, I worry I'll be working against a lot of buoyancy. I like the look of the universal rocks type backdrops, but I worry about newts getting behind them, and also my setup for filtration. What do folks think of Hygrolon as a backdrop for a largely aquatic setup? I could plant mosses on it, and something else above the waterline. Anybody tried this?

 

[Niels D]

I use "hard" foam (insulation roof plates) for more than a decade (possible brand "Kingspan"). You can glue them with 100% silicone kit without any buoyancy problems. The best trait however is the fact that you can carve these any way you want. With a bit of effort you can create a realistic custom bit of "rock". After scaping the foam (plate) you can cover it with multiple layers of tile grout. These come in different colours, so you can create nuances and even use the dry brush method to make it look pretty realistic. If you mix a versatile adhesive through the grout, to make it more flexible and last even longer. (possible brand "Flevopol"). It is non toxic in the end. The colour will eventually change due to moss and algae, but this makes it even look more realistic.

This is an example of a very simple design where I also created a small waterfall :

Somewhere on this forum there are build reports that I've posted, but that's a long time ago.

 

[apoplast]

Thanks, @Niels D ! I don't always like making a big DIY project for each enclosure, but that is a really nice looking background! I suppose a DIY would let me hide the weir-box for the overflow... It's a good idea, but I may not have access to that sort of foam either. Very cool build though!!! Thanks for posting the vid!