Neds Fake Rock build project WIP posty thread thingymajig

[Denji]

After seeing Clidburys fake rock build for Brian I was inspired and had to have a go at one for Ned and thought i'd share my progress with you lovely people.

Heres the basic layout pre carved out of layers of polystyrene. Being a water technician i get accss to all kinds of tank insulation which just so happens to be polystyrene so i got endless amounts of the stuff .

A fair few pics to start of with so you can see where i'm going with the whole design.

Couple of pics from all angles









Birds eye view



Steps to basking area above



Sunk his water pool into the polystyrene to give it a more natural look. It's about as creative as it gets i'm afraid lol but effective I think.

Area before water pools in place



Couple with water pool in place





The build in it's current state with a few layers of tile grout slapped on







So far i'm well chuffed with it, very messy though, especially in the begining stages where your carving each layer. Polystyrene EVERYWHERE lol.

Questions, comments and advice always welcome.
Thanks for looking.

[clidbury]

Looks well good mate .

One thing I could only pick up on is the dish. Have you cut the hole for it to sit in a bit bigger than the dish? Because the grout will make the hole quite smaller than what it's cut.

I found this out the hard way as my dish wouldn't fit after I was finished.

[stephenie191]

I love the basking area bit and the water bowl.

It'll look amazing when its finished

[Meko]

Originally Posted by clidbury

Looks well good mate .

One thing I could only pick up on is the dish. Have you cut the hole for it to sit in a bit bigger than the dish? Because the grout will make the hole quite smaller than what it's cut.

I found this out the hard way as my dish wouldn't fit after I was finished.

i was going to comment on the same thing as it looks like it's been cut to fit the bowl exactly - before the grout.

[Denji]

Cheers for the comments guys. Yea we already thought that one through. Just about completed the grouting, been slacking the last couple of days. Neds been givin me evils because i'm not pullin my weight. Next step.... Sand : )

[excession]

Looking good!

I have almost finished the poly phase of my own 1st attempt of a fake rock build.

I was being soo fussy about the mess I was hovering after almost every cut!

Pleased to have that phase almost done with, and I am looking forwards to grouting.

Any pro tips for the grouting phase from you guys or just 'slap' it on?

[Denji]

Up to you really. I've read some people put a thin base on first. I just bought some already mixed stuff from homebase and spreaded it on. Another very messy job but you can see it all come together.

[beastluke]

nice viv m8. ive pm'd u about a enquiery

[Denji]

Been a bit busy the last few days so haven't progressed much further, ran out of tile grout so bought some more only to find they only supplied it in grey which turned out to be much easier as you could see a lot clearer which parts of the polystyrene you'd missed.

See our Barn Owl in this pic too lol







Originally we didn't think the materials would be strong enough to support Ned's weight when he would be fully grown without some sort of strengthening but after a few couts of grout it really toughened up and is very strong now

Added a few Plants/Cactus's (Notice the cut down the right hand side, measurements were a bit off so didn't fit when we tested it. FAIL!)






Would like to add something else but i think i'll wait till its completed before i decide to add anything extra as i'm concerned it may be a bit cluttered already.

Got the majority of playsand onto the build tonight too but unfortunately batteries died in my camera so you'll have to wait for the pics. DOH'

Cheers again.

[Denji]

Just about finished putting the last of the sand on, there are a few imperfections which i'm going to sort i.e some of the sand is more pale than the rest because of excess glue which i'm in the process of fixing but you get the idea. Pics....













Were gettin there lol

Oooooh just ordered this aswell