How to Make a Reptile Cage Background

Adding a natural background to a reptile's terrarium or cage can add a new dimension to the naturalistic aesthetic. Though you can often buy the plain paper backgrounds that may have a picture of a jungle or desert that you can tape to the back of the tank, nothing adds a greater sense of realism than a 3D background that your reptile can climb and rest on, simulating its natural environment. Though these types of backgrounds are typically expensive, you can make your own after a quick trip to the hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet of plastic, 1 cm thick, cut to the size of the back of your reptile's cage
  • Great Stuff canned foam insulation
  • Non-toxic water-safe paint
  • Exacto knife
  • Silicone adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the sheet of plastic to match the size of the back of your tank.

    • 2

      Spray a generous layer of the canned insulation foam over the entirety of the sheet of plastic. The foam, when it hardens, will act as the background. While it is still wet and pliable you can make ridges, tunnels, anything you want to incorporate into your background. You can even place logs and artificial plants in it.

    • 3

      Let the foam dry and harden for at least 24 hours.

    • 4

      Paint the hardened foam background your desired color and allow the paint to dry completely.

    • 5

      Adhere the background to the back of the inside of your reptile's cage using the silicone adhesive.