Here the full benefit was taken from a Dutch development in tropical vivarium construction, which is also explained in the website of George Cramer. Flevopol is an emulsion of a hydrophilic network forming polymer ( like glue ) which is used in the construction industry to improve concrete floors and structures. It is a Dutch product but there should be enough similar materials around in the world that perform identical. Since the experience in Holland lasts already several years and no bad effects have been seen on the frogs in these vivaria. The mixture i used contained :
1 part of concentrated flevopol 1 part of water 4 parts of milled peat, regular garden grade 4 parts of so-called coco-peat, milled cocos fibres sold as potting material.
First the water and the flevopol were blended, followed by 1 part of peat and 1 part of coco-peat, then blending again. The last part was repeated 4 times until the right substance was reached that was sticky but stable and strong. The cocos fibres provide a lot of structure. As a blender a regular plaster blender was used put in a battery operated drill.
I used 1 litre glass pots as the size of 1 part, at the end about 10 litres of peat paste is made this way.
The application is easy and self explanatory. It sticks to a lots of stuff, one can apply this with gloves, or with a spatulum. Structures can be kneaded and one can cover pipes and wires. When the surface is very smooth the material slids away, therefore some structure is required.
Drying is slow and takes a 4 days to a week. With the mixture i used there was a large part of shrinkage which resulted in cracks of the layers, which gives quite a natural look at the end. Parts were the PUR foam became visible again were filled up several days later.
This sounds like a lot of work, but it was very nice to do !!!
For the americans I have added this e-mail I received from David Taylor, who probably has found the US alternative to Flevopol :
"I think the stuff I got is
going to work though; I used your mix of peat and coconut husk minus the water
because according to the directions on the bottle, you aren't supposed to
dilute it. Besides, it already has water in it. Anyway, I had to use about 2-3
parts concrete primer to every 4 parts peat and 4 parts coco husk. So if you
want to post it on your site, the stuff I used is called Concrete Primer &
Bonding Additive. It is made by ACE (available in ACE/True Value Hardware stores)
And as far as I know, ACE is a chain spread all around the US. Here's a URL
to some pics I took of the tank and the mix after application; click here I just hope it
dries okay but Im not worried that it wont. It was sticking to the foam very
easily. Thanks for your help with everything, I cant wait till you get some
more pics posted of your large vivarium. Its already looking incredible. Talk
to you later.
-David"
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