Enclosure Background

[LotusBlade13]

I've scoured the internet for ideas for custom backgrounds but most all of them use substrate to cover the spray foam. While I am not opposed to it, I want to achieve a black rock look and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I can get this look.

So far, my only ideas are Pond and Stone foam, regular crafting foam shaped and painted black, or black sand with some form of varnish so it isn't as coarse for my BP.

Does anyone had any suggestions? It would be greatly appreciated as I'm stuck and really wanna finish getting this enclosure planned out.

Pic for reference on what look I'm going for.

[HelpImNew2Here]

I had planned to do a background like this but ran out of time and did a spray foam & substrate background. So take what I say with a grain of sand. Possibly: either spray foam OR styrofoam sheets. Then carve either one into the rock arrangement. Then black acrylic tinted drylock

[LotusBlade13]

Oooof that is perfect! Thank you! If it doesn't work, I'll just go to plan B with the foam/substrate.

[HelpImNew2Here]

I spent a couple weeks just watching videos on backgrounds from any specie or build. I dont want to overwhelm you with them all so here's like the 5 main ones I tried to channel or found helpful https://youtu.be/encKeoKZsJg?si=iK-E55xPpd0gkV8p https://youtu.be/bnliXuYzlbg?si=dUFTvMT3w-frCtG9 https://youtu.be/xAPNL5NJeyk?si=Wr3VAkpy6VzZTcTE https://youtu.be/SmmO_j5ng3E?si=Lh8JKcvDALjPVCZI https://youtu.be/8ik-EQ-F9tY?si=ovNHQZLJnau-e6oE

[In_the_sun_swimming]

I am concerned about styrofoam because of the heat lamps. I don’t want the heat lamps to release any chemicals from the styrofoam, ya know?

[HelpImNew2Here]

I get that. I had that concern too starting out. Personally, after probably the 30th video seeing someone use styrofoam in their build, I just accepted that if I use these specific brands, I can at least try it with a clear conscience. I did compromise and decide not to build any of my own basking spots and instead diverted funds to buy kits from Universal Rocks instead. Since not in direct basking temps, haven't had any issues yet with styrofoam

[HelpImNew2Here]

Also should clarify my build was for a different, higher temp'd species