Exo Terra Foam Background PT2950

by **Tsuhei** Sat Feb 25, 2012 5:43 pm

Exo Terra Foam Background
(12x12; PT2950)

The next item on my check list for review is the Exo Terra Foam Background. This particular item comes in many sizes to fit the different Exo Terra terrariums, but I will be focusing on the background fitting the Exo Terra 12’’ x 12’’ x 12’’.

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The Exo Terra Foam Background can be purchased online from Amazon for approximately seven to twelve dollars USD.

As stated earlier, this piece is made out of a hard, black polystyrene foam and painted on one side. Being made from foam, this item is obviously light and water proof, making it a cinch to clean. The only downside to the item being made of foam is that it can be flimsy and easily broken if not handled carefully. For example, when inserting this piece into an Exo Terra terrarium, you have to carefully maneuver the piece into place since it fits so tightly in the tank that there are no gaps on the sides when properly inserted. If you wedge the item to roughly into the tank, it WILL snap or crack. Take caution when installing/removing this piece!

The background comes in a few slightly varied colors. Online, if you purchase this item alone, it is usually tan in color. However, if you purchase an Exo Terra terrarium kit, it can come in a somewhat dark brown color. Putting aside the color, the overall look of the background is surprisingly realistic. This piece looks like a real piece of rock while most backgrounds for terrariums/tanks are either flat pieces of board with little three dimensional aspects or a laminated picture that is taped on the exterior of the tank.

Due to the background’s three dimensional qualities, it gives reptiles or amphibians the opportunity to have an item to climb the semi-rough foam texture (not all arboreal/semi-arboreal species can stick to glass). However, it also allows other species to have an opportunity to climb, play around, and exercise as well. On a side note capturing this statement, I do not recommend a small 12’’ x 12’’ x 12’’ terrarium for the majority of arboreal/semi-arboreal species, this background for the particular tank will suffice for smaller species.

Now, what comes to mind in terms of safety for this product is “Is the product safe for my pet?” or “Will it melt if the background touches the hot side of my tank?” The answer is yes, this item is completely safe for your herp as long as you don’t shove your tank inside of an oven (obviously). Polystyrene begins to soften over temperatures of 158ºF (70ºC) and breaks down around 464ºF (240ºC). Also, the background is painted and sealed with non-toxic items, meaning it is definitely herp friendly!

What caught my attention about the background is the bottom part of the piece has two 2 ¾’’ x ½’’ gaps. These gaps do not touch the floor of the enclosure, making it easy for a small species of reptile or amphibian to squeeze into and never come out. I had to stuff both gaps with paper towel to keep my teratolepis fasciata from hiding in the spaces as it would never come out, meaning it would not eat or go to the warm side to heat up. Another issue can also include needing to take the foam piece out for cleaning or to check up on your herp. It is nearly impossible for me to squeeze my fingers into the space and get my reptile out (and I have small hands). Plus, if I tried, I would probably hurt it before successfully removing it. Trying to remove the piece has the same issue. The board is wedged into the tank and flipped into place with a little effort - it does not simply slide in and out because of the lip on the Exo-Terra terrariums.

The foam background also allows insects, such as crickets to scale their way up the tank. Normally, this would not be an issue. However, the Exo-Terra tank lids do not fit tightly in place, allowing the crickets to squeeze out and escape. While using this item, I found around five or six escaped crickets. Since then, I have removed this piece. However, if you do not feed crickets and use a feeding dish, I don't see how keeping the background in the tank would be an issue.

A major negative for this product, though, is how thick it is. A 12’’ x 12’’ x 12’’ terrarium is 7.48 US Gallons (6.23 UK Gallons). The background’s width is approximately one inch thick, meaning the overall gallon size of the tank is almost cut down by a complete half gallon. If you are looking for a realistic terrarium, definitely put this item in your tank. However, in terms of reptile/amphibian comfort, either cut this piece down as much as you can and add support to the back, or completely leave this item out of the tank.

* = Second image belongs to Amazon.com. I do not claim ownership of this image.

Overall Score: 5 out of 10

By: Tsuhei