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Background Supplies

For Bioactive Terrariums & Live Vivariums

About Backgrounds Hide Info

About Our Background Supplies:

Easy Custom Background For Bioactive Terrarium Easy Custom Background For Live Vivarium Best Background For Bioactive Terrariums Best Background For Live Vivariums

Introduction

Building your own custom terrarium background is often the most difficult but most rewarding aspect of creating a beautiful environment. On this page you'll find all the building supplies you'll need to create an incredibly awesome custom terrarium background. If you aren't sure how to proceed, we've got your back! Check out our DIY articles about Custom Backgrounds & Heavy Duty Backgrounds before you jump-in. Those (totally free) articles can act like a detailed set of instructions for using all of the supplies you'll find below.

Growing Live Plants On Terrarium Backgrounds Building A Background For Live Terrarium Plants Building A Tropical Live Vivarium Background Supplies For Building A Tropical Live Vivarium Background

The Two Background Styles

There are many ways to go about building a custom background, but we've found two styles to be the most long-lasting, best looking, and most consistently repeatable. Fully custom backgrounds rely on tools like foam, silicone, wood decor, and background texture mix to get the job done. These are a little more difficult to create, require more time, but have the absolute best looking results. Heavy duty backgrounds are basically modified cork tile backgrounds, with added 3D plant mounting points, animal perches, and more. These are the least expensive option we recommend, can be built very quickly, and easily support larger inhabitants.

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Foam: Great Stuff Brand

A common choice for custom background builds

Great Stuff Foam
▾ Show Description ▾
This is the most common & trusted brand of foam used to build a custom vivarium background. After applying a thin layer of terrarium-safe silicone onto a glass enclosure, this foam can be sprayed-in to form ledges and other 3D effects. It's also great for filling gaps between wood decor during custom background design. Once applied and allowed to cure, it can be carved or left "as is" before it's coated with a layer of silicone & background texture mix for an awesome naturalistic effect. To learn more about custom vivarium backgrounds, check out our custom vivarium background how-to article.
$5.99/ea Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

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Gloves: Akers Brand

Non-powdered flexible latex gloves

Akers Gloves
▾ Show Description ▾
Inexpensive, high quality, powder free latex exam gloves. These gloves resist tearing, are more flexible than nitrile gloves, and are light enough to retain textural feeling when performing sensitive tasks. We use these while working with silicone, Great Stuff foam, sensitive animals, and more. Available in four sizes. Sold in quantities of 10, boxes of 100, or in wholesale cases of 10X100 on request.
10-Pack 100-Pack
$2.29/ea 10-Pack
(Select glove size in-cart!)
This option sold out, the other may be available

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10-Pack 100-Pack
$9.99/ea 100-Pack
(Select glove size in-cart!)
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NEHERP Custom Vivarium Background Texture Mix

Specifically formulated to add a dark, detailed texture to custom terrarium backgrounds

NEHERP Custom Background Texture Mix
▾ Show Description ▾
Vivarium Custom Background Texture Vivarium Custom Background Texture
Vivarium Custom Background Texture
To use: Simply apply terrarium safe silicone, press texture mix into it, and allow the silicone to cure. You'll be left with a plant-friendly & realistic looking surface!
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Want more detailed texture & plant growth performance on your custom background? Our background texture substrate is a carefully blended mixture of Canadian organic peat moss, shredded coconut husks, and coconut fiber, and is designed to add a more detailed, darker, and three-dimensional texture than any alternative. The mix looks great on it's own even before plants grow on it, but it's also a great way to encourage Moss, Moss Slurry, epiphytic plants, and trailing plants to spread onto a custom background directly. Our Background Texture Mix is included at a discount in our Custom Background Kits, as well as our Heavy Duty Background Kits. For detailed instructions, please check out our Custom Background DIY article.
96oz 192oz 384oz 576oz
96oz | 0.75 Gallon | $5.49
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96oz | 0.75 Gallon | $4.66
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96oz 192oz 384oz 576oz
192oz | 1.5 Gallons | $10.49
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192oz | 1.5 Gallons | $8.91
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96oz 192oz 384oz 576oz
384oz | 3 Gallons | $19.99
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384oz | 3 Gallons | $16.99
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96oz 192oz 384oz 576oz
576oz | 4.5 Gallons | $29.99
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576oz | 4.5 Gallons | $25.49
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Always discounted in our Heavy Duty & Custom Background Kits!

NEHERP Modular Cork Planters

Specially selected cork rounds cut at neat 45° angles for use as background-mountable planters

NEHERP Modular Cork Custom Background NEHERP Modular Cork Custom Background
▾ Show Description ▾
Hover over the image for planter illustration
A New England Herpetoculture Product:
Our inexpensive modular cork planters allow vivarium builders to add a planting site anywhere they'd like on a background. These are compatible with Cork Tile Backgrounds, Custom Background Kits, and included (at a discount) in our Heavy Duty Background Kits. Depending on the type of background being created, Modular Cork Planters can be attached to an enclosure using either our terrarium-safe silicone or using stainless steel hardware. If silicone is used, any excess "push out" adhesive can be coated with Background Texture Mix to help the planter blend more seamlessly into the background. Both sizes have one opening cut at a 45° angle for easy mounting. Once a planter is mounted it can be left empty to be used as a cave/ledge, or filled with substrate to contain live plants. Over time the roots of plants will grow out & onto the cork itself, creating an awesome grown-in effect. Click here for a bare background fitment photo of the above enclosure.
Show Supporting Links
Links To Supporting NEHERP Pages:
Custom BG Article HD Custom BG Article Vivarium Image Gallery
Links To Supporting Supplies:
Silicone Hardware BG Texture HD BG Kits
Small Medium
$7.49/ea Small
On Sale Now!
15% Off!
$6.36/ea Small
This option sold out, the other may be available

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Always discounted in our HD Background Kits!
Small - 3-5in Length X 2-4in Diameter
Small Medium
$10.49/ea Medium
On Sale Now!
15% Off!
$8.91/ea Medium
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Always discounted in our HD Background Kits!
Medium - 6-8in Length X 2.5-5in Diameter

Nursery Net Pots

High quality flexible plastic net pots

Net Pots For Custom Terrarium Backgrounds
▾ Show Description ▾
Net pots can be used with standard soil, but are more commonly used with Sphagnum, Soilless media (hydroponics), and in other unique circumstances.
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.49/ea 2in Single
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2in Single $0.49/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.45/ea 2in 25 Pack ($11.25)
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2in 25 Pack $0.45/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.35/ea 2in 100 Pack ($35.00)
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2in 100 Pack $0.35/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.20/ea 2in 500 Case ($100.00)
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2in 500 Case $0.20/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.59/ea 3in Single
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3in Single $0.59/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.55/ea 3in 25 Pack ($13.75)
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3in 25 Pack $0.55/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.45/ea 3in 100 Pack ($45.00)
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3in 100 Pack $0.45/ea Pot
2in Single 2in 25pk 2in 100pk 2in 500cs
3in Single 3in 25pk 3in 100pk 3in 500cs
$0.30/ea 3in 500 Case ($150.00)
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3in 500 Case $0.30/ea Pot

Razor Extension Tool

Great for cleaning hard to reach glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

Razor Extension Tool
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This is a very useful tool to have while working with larger vivariums. It can be used in a number of ways, but we use it most often to scrape hard-to-reach silicone off of the glass while building a custom background. These can also be used to scrape algae, water spots, and other things from hard-to-reach glass sections of established vivariums. Be sure the razor blade used on this tool is cleaned of all manufacturing oil before use. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this item.
$8.99/ea Extension Scraper
Usually $8.99/ea
25% Off - $6.74/ea

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Stock Notification!
Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

Razor Knife Carving & Shaping Set

A hobbyist razor knife & scraper kit appropriate for custom background trimming

Custom Background Trimmer Shaper Set
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This little tool kit is perfect for adding finer details to custom background work (foam), trimming excess silicone in hard-to-reach places, and lightly scraping wood decor. Each kit includes two aluminum handles, and one larger plastic handle for ease of using multiple knife/scraper types on a single job without needing to change blades. Also includes 6 angled blades, 2 curved blades, 2 straight blades, and carrying case. Be sure the razor blade used on this tool is cleaned of all manufacturing oil before use. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this item.
$8.99/ea Kit
Usually $8.99/ea
15% Off - $7.64/ea

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Razor Mini Scraper Tool

Great for cleaning glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

Razor Scraper Tool
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
A basic tool used most often for shaping foam & silicone during construction of custom backgrounds. On established enclosures, these can also be used to scrape algae, calcium deposits, and more off of flat glass surfaces. Be sure the razor blade used on this tool is cleaned of all manufacturing oil before use. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this item.
$1.89/ea Scraper

Sold Out

Stock Notification!
Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

Silicone Adhesive: Black

Terrarium safe, high tensile strength black silicone

Best Silicone For Terrariums
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same black, neutral cure silicone we offer in our Custom Background Kits. Our top-of-the-line silicone is completely safe for Aquariums, Terrariums, and Paludariums in locations above and below water. An excellent choice for custom background work, with extremely high tensile & sheer strength. Our silicone is very fresh from the manufacturer, so you can count on it curing correctly without any risks associated with older product. Comes with removable nozzle, and each 10.2oz tube works with our dripless silicone applicator gun.
$12.99/ea Tube Only $10.99/ea when purchased in a Custom Background Kit!

Sold Out

Stock Notification!
Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

Silicone Adhesive: Clear

Terrarium safe clear silicone

Clear Silicone For Terrariums
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
A 100% non-toxic aquarium & terrarium safe clear silicone adhesive. These are from Marineland, one of the top manufacturers of glass aquariums. At the shop, we most commonly use clear silicone to repair or re-seal enclosures. The cured appearance is more clear than some of the other brands we've seen. If you'll be repairing a leaky corner in any aquarium, we recommend scraping out as much of the original silicone as is conveniently possible first, to help ensure a clean bond. Like the other types we carry, our Marineland silicone is restocked often from the distributor, to ensure a fresh & effective product.

★ Covid-19 Price Jump ★

This product has become exorbitantly expensive during the pandemic. Check out our ASI Silicone instead.

$13.49/ea Tube

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Silicone Adhesive Squeeze Tubes

Terrarium safe black & clear silicone

Silicone For Terrariums
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
These are the same 3oz containers of silicone we include in our Heavy Duty Background Kits, and they are perfect for getting smaller-scale jobs done right. These silicone tubes are especially great for mounting our Modular Cork Planters to background surfaces! Like the other brand we carry, this is a terrarium-safe silicone which is neutral cure and easy to apply. The included applicator tip can be cut at different spots to increase or decrease the size of the bead you'll apply. We order from the manufacturer every couple of weeks or so to ensure our stock is always fresh, in an effort to prevent issues with using older silicone. Available in either black or clear color, and sold in 3oz tubes.
Clear Black
$7.99/ea Clear
This option sold out, the other may be available

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Clear Black
$7.99/ea Black Always discounted in our Heavy Duty Background Kits!
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Silicone Dispenser Gun

A heavier duty, no-drip, silicone gun

Silicone Dispenser Gun
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This is a heavier duty alternative to some of the economy caulk guns out there, and is the same model we use & recommend for silicone. Traditional caulk is more viscous and squeezes out much easier than silicone, so a traditional (pop-riveted) caulk gun typically won't hold up to the "abuse" of applying a thick silicone sealant. These welded models are the best option we've seen for the price, and have held up to even long-term frequent use at our shop. Their design also helps to minimize drips after it's used, as the "dripless" name suggests. We have a handful of these being used at NEHERP right now, and they are the same units included in our Background Kits.
$8.99/ea Silicone Gun
Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

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Stock Notification!
Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

Silicone Spreading Tools

Reusable tools for spreading silicone on custom backgrounds

Silicone Spreader Tool Silicone Spreader Tool
▾ Show Description ▾
These are used to spread silicone on the glass background of a terrarium as the first step towards building a custom background. For background work, these simple plastic knives actually work better than more expensive stainless spreaders because clean-up takes just a second after the silicone cures. When your project is complete, just leave the tool out for 12-24 hours to allow the silicone to cure. Once cured, it peels right off the tool with no mess! These are the same ones we offer in our Custom Background Kits. The 5in model is pictured above. Colors may vary.
1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide
$1.99/ea 1.5in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!
On Sale Now!
35% Off!
$1.29/ea 1.5in Wide
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1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide
$2.99/ea 3in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!
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1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide
$2.49/ea 5in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!
On Sale Now!
40% Off!
$1.49/ea 5in Wide
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Stainless Steel Hardware

Ideal for affixing wood decor to background tiles & more!

Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware
Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware Stainless Steel Terrarium Hardware

▾ Show Description ▾
High grade stainless steel hardware for affixing wood decor together, decor to backgrounds, and more. Our hardware packs are 304/Food Grade stainless, not common hardware store 10/0 or lower grade stainless steel. Kits include optional matching curved washers for securely mounting assorted decor items to cork backgrounds, although they are equally useful for attaching different wood decor together. The use of the curved washers allows for counter-sinking the hardware into the cork backgrounds to allow for flush fitment against the glass, while ensuring the hardware won't "pull through" as the enclosure ages. Note: Be careful that no sharp edges come through wood decor when mounting. Any exposed hardware can be coated in silicone, and covered in custom background texture mix for easy, discreet, and safe cover-up.
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$1.99/ea Pack Of 5 Screws
This option sold out, others may be available

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5 Screws / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$2.49/ea Pack Of 5 Screws + Washers
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5 Screws + Washers / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$3.89/ea Pack Of 10 Screws
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10 Screws / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$4.89/ea Pack Of 10 Screws + Washers
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10 Screws + Washers / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$15.99/ea Pack Of 50 Screws
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50 Screws / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
5 Screws 5 Screws + Washers
10 Screws 10 Screws + Washers
50 Screws 50 Screws + Washers
$18.99/ea Pack Of 50 Screws + Washers
This option has sold out!

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50 Screws + Washers / 1.75in Length / ~1/8in Diameter / Authentic T304 Grade
Always discounted in our HD Background Kits!

Tree Fern Panels

Great for backgrounds, plant mounts, and more!

Tree Fern Panels For Bioactive Terrariums Tree Fern Panels For Bioactive Terrariums
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
Tree Fern Panels have been used to mount orchids & other epiphytic plants for decades. In a horticultural setting, plants are typically mounted to the boards, and the boards are hung for display. In a terrarium, tree fern panels can be affixed to the back or side panels of the enclosure to act as a 3-dimensional mounting point for plants. In custom background design, these Tree Fern Slabs can be broken up to fit into gaps and spaces left between other pieces of wood decor, to ensure epiphytic plants have the absolute highest chances of success. These are sustainably harvested from New Zealand, and the color will turn significantly darker once moistened.
Select A Panel Size:
12in x 6in x 0.6in 18in x 6in x 0.6in
12in x 6in x 1in 12in x 12in x 1in
$9.99/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at 8.99/ea!
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10% Off!
$8.99/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $8.09/ea!
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12in x 6in x 0.6in 18in x 6in x 0.6in
12in x 6in x 1in 12in x 12in x 1in
$13.49/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $12.49/ea!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$12.14/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $10.34/ea!
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12in x 6in x 0.6in 18in x 6in x 0.6in
12in x 6in x 1in 12in x 12in x 1in
$15.99/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $14.99/ea!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$14.39/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $13.49/ea!
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12in x 6in x 0.6in 18in x 6in x 0.6in
12in x 6in x 1in 12in x 12in x 1in
$29.99/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $28.99/ea!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$26.99/ea Upgrade to a 2-pack in-cart at $26.09/ea!
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Zoo Med Mushroom Ledges

Realistic mushroom ledges, firmly attached using silicone

Zoo Med Mushroom Ledges
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
These solid, strong, and light weight ledges are designed to replicate shelf fungus growing on a tree! (Check it out: Wikipedia Polyporales Fungi) Zoo Med's ledges are great for incorporating into custom backgrounds, heavy duty custom backgrounds, and directly on Zoo Med's tile backgrounds. These are directly compatible with our Custom Background & HD Background kits, and we'd recommend them to anyone looking for a quick & easy way to incorporate a simple ledge into their enclosure. Each package contains a small tube of black silicone for attaching the ledge to the enclosure.
Small Large
$10.99/ea Small
On Sale Now!
15% Off!
$9.34/ea Small
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Small - 7in Wide, 4.5in Deep, 2in Tall
Small Large
$14.99/ea Large
On Sale Now!
15% Off!
$12.74/ea Large
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Large - 12in Wide, 6in Deep, 2.75in Tall

Zoo Med Cork Tile Backgrounds

Our best selling drop-in backgrounds

Cork Tile Background For Bioactive Terrariums Example Of Custom Tile Background In Terrarium
Cork tile background shown heavily customized (right)
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
Our drop-in Cork Tile backgrounds are made from natural Cork, and we've had a lot of luck with them over the years. We'd consider them our most cost-effective and durable solution for larger inhabitants, and are the same panels we include (to be modified) in our Heavy Duty Custom Background Kits. At about 5/8-3/4in thick, these cork tile panels are more durable than most alternatives. If you'll be building a humid bioactive terrarium, these background panels will support plants growing on them so long as the surface is kept sufficiently moist during acclimation. For maximum visual impact and climable textures, Cork Tiles can be customized by affixing other wood decor using High Tensile Strength Silicone, T-304 Stainless Steel Screws, and Custom Background Texture Mix.
12in x 12in 12in x 18in 18in x 18in
18in x 24in 18in x 36in
$13.99/ea 12in x 12in
This option sold out, others may be available

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12in x 12in 12in x 18in 18in x 18in
18in x 24in 18in x 36in
$20.99/ea 12in x 18in
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12in x 12in 12in x 18in 18in x 18in
18in x 24in 18in x 36in
$24.99/ea 18in x 18in
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12in x 12in 12in x 18in 18in x 18in
18in x 24in 18in x 36in
$29.99/ea 18in x 24in
This option has sold out!

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12in x 12in 12in x 18in 18in x 18in
18in x 24in 18in x 36in
$49.99/ea 18in x 36in
This option has sold out!

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Always discounted in our HD Background Kits!
Add this to your cart to see volume discounts!

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