Rocks for Reptile Habitats

[grottosandfins]

I manufacture rocks for use in aquariums. They are made of cement and reproduced from a mold of an actual rock. Because many varieties of fish spawn in caves in the wild, all rocks are constructed with at least one cave depending on the size of the rock. Although the rock itself is an exact replica of the “mother” rock, each cave is man-made. Each rock, therefore, is unique. After they have been dye-stained, it is extremely difficult to tell that the rocks are made of cement. Walking through pet stores, I have noticed that most “rocks” placed in reptile cages contain a cave. But they are made of plastic and are U-G-L-Y! Do you think there is a market for my product or am I slithering down the wrong path?

 

[The-Wolf]

I would have serious concerns putting concrete in any tank.
there are just too many variables for concrete to be certain it is safe, many cements and or sands used for concrete these days contain bonding agents.

to put it another way I wouldn't buy one.

 

[grottosandfins]

I understand your concern. Years ago, my first reaction was also "no, thanks." For aquarists, though, concrete has successfully been used in delicately balanced saltwater aquariums to replace ocean reef rock for a long time. I do not recall seeing any in reptile habitats though. I presumed that there would be no need to buy a rock if there was one in your backyard you didn't have to pay for. But these cement rocks have caves built in which I thought might be attractive for many reptiles. Thanks for your input, though. I appreciate any feedback I get. If there is no market, I am glad to find out before I pour money into trying to develop one. Be speaking to you!

 

[Paul_MTS]

to aid your research into the market for reptiles i think you will find this forum more useful - http/www.livefoodshop.co.uk/forum/

I think there good be a market for the product if the price was right and if the concern for chemicals was over come.

Depending on the size of the individual designs the weight may become a problem.

I think the designs that sell well at work at realistic designs to a type of actual rock, slate is probable quite popular, i like black cobbles aswell.