Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone, here is a picture of my 90 gallon aquarium housing two Diamond x Jungle Carpet pythons. Since they are getting bigger, I want to build an enclosure underneath the aquarium, using the stand as the enclosure. That way each snake will have their own habitat. The stand is made of a very heavy, very solid wood (no particle board). It was built by a cabinet maker, and it is difficult to even drill through this wood it is so dense. I was going to completely line the inside of the stand with something water repellant (like melamine), and put a screen over it about 9 inches below (parralel to) the bottom of the aquarium. I would use a flourescent light and radiant heat panel to rest on the screen. Then I would put a glass front on the doors. I have a few questions that I hope some of you more experienced builders can help with:
1) Would melamine be the best substance to line the inside with? If so, where would one get black melamine? I think black looks a lot better than white, but I have only seen black for sale from cage companies. I would seal the joints with silicone.
2) Would it be better to find some kind of PVC or polyethylene sheets to line the interior? I have no idea if these are even available, I have never seen them at Home Depot.
2) Is there any kind of wood sealer that I can use on the doors to seal the wood that is not toxic to reptiles? (like those used on boats or decks).
3) Any other thoughts you have on this project?
Thanks much in advance!
John

I would either line the interior with shower board (cheap and fairly easy to work with) or 1/8" pvcx (expanded pvc) The prices would be similar since the 1/8" is quite cheap (and doesn't need to be structural in your application) you can find the pvcx at some sign shops or plastic distributors in your area possibly. If you have to order the pvcx then going with shower board will be the easier and drastically less expensive way to go. (shipping on plastic sheeting is a cost killer in most instances)
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Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

I was going to completely line the inside of the stand with something water repellant (like melamine), and put a screen over it about 9 inches below (parralel to) the bottom of the aquarium.

I'm not sure if I understand the ventilation plan. I think you could get away with just some soffit vents on the upper back of the stand.

>>I would use a flourescent light and radiant heat panel to rest on the screen.

Don't have a RHP directing heat through screen. Metal is a radiant barrier and this will reflect some of the heat back to the RHP, therby shortening its lifespan.

1) Would melamine be the best substance to line the inside with? If so, where would one get black melamine? & 2) Would it be better to find some kind of PVC or polyethylene sheets to line the interior?

Melamine would be the last thing I would use in this instance.

My first choice for a black interior would be expanded PVC. I'd be very surprised if you were unable to find Sintra at a local sign shop, assuming you don't live in Alaska or Hawaii. You can only find this at plastic distributors and sign shops, you won't find it at Home Depot.

My second choice would be to take tile board like Randy mentioned and line it with black vinyl film, also available from sign shops.

2) Is there any kind of wood sealer that I can use on the doors to seal the wood that is not toxic to reptiles? (like those used on boats or decks).

Do not use a deck or boat sealer, or any exterior sealant for that matter.

If you go with sliding doors you won't need to worry about a sealant. However, I do recommend sealing the wood with something before applying the PVC or tile board.

If you're talking about sealing a door frame, then I'd just use an interior water-based polyurethane. The doors won't be exposed to constant moist substrate so a super heavy duty sealant is not needed.

Many thanks Randy and Chris, I am going to start researching both shower board and PVCX in my area. Is "shower board" the panelling that is used to make showers? If so, I guess I would need find it at bath supply stores. There will be about 9 inches of space between bottom of aquarium and the top of the cabinet enclosure, so I'll put some ventilation on the back wall in that space. Sounds like a polyurethane sealant is not harmful to reptiles, so I'll use that on the wood door frame. Since you guys have been so helpful, I'll ask one more question...is silicone adequate to seal and adhere all the joints of either the shower board or PVCX?
ps. Here is Anita, the beauty that will use the finished space:

Shower/tile board is 1/8" thick hardboard with a melamine like coating. It's cheap stuff, about $9 per sheet. Reasonably water resistant. It only comes in white which is why I recommended black vinyl film.

Oil-based poly would be harmful to reptiles if it were applied improperly and/or not allowed to offgas. It can take months to offgas, even if applied correctly.

Silicone should be sufficient for tile board or PVCX.