Reptile & Amphibian Forums

something kind of multi purpose for young cresteds and balls and i just have a couple questions:

1. what is mdf? i see it in alot of posts here and i assume the m is for melamine, but i'm not sure

2. i'm assuming melamine is probably the way to go, that being said, how big of a concern is warping (especially when humidity is high like for crested? and also is there any concern about chemicals leaching into the water i spray in the tubs, b/c i assume water will condense on the roof and the animals will lap it up...so will they get poisoned? it's especially the babies i'm worried about here

3. is there a particular plan i should stick to if i plan on moving within the next year? obviously screws instead of nails, but are there any other techniques that will make it simpler to break down?

4. what is the best way to handle heating? i have gathered that bottom is better than back, but how does that work with the tubs sliding in and out? also, will heat tape melt the tubs?

any advice is really appreciated and as i read more, i'm sure more questions will come to mind...thanks in advance for the help. ed

mdf = medium density fibreboard
it is usually used for cheap furniture, car sub boxes etc.
the problem i see with it especially in your situation is that it tends to do real poor with water.

melamine if you get it from a cabinet shop (better quality) should work well if you like. there is no worry with chemicals or anything like that.

i dont know what to do about ability to take it apart as i find melamine doesnt do so well with removing and replacing screws often but someone else may have better info.

i prefer belly heat to back heat. in order to do this you could either cut a grove for the tape to sit in, or just use aluminum duct tape to help reduce wear on the heat tape from the tubs sliding on it. as far as melting the tub, you should have the tape dialed down with a dimmer or thermostat. with this reduction of heat you should have no problems.

hope i have helped some.
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- Jason F.

What sized box do you plan to use and how will you set up the boxes, especially for the Crested Geckos? Substrate, plants, etc.?

How warm will the room be where you keep the rack? How many boxes do you need it to hold? Do you have any limitations on height?

Melamine should be fine. Dishes are made from it.

If I were you I would seriously consider a rack or the balls and a seperate rack for the crested's. Also it may be better in the long run to make racks that fit through door ways rather than have to break them down to move.

Your room temp really dictates your heat because if you are running around 80* in the room the crested geckos will not need additional heat.

Good Luck
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

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