Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For large retics, is it necassary to have a lip at the front where the glass slides (like a substrate damn). I use newspaper.
I'm building some cages and was wondering if I should just have the glass slide on teh bottom, or put in a small lip for the glass to slide on.
Also, has anyone tried coating plywood with malemine paint for the interior?
Thanks for any imput!

yes I would use a small damm..so to say..but FRP the floor and 2-3 inches of the sides..your good to go!...

Thanks. I usually use FRP for cages. Just trying to skimp and save some money. But now that I think about it, with snakes, pretty much only the bottom and bit of the sides need to be done. So I'll probably go with that.
Mike

It is not necessary but is a good idea. My reason is because when the snake decides to defecate against the glass you will have less chance of it getting pressed into the tracks. It would also be less likely to leak. I have heard of people using marine paint to seal the interior of a cage but I have not used the product. My retic cages are molded one piece construction, so I have no need. Using a FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) product would be the best but is very expensive. I used it when making my water monitor cage and iguana cage for the bottom floor. The cost at the time was around $55 a gallon and I used 5 gallons. Thankfully it was material leftover from a project at work.

Jim

FRP can be bought in 4x8 sheets (home depot) and cut with h/duty scissors and glued to the floor and sides better than paint many times over.