going to build a framed enclosure for my argus. I was planning on using 8' sheets of melamine wrapped plywood, but these are a little expensive. I know a lot of people here use straight plywood, but I wonder about its ability to stand up to water exposure. I plan to keep a large tub of water in the enclosure, along with a deep layer of soil/clay. I'm affraid bare plywood will rot over a relatively short amount of time. any input?
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building materials and moisture
dalegribble
Jul 31, 2007 05:17 PM
Replies (6)
jburokas
Jul 31, 2007 06:39 PM
Line the plywood with sheets of FRP and seal the edges well.
dalegribble
Jul 31, 2007 10:24 PM
what is FRP, and can it stand up to the freddy kreugger-like claws of an argus?
dalegribble
Jul 31, 2007 10:27 PM
I imagine if it is some type of plastic sheeting or something, it would have to be very securely stapled to the wood?
SHvar
Jul 31, 2007 11:32 PM
Its almost indestructible when attached with FRP adhesive to thick plywood, its like a waterproof armor. Its .090 of a inch thick, one side is bubbly rough, the other side smooth (the side you adhese to the plywood). Belive me it holds up and then some. My flaviargus and Sobek (my giant albig) cannot damage it.
The stuff is about $31 a sheet for 4x8 ft sheets, its worth the investment, do not build a cage from wood without this stuff to protect the inside from the lizard and moisture.
Seal the corners with GE silicone 2.
sungazer
Jul 31, 2007 07:41 PM
Yes you are correct. The wood will rot, warp, and many other things. Wood does not last in the long run. Although you can keep the wood from rotting if you keep the cage dry and make your lizard into beef jerkey hahaha.
The wood usually starts to get funky where the dirt touches it. But i wouldnt expect the weight of alot of dirt to hold up to it unless you reinforce it anyway.
Just water proof it 
Cheers,
Sean
robyn@ProExotics
Aug 01, 2007 10:00 PM
hey Dale, your question is actually funny because melamine would be the WORST possible choice : )
that stuff wouldn't last 2 weeks. i strongly suggest looking into the galvanized water troughs as the base of your cage, and building from there. it makes life much easier, and they will last forever. check out the FAQ below.
FRP is another excellent choice, but anytime you have to seal a cage bottom to add in moist soil, you are asking for leakage, swelling, and rotting. it just happens.
Gribble, funny!
Pro Exotics FAQ on cage construction
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robyn@proexotics.com
