Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i've been keeping snakes for a few years now in glass aquariums and i figure i should try making a wooden viv so i've got a few questions:

1) whats a good material to build the viv out of?
2) whats the best way to heat a wood viv?
3)has anyone used sculpey to make hides?
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Matt W.
"Judge me all you want...just don't share the verdict"

1) whats a good material to build the viv out of?

Honestly I think any of the engineered woods are fine (plywood, melamine, MDF) if you're willing to work within their various trade offs. I do NOT recommend making cages out of edge-glued solid wood simply because most cages have a significant differential in heat and humidity on the inside and out. This causes solid wood to warp. If it's in the budget, I do recommend solid wood for a face frame.

Of the three, MDF is my least favorite, even though it is the cheapest.

Plywood varies a lot in quality and price and needs to be sealed (as does MDF and melamine in some cases) but is probably still my favorite choice.

Melamine has a bad reputation, but honestly I still believe it to be a good choice since it is already sealed to some extent and has a finished look to it. With maybe something more durable for the floor, I do believe that 100 weight melamine (or higher) is durable enough for a ball python, provided it does not have the habit of dumping its water bowl on a regular basis. And I do like the somewhat matte black color that higher grade melamine comes in.

2) whats the best way to heat a wood viv?

I believe the best way is a radiant heat panel (RHP) and have a preference for Pro Products RHP's even though I have not used one in quite some time.

3)has anyone used sculpey to make hides?

Never heard of it.

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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

sculpey is oven bake clay

thanks for the advice on materials and heating method
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Matt W.
"Judge me all you want...just don't share the verdict"