Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I tried to post this at dendroboard.com but it wouldn't let me register. I would like to make a couple display vivariums for tropical species where humidity would be high and there would be standing water in the bottom. Here are some questions I've been pondering.

1. Is it possible to waterproof it to the extent that even standing water wouldn't be a problem? Which product should I use?

2. I always wished my snake cages had a drain in them that emptied into a bucket under the cage. I'm assuming that would make cleaning much easier (and in a planted vivarium, water changes would be a breeze.) Is there a reason we don't see drains in cages more often?

3. I like the idea of using computer fans for ventilation/air flow and also to prevent the glass from fogging up. But do I need to push hot air in, cold air in, just circulate the air or a combination?

In the case of a european style viv with a vent below the front glass and fans pulling air out of the viv (and therefore through the bottom vent into the viv) is that enough to keep the glass fog free?

Also, how many fans are needed for an enclosure 24"w X 24" l X 36" t if all the sides are enclosed (ie. no screen top)?

Sorry for the bombardment but I've been thinking of this vivarium for months and I want it to be perfect.

Terry

These topics have been addressed thoroughly on dendroboard. Look at the stickies and search the threads. Try again to register, too.

Cheers,
Jimi

For standing water you can use vinyl ester resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, solvent-based epoxy paint, rubberized pool paint (non-chlorinated), polyurea (note, NOT polyurethane), some truck bed liners and many of the elastomeric emulsions out there.

Silicone sticks to some of these sealers but not others. Keep this in mind if you want the standing water to be visible through a glass panel like a paludarium.

Drains are doable but a source of leaks if not sealed properly.

Not sure about the ventilation but for sure ventilation below the main viewing panel is a good idea to reduce condensation. You should be able to add more computer fans after the fact so starting with less than you need seems like a good idea. Of course you could always just shut some off as well.