Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Chris you have more experience with different materials than just about anyone. I've moved my pet shop and am planning on making new reptile enclosures. I'm pretty much set on 1x2 pine for frames and 1/4" plywood for the outside skins, inside I was thinking of using 1/8" melamine. These enclosures are approx 48"wx72"hx18"d divided into 3 chambers vertically, each chamber will have a hidden lighting bay above and sliding glass door fronts. My concern is the humidity and possibility of having to have a sprayer system and melamines ability to withstand this moisture. I like the idea of the melamine as it is easy to clean and it's bright. Any input or alternative suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks. BigT

Hi BigT,

I assume by 1/8" melamine you mean the melamine-coated hardboard that is often sold in the same areas as tile-board?

I do not like that product because it does not resist humidity well.

A product I really like is fiberglass reinforced panel, aka FRP board (not to be confused with fire resistant panel). A bit more expensive but extremely durable and completely water proof. I think it would go very well with your design.

My only concern with that product is that I believe some disinfectants will stain it slightly. That's something I don't know the specifics of.

I need to pick your brain about catalyzed lacquers, etc. I'm shopping for a compressor to run a pneumatic nailer but want it to be powerful enough to vaporize some of these lacquers. Obviously a pancake compressor won't work.

I'll try to e-mail you or start another thread. Kind of busy today.

Chris
That's exactly the melamine I was refering too. Never heard of FRP I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the input.

As for compressors, most regardless of type only produce a max of 125 PSI the only drawback to the pancake type is the small resovoir and the slower recovery time. For spraying and the use of pneumatic tools I would recommend at least a 4.5 HP piston type compressor. Faster recovery time, larger tank volume and will still run on 110VAC. Once you go to 5HP you need to have 220VAC.

Now as for the lacquers I use my little Emqlo compressor with an HVLP gun and have no problem with vaporizing lacquer finishes. Now urethanes I do have to thin a little but not really that much.

Hope that helps.

BigT

I'm no where near as expereinced as chris is.... but

would expanded PVC sheets work on the inside instead of the mealamine? that would be your ultimate waterproof solution, only dependent on using good aquarium silicon on the edges.
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Later,
WhisQuila

It's a thought but Chris and I discussed expanded PVC about a year ago when he was experimenting with it for, I believe tree frog enclosures. The drawback to it for my application is that it won't stand up to sharp lizard claws though it would be fine for snakes, amphibs and smaller lizards like geckos.

Thanks for the thought anyway
BigT