Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, i am having problems deciding what type of wood to use for my new enclosure for my collard lizards.

So far i have been told:
Non toxic wood
Non toxic sealant of some sort(I suppose this is so the wood wont absorb any urine or feces and develop other bacteria harmful to my critters.)

My problem is i dont know what wood to use that is non toxic. Some one had suggested birch plywood.

If anyone has any ideas on the best type of wood to use, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much

I used Marine plywood (expensive) with inside painted with epoxy paint. (2 part smelly mix). I also put a sheet of plexyglas on the floor so the rocks wont hurt the paint. all of this ensures a water tite enclosure for those damp lower layers.
John Styner

Try "Diamond Finish" from Home Depot. Marine grade plywood that John uses is good stuff, but expensive as he says. I would lean more towards that if cost wasn't an issue, or if I was building a plywood aquarium as some folks have done. As long as you seal whatever you use, you're fine. The point is that the sealer you use prevents any moisture from contacting the wood anyway. Also, there's no such thing as "toxic" plywood so no worries. Diamond Finish is a food grade product, and it's only 1 part.

John, when you say damp lower layers, do you mean because of your watering of the plants? How moist do you keep it?

Jim

yes cause I water the plants, but I would keep the lower layers damp anyway it enables more tunneling and a place to get cooler .
The sand in some areas of my big Viv is about 8 inches deep so it will always be damp at the lower levels anyway.
john styner

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