Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Look, i don't need step by step instructions on how to build my cage. I just want to know if there are any materials i should avoid? Like cedar chips for substrate, things like that. All i see in older posts are you CAN use this and youy CAN use that. Anything I can't use? I posted this once and got no replies.

This questions will be easier to answer if you give us more info.

What species are building cage(s) for?

What are your goals for building yourself (save money, custom dimensions, durability, etc.)

If you're most worried more about substrate, cage furnishings, or the actual building materials for the cage.

If you need a 4'x4'x8' cage and durability was your primary concern, for example, I'd recommend you avoid expanded PVC. But if your cage was 2x2x2 and weight savings was your primary concern, it would likely be the ideal material.

We need context.

OKAY. WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR IS HOUSING FOR LARGE BOIDS (10' BOAS). WEIGHT ISN'T A CONCERN. I'D LIKE TO KEEP SOME DISPLAY QUALITIES BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FANCY. I'M ALSO LOOKING TO BUILD A VERY FANCY DISPLAY FOR DART FROGS. MY CONCERS ARE WITH MATERIALS. CEDAR IS BAD, SOME POTTING SOILS MAY CONTAIN PESTICIDES, VERMICULITE CAN CONTAIN TRACE AMOUNT OF ASBESTOS OR ARSENIC (ONE OR THE OTHER), PINE ISN'T A HOT IDEA UNLESS IT'S SEALED. ANY OTHER MATERIALS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? LIKE "WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T USE OIL BASED PAINTS" OR "THIS IS THE ONLY TYPE OF GROUT THAT IS SAFE TO USE IN HERP ENCLOSURES" I SEE ALL THE "DO'S" IN PAST POSTS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE I DON'T DO ANY OF THE "DO NOT'S"
AND THAKS FOR RESPONDING.

For large boids I would not hesitate to use anything other than cedar. Obviously security is the only concern. Pine plywood or lumber would need to be sealed anyways so it's fine.

For sealers, avoid exterior decks products or spar urethanes. Regular oil-based urethanes are fine with sufficient offgassing.

Do avoid oil-based products for dart frogs.

Regarding cage decorations, toxic plants, etc., this is really not the right forum. There are plenty of more experienced people on the Dart Frog Forum that know their stuff regarding cage decorations.

I still think it's easier to say what's best to use based on your wants and needs, but I hope this helped a bit.

IT DID HELP. THANKS. AS FAR AS TOXIC PLANTS, YOU'RE RIGHT. I'LL LOOK MORE INTO THAT WITH THE FROG GUYS WHEN I GET THAT FAR. THANKS AGAIN.