Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a nice, big, old school TV the other day from a thrift store for free, it's nice and huge and it's one of those ones that fits right in the corner! So I'm stoked so far.

Today I am gutting it and maybe putting the plexiglass on the front, depending what else I have to do today.

I'll be taking pics along the way to document it, but my first question is about that polystuff, that foam that you explode all over the inside and then shape it to however you like. What is this stuff called? Any special brands I should use? Any other tips are very welcome. Also, should I cover the inside with a coating of something before using this foam stuff, or just go atter?

Thanks a lot ,
-Brock

Back in the 1950's my husband and I converted our first and only TV into a liquor cabinet after he had a fit over the endless Vegematic commercials and professional wrestling, which were the only choices for viewing then. Occasional viewing in motel rooms on vacations has not improved our attitudes toward the worth of TV, and they no longer come in neat cabinets you can do anything else with. I can't begin to imagine how to change one into a vivarium, but if it works, it will be more entertaining to watch, I'm sure.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

I would use a high build epoxy paint to coat the inside once it was gutted to insure that it was water tight. I would also use sliding glass doors on the front as oppossed to plexi, because the glass wont warp or scratch up nearly as easy as the plexi.

The foam is call Great Stuff and you want to use the minimal expasion type, check out Blackjungle.com for detailed instructions.

Hasn't anyone ever seen grumpy old men!?

Great Stuff is BAD, the polymer that it's made with, will break down if it become in contact with water. by breaking down, i mean that the moca, the chemical mix with seperate, the structural integraty will weaken, and there is also a chemical that is created during this process that binds to oxygen, making it heavy.

It's been a study of mine, great stuff, dow, any of the insulatin foams were not designed for vivariums. if you read the HDMS papers you read the same.

expanding foam that is used iin ponds, and is fish safe is what you want, and it's black, water proof, can be cut and still won't break down! it's be proven to be non-toxic for fish and has been made just for this appliction.

Great stuff was not!

don't use it!

do a google search for "great stuff polymerization hazardous material data sheets"

Do you know what the fish pond stuff is called?
I'd like to try this stuff out... although not wit Arrow Frogs.

I sell it as well as home depot, it's beckett Water Fall Foam Sealant. if you can't find it you can call them or let me know.
it's about 15.00 per can but well worth it. moss grows on it, is 100% safe and was designed for being in contact with water!

Brock?

I'd coat the inside with either glass or plexigalss IMO.

there are great sealers you could use too but i'd just cut some glass, silicone it in place and then coat the inside of that with some black expanding foam for the hardscape and such. i'd use tree fern panels to grow in and someone would send out a search party as i'dbe missing for a week...this sounds like a great project!
I tried an old juke box once, with the glass front, but scratch it after learning the cost of replacing the glass.

you should send some photos when you can! once it's done!