Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am working to possibly build an enclosure for a Caiman. I know that most people use plastic pond liners or plastic water troughs (found at agricultural retailers) for the water part of their enclosures. I have heard that galvanized steel is not good for water areas in reptile enclosures. If steel is not healthy for crocodilians is there anything that can be done to make it safe, other than lining it with plastic pond liners that come on rolls? The liners would get torn to shreds by a crocodilian of any size.

The reason I am asking about the steel is I was thinking of using a circular 10 foot diameter steel water trough sold for livestock. I am worried about the health issues of using it to hold the water.

I have built an aviary for non-hookbill birds out of galvanized hardware cloth. I made the wire safer by soaking the rolls in vinegar. I don't think I could realistically soak a huge round piece of metal in vinegar.
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Ed

There are chameleons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.

the metal ones work just fine. the only problem is the water needs to be heated as metal is always cold.
crocodil

I USE THE TUBS MADE BY VISION, MY TUB IS 76"l 40"w 24"t. MY CAIMAN IS FOUR FEET, IT IS VERY EASY TO BUILD A LAND AREA AND ATTACH IT TO THE TUB. THEY ARE A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE BUT WORTH THE MONEY IF YOU ASK ME.