Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,
I am in the process of building a new enclosure for my 1 1/2 year old female Reticulated python. She is approximately 9 ft. long and extremly healthy. Although I have built cages for some of my other large boas and pythons, this will be my first time using FRP panels.
The main reason I chose to use FRP's, is because it holds up so well against moisture and humidity. In all of my snake enclosures I use Bed-A-Beast, which is a substrate made from crushed coconuts. For those who have never used it,it is excellent at holding humidity without being "wet". Also, it is so fine that if ingested by the animal, it will pass safely through thier digestive system without causing any harm.
For heat, I will be using a radiant heat panel. This will give me a temp zone ranging from 90 degrees warmest, to around 75 degrees coolest. The cage dimensions are 32" deep, 46" high, and 96" long. It will be construsted of framing and plywood, with the inside covered by the FRP panels. I will be using a "new home construction" double slinding window for the door, which measures 41" high by 62" long.
I've tried to give as much information about my construction and about the inside furnishings, so that it may help in maybe answering my next question....What type of adhesive should I use to attach the FRP panels to the plywood?

Thank you,
Robert E. Langley Sr

Robert,

If you are actually using FRP board and not one of the coated masonite tile boards, there is an actual FRP glue. Brace yourself though - FRP glue is very expensive, probably $30 or $40 a gallon (can't exactly remember how much). The other problem is that I've only seen it in gallon containers because it's intended to be troweled onto a surface. The other major problem is the FRP has a strong odor, being made from fiberglass, and the glue has an even stronger odor. In my opinion a safer and cheaper alternative that would net you the same result would be to use what is called "Thrifty white tileboard". It is sold at most Home Depot stores in the same section as the interior paneling (Millwork dept.), and usually goes for about $8 a 4' x 8' sheet. In contrast FRP is about $25 to $30 a sheet in the same size. I've used the tileboard before and simply screwed it to the walls and floor of my cage and then sealed the corners with aquarium silicone. I've yet to have any leaks and the clean-up is just as good as you'd get with FRP for cheaper and no worries about the glue or board itself outgassing toxic fumes.

Matt Campbell