Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi; just finishing new cage 6x2x2 for my monitor. I found an epoxy coat for concrete at Lowes. Do you think that would be enough or should I put something like sintra on top of that?

You don't indicate what species of monitor, but since it's a 6x2x2 cage I'm guessing it's a large species.

I would not use epoxy or Sintra. Instead use Fiberglass Reinforced Panel, aka FRP. You can get it at Lowes.

I have seen it used in zoo cages for Croc Monitors and Komodo's. It holds up well even to them.

Thanks, will do. On the monitors, I have gone just a little bit overboard: Black throat, savannah, timor, water, dumerils; not to mention the beardies, veiled chameleon, tegu, frilled dragon, blue tongue skink, leopard geckos, and the tortoises: sulcata, leopard, cherry head redfoot, and russians. I will be a very experienced cage builder. I have built some and bought some, but just wanted bigger and better.

>>On the monitors, I have gone just a little bit overboard: Black throat, savannah, timor, water, dumerils...

I have kept all of those species, except for Black Throats, on a short term basis at least. I would use FRP for all of them.

BTW, the Monitor forum is an excellent source of information on cage building. It's not as active in that regard as it used to be, however.

BTW, if you want to use an epoxy like coating, I recommend a polyester resin. It is durable enough for monitors and you don't have to worry about water getting underneath it (like FRP). Not a huge issue with FRP, but it can happen.

It is more difficult to use than other epoxies but it is durable enough for a Varanid.

I think the casting resin on this page would be best but I'm not absolutely sure. Might be worth calling.

http://www.shopmaninc.com/polyesters.html

I only suggest this since it sounds like you'll have a lot of cages.