wood ideas

luckyluke · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 01:40 AM

whats the best plywood to use in building a tank... i have glass for the bottom and the front... i know that most veneers are made with toxins and i was wondering about the heat and veneer combo... i have seen alot of people using one mdf or another... just wondering if there was anything to stay away from... itll b something that doesnt require to much in the way of humidity (leaning in the direction a spotted python or another bearded dragon) so im not worried about the mildew problems or water messing with the wood... just about the heat/toxin issues or anything im over looking...

froggsong · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 05:58 AM

No pine. No cedar. If it smells strongly when you sniff it, it probably isn't a good idea.

beckdg · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 09:42 AM

mdf should be fine... it will fall apart quickly if wet so you will want to seal it. particle board is bad as they use a lot of formaldehyde to cure it. i have seen pine used but it must be sealed VERY well. still yet i am not sure it will be completely safe, and studies brought to our attention in the last few months suggest against it. cedar is a definite no no. hard woods are usually safe, but you are right when it comes to plywood... they all use glue or chemicals. mdf does also though.

frogg i should have mentioned particle board, but when i found the info i was doing too many things and my pc cut off and i have not been able to relocate the link since.

harrywitmore · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckdg

mdf should be fine... it will fall apart quickly if wet so you will want to seal it. particle board is bad as they use a lot of formaldehyde to cure it. i have seen pine used but it must be sealed VERY well. still yet i am not sure it will be completely safe, and studies brought to our attention in the last few months suggest against it. cedar is a definite no no. hard woods are usually safe, but you are right when it comes to plywood... they all use glue or chemicals. mdf does also though.

frogg i should have mentioned particle board, but when i found the info i was doing too many things and my pc cut off and i have not been able to relocate the link since.

I would use marine plywood and it should be sealed with an epoxy. I then sealed the inner surface of mine with silicone. But, I have no animals. Anything you use should be sealed so no water can penetrate it.

luckyluke · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 11:20 PM

i really dont think waters going to be a problem... it will have a glass buttom and silicone along all the joints... just worried about the dangers if any of heat and the coating that some mdf's have on them...

harrywitmore · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 08:27 AM

Sorry, I didn't catch that it was for a python. My mistake but I would still be very particular about sealing whatever you use. You will need to disinfect this enclosure from time to time. There are MDF's made to be fire and water resistant also,

luckyluke · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 03:55 AM

ya i talk to a couple guys who work with the stuff daily and they gave me a couple tips and stuff some in feeling pretty confident about the tank now... thanks for all the advice guys and gals... ur taking alot of stress out of the building process... ill get pictures up as soon as i can... and cleaning will happen on the regular...