Can MDF be used for making a viv for a desert species?

Thanks.

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We use MDF on all of our cages. You will still want to seal it though against any accidental spillages/water expelled with feces etc I imagine, as the slightest moisture getting into the particles will cause problems with the wood (I use the term loosely, lol ). We use Blagdon pond paint (not sealant) to seal the wood, as its water-based and doesnt have any horrendous fumes. Dries to a great, rock-hard surface too.

Also, you will want to seal the outside with a primer, as MDF contains a form of formaldehyde that can gradually "leak" out of the board into your livingspace - which isnt good. Might be an idea to check how much all of these extra bits will cost before committing! As youre housing desert species, I would personally recommend melamine-faced Contiboard, the same stuff that shop-bought vivs are made of; you shouldnt have any issues with it being destroyed by moisture. Im not sure which would be the most cost-effective method though. All of this stuff is available in B&Q, bar the pond paint which you can get from good aquatics shops.

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3.4.1 Monkey Tailed Skinks - "Kaiser", "Nimbus", "Murdock", "Aquila", "Bali", "Altjira", "Gremlin" & "Grover"
1.2.1 Chuckwallas - "Mojave", "Chinook", "Keres" & "Geronimo"
1.0.0 Argentine Tegu - "Big Teg"
0.0.7 Northern Blue Tongue Skinks
0.0.8 Chuckwalla Eggs

Jos Little World - Monkey Tailed Skinks
Jos Wider World - Tegus, Chuckwallas, BTS, Lacertas and More

Yeah I like melamine but its more expensive than the MDF but then if I am going to have to seal MDF anyway...
Ill have to have a look around some local stores at the prices!
Thanks

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I think it all comes down to the size of the cage - we use MDF on ours as theyre always so huge and it works out much cheaper overall, plus weve made several cages lately and one can of pond paint/primer will coat more than one cage so it spreads the cost out. If its only a smaller enclosure it might work out cheaper to use Contiboard in the long run. But youre right, going down to B&Q with a tape measure and a notepad is the best way to work it out

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3.4.1 Monkey Tailed Skinks - "Kaiser", "Nimbus", "Murdock", "Aquila", "Bali", "Altjira", "Gremlin" & "Grover"
1.2.1 Chuckwallas - "Mojave", "Chinook", "Keres" & "Geronimo"
1.0.0 Argentine Tegu - "Big Teg"
0.0.7 Northern Blue Tongue Skinks
0.0.8 Chuckwalla Eggs

Jos Little World - Monkey Tailed Skinks
Jos Wider World - Tegus, Chuckwallas, BTS, Lacertas and More

What about using ply and varnish? That way no primer needed

I built a viv out of MDF - had 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of external garden furniture paint/sealer. The front has become water damaged where my tegu tips the bowl over.

Next viv I'm building out of ply. The primer cost + extra time spent wasn't worth me doing it again

The pond paint idea sounds like a good one Johelian!

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My current collection1.0 Purple phase albino retic0.1 Malaysian blood python0.1 Macklott's python1.1 Royal pythons0.1 Texas Ratsnake het T+ albino0.1 Argentine black & white tegu1.0 Nile monitor (common)