Melamine vs. Fir for vivariums

[stainthedane]

A very common question on these forums is "Which wood should I use"

And I'm asking it again, lol.
I had a plan set out with Melamine, I was going to seal the edges of the viv with a kitchen/bathroom sealant and that was that...
until I went to look at prices today and the worker told me that the Melamine isn't going to be able to stand up to the water/humidity. He recommended I go with Fir, because it's made of layered vineres (sp?), and the sheets of wood stacked together make it much more durable against humidity.

But now I'm thinking, crap, that means I'm going to have to buy that marine varnish afterall, and I didn't really like the idea.
But I want my viv to be durable and last longer.
If the melamine is going to breakdown quick and cause problems then isn't it worth to go with Fir??

Wait is Fir even safe for lizards???

[smith86king]

whats going in it? most viv for reps are melimine!

[stainthedane]

Originally Posted by smith86king

whats going in it? most viv for reps are melimine!

I know, that's why I'm wondering if I should bother with the fir, I just want it to last.. that's all.

It's an Argentina Black and White Tegu.

[snickers]

contiboard (melamine coated chipboard) works well for dry vivariums up to about 6', but you would have to be sure it was sealed well if it ever got damp. Not had much experience of larger or humid vivs.

don't know what fir is (except he obvious fir tree) but ply is several (3 or 5 or..) layers of thin wood with the grain going in different directions all bonded together. It's very strong unless you want to screw into the end grain. So ply is usually contrscted on a frame.

[Lee56]

U need to make sure the sealant u use has no toxins to kill bateria as it will be toxic u will need to get an aquarium silicone as it will be safe to use dont know about the wood though sorry

[sandfly]

I've had my viv for 14 months now with some beardies in it. I spray all the time and no problems to date. Just made sure I siliconed all the joins and vents etc. when I got it.

The melamine finish is just the same as a kitchen worktop and that doesn't have any issues with water as long as you don't get water on to the actual wood.

Varnishing with marine varnish is just more work and you've got to make sure it's completely cured. You can if you want just varnish a malamine viv; same thing. Just make sure your varnish is acrylic based as oil based will never work.

Good luck

P.s.: Isn't it just easier and sometimes cheaper just to buy these days?