Is mdf good or bad for a viv

[scooby36]

Just wanted to know if mdf is any good for a lizard tank

[hysteria_uk]

Yes as long as its well sealed with a good non toxic varnish

[170pand]

i would not use it personly,,melamin is best,,but i do know people what use it,,use non toxic yaught varnish to seal 2 coats best,,let dry for at least a few days,,then should b fine mate,,just gotta seal it properly inside and out,,

[scooby36]

Thanks for the advice

[xsmithx2]

mine cham cage is made from mdf

but it is sealed and well cover over by the wood effect layered thing lol..

[Fangio]

I stupidly used it for a tegu viv, and it destroyed it through digging and tipping over the water bowl. It scratched away through the varnish and viv=ruined

[panther_87k]

it depends on what type of lizard you plan to keep in it, anything that enjoys digging would probs be a bad idea, ive recently accquired an mdf viv which i plan to keep a pink tongued skink in.

[stuart89]

Bad, the worst wood you can use.

Its dusty because of how its manufactured and highly absorbant, again due to how its manufactured.

For the sake of a couple of quid, you can get conty board/ laminated wood which is a MUCH better option. It also comes in fancy colours/ patterns which really make the tank look much better. It is also waterproof, all you have to do is seal the edges like you would any other.

[hysteria_uk]

Originally Posted by stuart89

Bad, the worst wood you can use.

Its dusty because of how its manufactured and highly absorbant, again due to how its manufactured.

For the sake of a couple of quid, you can get conty board/ laminated wood which is a MUCH better option. It also comes in fancy colours/ patterns which really make the tank look much better. It is also waterproof, all you have to do is seal the edges like you would any other.

^^^Rubbish, its only harmful whilst being cut. Once sealed it is fine

[Paul B]

melamine is plastic coated and doesnt need sealing with varnish. A good non toxic aquarium sealant around the bottom joints prevents the damp getting into the wood and expanding it.
It may be a little more expensive in the long run but I feel its a better material than MDF.
I am sure i have read somewhere that the bonding in MDF is toxic but couldnt swear to it. Its melamine and glass for me.

I have even lined a melamine viv with glass up to 9 inches for a snapper which gave me the best of both worlds....a viv and an aquarium combined to stop customers losing their fingers.