Hello

I'm going to be trying to build my own viv after disappointment with a fairly expensive flat pack bought one but i don't know which wood to use...

I was going to use MDF but have concerns about it and any sealant i'd have to use, but its readily available and i can get free cutting. Plus any moisture gets into it and your doomed...

I was advised to use Plywood, but whereas mdf almost doesn't look like wood, this stuff looks like wood but cheap. I'm also scared of it splitting.

I was also advised to use contiboard, but i'm worried the plastic stuff will crack and chip when i try building it and screwing into it. Also it only comes in one thickness which is a bit shakey after the first foot or two...

Experienced suggestions appreciated

i use melamine for all of mine if they need humidity you can water proof them and they come in good sizes so not much cutting is needed, you can use lots and lots of types of wood as long as they are sealed with a water based non toxic solution.

I use contiboard, too - even for a very large vivarium, it's sturdy enough as long as you support it properly with a plinth or internal supports. I have a 6 X 3 X 3 that two people can sit or lie on without making it wobble. You can also get 15mm conti or 18mm conti - the latter is much stronger. Try a specialist builders merchant for the 18mm - they may even cut it for you.

The plastic coating will not crack or chip if you pre-drill your holes with a drill bit a size smaller than the screws you're going to use.

__________________
- Ssthisto





Lizards: 2.1 E. macularius, 1.2 H. caudicinctus, 1.0 R. ciliatus, 0.2.1 A. fragilis, 1.1 T. merianae, 1.0 V. niloticus ittibittius
Colubrids: 3.5.12 P. guttattus, 1.0 P. guttatus X E. climacophora, 1.1 P. o. rossalini, 1.0 P. o. lindheimeri, 0.1 E. anomala, 0.1 C. radiatus
1.2 Lamprophis spp, 1.0 L. g. nigritus, 0.1 L. g. californiae, 1.0 H. n. nasicus, 1.0 P. m. melanoleucus
Boids: 1.1 E. c. maurus, 0.1 E. conicus, 4.1.5 P. regius, 1.1 A. maculosa
We HAD a three-bedroom house... Current lodger: 1.0 E. c. maurus

Also when screwing contiboard you really want to be using the little blocks that you put into the corners and screw into the surface of the board as oppose to screwing down the middle of the boards core.

You will get a better grip and won't split the board, although if you predrill you shouldn't anyway.

And as said use the 18mm stuff if your viv is much over 4 feet for strength.

__________________
1.0.0 Jungle Carpet Python, Brian (CB 06)
1.0.0 Lodger, little Bro (CB 81)

Ok, thanks for the advise guys

What little block are you referring to? I don't have any experience with building much of anything by myself...

I shall start looking into suppliers.

look at this post and its the first pic.

viv building


They are teh blocks you need and don,t forget to make sure your base is underneath all the sides to make sure the viv can be picked up.

__________________
1.0.0 Jungle Carpet Python, Brian (CB 06)
1.0.0 Lodger, little Bro (CB 81)

You may see them referred to as "Vanity Blocks".

__________________
- Ssthisto





Lizards: 2.1 E. macularius, 1.2 H. caudicinctus, 1.0 R. ciliatus, 0.2.1 A. fragilis, 1.1 T. merianae, 1.0 V. niloticus ittibittius
Colubrids: 3.5.12 P. guttattus, 1.0 P. guttatus X E. climacophora, 1.1 P. o. rossalini, 1.0 P. o. lindheimeri, 0.1 E. anomala, 0.1 C. radiatus
1.2 Lamprophis spp, 1.0 L. g. nigritus, 0.1 L. g. californiae, 1.0 H. n. nasicus, 1.0 P. m. melanoleucus
Boids: 1.1 E. c. maurus, 0.1 E. conicus, 4.1.5 P. regius, 1.1 A. maculosa
We HAD a three-bedroom house... Current lodger: 1.0 E. c. maurus