[Splunksy]

Hello,

I recently made a vivarium from OSB-3, which I believe is waterproof up too 80%.

I was curious if it was a good idea to still seal this for more tropical species/bioactive (Mainly for arid species, but potentially an Indonesian blue tongue slink that requires 60-80% or 80-100% for a Halmehera). Or will just aquarium sealant around the edges be enough?

Also what would I use? I know awhile ago it was also recommended to use Yacht Varnish, however I also seen some use an epoxy paint, only issue is I don't have much place to air the vivarium after sealing (apart from a balcony thats a little exposed to the elements but with the weather being as it is I need to get it started sooner then later! otherwise it'll have to be inside a living area)

 

[dps51]

I would use something like a pond sealer
the type you paint on over concrete
also it comes in different colours

 

[Splunksy]

I would use something like a pond sealer
the type you paint on over concrete
also it comes in different colours

I did see someone make a plywood aquarium using something similar to that, do you have any knowledge of how it acts with heat?

 

[dps51]

I did see someone make a plywood aquarium using something similar to that, do you have any knowledge of how it acts with heat?

sorry no I only used it on my pond
I also know they do something like the pond sealer
but its for a swimming pool so will take a bit of heat
sorry can not help any more than this

 

[Splunksy]

sorry no I only used it on my pond
I also know they do something like the pond sealer
but its for a swimming pool so will take a bit of heat
sorry can not help any more than this

that perfectly fine you've given me something to look into at least! Always appreciate all help

 

[dps51]

that perfectly fine you've given me something to look into at least! Always appreciate all help

you are welcome mate
this got me thinking about this a bit
so did a bit of searching and found this


https://www.reptilecentre.com/prore...1kg_p31485079.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImqKewp7p4QIVSrXtCh1YfQDoEAQYAiABEgJazvD_BwE

 

[Splunksy]

you are welcome mate
this got me thinking about this a bit
so did a bit of searching and found this


https://www.reptilecentre.com/prore...1kg_p31485079.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImqKewp7p4QIVSrXtCh1YfQDoEAQYAiABEgJazvD_BwE

Interesting I haven't found many reviews of it, but definitely an option!

 

[dps51]

Interesting I haven't found many reviews of it, but definitely an option!

there is also this I found on ebay


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Two-Pack...&rkt=4&mehot=pp&sd=303112903525&itm=141706942587&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

 

[Splunksy]

there is also this I found on ebay


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Two-Pack...&rkt=4&mehot=pp&sd=303112903525&itm=141706942587&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

This is real similar to the epoxy paint I'd seen people use, main difference seems to be just branding it for pool, but if that is the case I presume most Pond paint/sealer or epoxy paint should be able to deal with temperatures. Yacht varnish is still an option too I guess its just I know the fumes are a pain

 

[Splunksy]

I did some more searching around and found a lot of monitor keepers/other people have success with: https://www.screwfix.com/p/ronseal-exterior-varnish-satin-clear-750ml/533fg

Same UV protection as Yacht varnish, just water based and lower VOC and designed for outside, given how wet our weather is I imagine it'll do the job.

I guess its between this and a pond paint just need to decide what'll look nicer in the long run, Thanks for the help.

 

[dps51]

this will depend on what you decide to use
also with what finish do you want
do you want a clear or a coloured one
also a shiny or a mat finish
me I go with a coloured one as you can mix the colour
and paint different areas darker or lighter to match the décor in that area
best of luck with what ever you go with
clad I helped a bit