enclosure questions.

[Skink Keeper]

When building your melamine enclosures, what do u do to the wood so that it doesn't warp when it gets wet?

[Derrick]

If built properly it shouldnt get wet. Apply silicon(aquarium) sealant to all joined edges bebore nailing/screwing. Then apply sealant around the edges on the inside

[T.O-SK8TER]

Ply wood is better to use when building an enclosure, it can withstand heat a lot better when attached to a frame. For more ideas look at my thread on Enclosure Tips.

[Linds]

Originally posted by Skink Keeper
what do u do to the wood so that it doesn't warp when it gets wet?

LOL nothing you can do :p Even properly sealed enclosures will eventually give way to moisture, some quicker than others depending on the quality of the material and the amount of moisture it is exposed to. I agree with T.O-SK8TER, properly sealed plywoods are a much better way to go.

[T.O-SK8TER]

Well if you use a kitchen and bathroom paint it should hold up well, for my enclosers I use about 5-6 layers of it and it forms a glossey and thick layer of protection!

[Skink Keeper]

okay, i'm gonna look into building my enclosures out of plywood, thanks alot for the responses.

[Linds]

Paints and urethanes will give a resistance to humidity, but not a waterproof seal. Either a marine enamel or epoxy is the way to go. I use <a href="http://www.niacoat.com/Specifications/epoxal3-1.htm">Epoxal 3:1</a>. Only need one coat and it is hard as nails. You can use it to seal wooden aquariums, pools, etc. Easy to work with and your enclosure will literally be able to hold water.

[Invictus]

Alternately, you can get pond liner in most aquarium stores. It does not get any more waterproof than pond liner. That is what I will be using for my humid enclosures.