Ok. I feel like there are hundreds of these posts but I can't seem to find a definitive answer for most questions. My main concern for everything is the safety of my dragon and it seems to be the toughest part for me as I am super apprehensive about buying products unless I know for sure that direct contact, fumes (after being cured), and also with semi-extreme temperatures. Do most products and sealants withstand temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit? I plan on getting most of my supplies at Home Depot and possibly WalMart
My enclosure will be 4'L x 2'W x 2'H for my 11-month old beardie, Benjii. It will be made with Red Oak Plywood. I am seeing a general forum consent to using "Minwax Polyurethane" I have found a "satin, fast-drying formula"
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Minwax-1-qt-Satin-Fast-Drying-Polyurethane-63010/100201939
I plan on staining the wood before applying the poly finish. This is something I am not sure on product wise. What are some stain brands you guys have used for your enclosures?
Also. I will be building a fake rock background for the back and sides of the enclosure. I will be using polystyrene and I would like to use an expanding foam to fill in some spots and create more depth. I found a product called "Great Stuff" ( GREAT STUFF 16 oz. Gaps and Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant-162848 - The Home Depot) Has anyone used this before or does anyone know if it is or isn't safe? The rock needs to be covered in a few layers of grout, I have heard sanded grout is good to use due to its texture. I have found this product "Simple Grout" from "Custom Building Products" ( http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Build ... /100676314 ) It says pre-mixed so I assume it is already mixed with the liquid, is this okay to use?? And lastly for the faux rock..Sealant. Polyurethane again? I want something that will hold up and knowing my Benjii..he will poop on his rocks at some point. So something that will make it easy to clean. I will most likely be using clorhexidine as a disinfectant for his enclosure. It is what we used at the Vet I worked at.
Has anyone ever had any problems with the high temps on the foam? I plan on making one of his basking spots a rock sticking from the background that will reach a temp of 110 degrees F. Is this going to be okay?
(I know this is very long thanks for continuing!)
What sealers should I use for the edges and corners? an Aquarium safe sealant I suppose?
Lastly! PLANTS! To liven up the decor. I cannot use fake plants as Benjii tried to eat them last time I went to put them in his cage (The man loves his veggies). I plan on putting a basking lamp, reptisun 10.0 UVB lamp, and most likely some kind of household lamp to light up the other side of his enclosure. Will this be sufficient lighting for plants to survive. I would like to add Wheatgrass, Collard greens, Clover, Mustard, and possibly basil. Maybe some or all depending on what I can find. Any thoughts/past experiences with any of these?
I think that should cover my concerns for now. THANK YOU!! anything helps!
My enclosure will be 4'L x 2'W x 2'H for my 11-month old beardie, Benjii. It will be made with Red Oak Plywood. I am seeing a general forum consent to using "Minwax Polyurethane" I have found a "satin, fast-drying formula"
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Minwax-1-qt-Satin-Fast-Drying-Polyurethane-63010/100201939
I plan on staining the wood before applying the poly finish. This is something I am not sure on product wise. What are some stain brands you guys have used for your enclosures?
Also. I will be building a fake rock background for the back and sides of the enclosure. I will be using polystyrene and I would like to use an expanding foam to fill in some spots and create more depth. I found a product called "Great Stuff" ( GREAT STUFF 16 oz. Gaps and Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant-162848 - The Home Depot) Has anyone used this before or does anyone know if it is or isn't safe? The rock needs to be covered in a few layers of grout, I have heard sanded grout is good to use due to its texture. I have found this product "Simple Grout" from "Custom Building Products" ( http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Build ... /100676314 ) It says pre-mixed so I assume it is already mixed with the liquid, is this okay to use?? And lastly for the faux rock..Sealant. Polyurethane again? I want something that will hold up and knowing my Benjii..he will poop on his rocks at some point. So something that will make it easy to clean. I will most likely be using clorhexidine as a disinfectant for his enclosure. It is what we used at the Vet I worked at.
Has anyone ever had any problems with the high temps on the foam? I plan on making one of his basking spots a rock sticking from the background that will reach a temp of 110 degrees F. Is this going to be okay?
(I know this is very long thanks for continuing!)
What sealers should I use for the edges and corners? an Aquarium safe sealant I suppose?
Lastly! PLANTS! To liven up the decor. I cannot use fake plants as Benjii tried to eat them last time I went to put them in his cage (The man loves his veggies). I plan on putting a basking lamp, reptisun 10.0 UVB lamp, and most likely some kind of household lamp to light up the other side of his enclosure. Will this be sufficient lighting for plants to survive. I would like to add Wheatgrass, Collard greens, Clover, Mustard, and possibly basil. Maybe some or all depending on what I can find. Any thoughts/past experiences with any of these?
I think that should cover my concerns for now. THANK YOU!! anything helps!