New cage, cabinet and basking rock

[AmStaffPit]

So I am in the process of building a new viv, cabinet and basking rock formation. The below pictures are what it looks like. Since those were taken, I have put 3 more coats of terracotta colored grout on. Tomorrow I will be sealing it with polyurethane spray. I will also be staining the wood as well. The only question I have is, what is the best thing to use to seal (silicone) the seams of the cage. Dont really need to worry about the fumes as it will be sitting for months before the BD comes. I am in the military and deploying for a bit and wanted to get it done before I leave. Let me know what you think of the set-up.

 

[KnobCreek]

Looks great AmStaffPit! I did a search on what type of silicone you should use and found this post:

Seal the wood inside and out, and caulk the inside seams with latex or silicone caulking (window and door, NOT kitchen and bath). I use water based Polycrylic on my enclosures, but you can use any hard drying top coat sealer as they are all non-toxic once cured. The difference between oil and water based primarily comes down to the length of time required to cure, with water based drying inside a week, and oil based taking up to a month.

You can also paint the inside of the enclosure if you don't like the wood pattern. Just make sure to use a sealer over the paint for increased durability and protection. You can use the same sealer you used on the wood. Water based paints are your best bet, though I've had good luck with rock textured paints as they add a creative flair. Make sure to seal over them however, as they aren't durable on their own.

 

[AmStaffPit]

Looks great AmStaffPit! I did a search on what type of silicone you should use and found this post:

Seal the wood inside and out, and caulk the inside seams with latex or silicone caulking (window and door, NOT kitchen and bath). I use water based Polycrylic on my enclosures, but you can use any hard drying top coat sealer as they are all non-toxic once cured. The difference between oil and water based primarily comes down to the length of time required to cure, with water based drying inside a week, and oil based taking up to a month.

You can also paint the inside of the enclosure if you don't like the wood pattern. Just make sure to use a sealer over the paint for increased durability and protection. You can use the same sealer you used on the wood. Water based paints are your best bet, though I've had good luck with rock textured paints as they add a creative flair. Make sure to seal over them however, as they aren't durable on their own.

Thanks for the reply. I didnt think you could you bath or kitchen due to them being mold or mildew resistant. So clear window and door it is. I will try to post more pics of it tomorrow when get it stained and the rock sealed.

 

[KnobCreek]

Thanks for the reply. I didnt think you could you bath or kitchen due to them being mold or mildew resistant. So clear window and door it is. I will try to post more pics of it tomorrow when get it stained and the rock sealed.

No problem...

I am in the military and deploying for a bit and wanted to get it done before I leave.

and thank YOU for serving our country (8 years prior military as well)...be safe

 

[AmStaffPit]

[/quote]and thank YOU for serving our country (8 years prior military as well)...be safe[/quote]

Just went over 16 years.

 

[KnobCreek]

and thank YOU for serving our country (8 years prior military as well)...be safe[/quote]

Just went over 16 years.[/quote]

Kicking myself right now, cause, had I stayed in, would of had 25 years already. Oh well....

 

[TASTIGER]

looks awsome!!

 

[Snarf]

That is really damn awesome work

 

[PumpkinJelly]

WOW! That looks amazing! I really love the rock structure you're making in there. It looks REALLY good. You're making me want to make something like that now... :wink:

 

[AmStaffPit]

and thank YOU for serving our country (8 years prior military as well)...be safe

Just went over 16 years.[/quote]

Kicking myself right now, cause, had I stayed in, would of had 25 years already. Oh well....[/quote]

looks awsome!!

That is really damn awesome work

WOW! That looks amazing! I really love the rock structure you're making in there. It looks REALLY good. You're making me want to make something like that now... :wink:

As promised. Here is an updated photo. First layer of sealant on the rock and all the wood stained. Cold front came through and now its to cold to seal the wood. No need for another layer of stain as I think its dark enough. Maybe tomorrow. Still haven't decided on glass or plexiglass. Which would be better as far as holding in heat.

 

[AmStaffPit]

For anybody that would like something like this in there house but say they don't have the tools to make it; this was made with two power tools. One was a cordless drill/screwdriver and the other was a jigsaw. The jigsaw was only used to cut the holes in side for vents. All the rest of the cutting was done with a hand saw. Sanding was all done by hand. If you don't have any of those tools, I'm sure someone you know has it. Other than that, imagination will go along way.

 

[KnobCreek]

Looks great! I went with plexi on my viv and it seems to hold the heat well, but it scratches easily.

 

[TASTIGER]

glass is more expensive but it doesnt scratch and i think it looks nicer :mrgreen:

 

[PumpkinJelly]

Tastiger, I thought plexiglass was more expensive. I paid over 30 dollars for a small piece! Of course I got a really thick one, that is seeming to be scratch-proof (Fiz has attacked it again and and again and it's not even scratching on the track).

 

[KnobCreek]

Tastiger, I thought plexiglass was more expensive. I paid over 30 dollars for a small piece! Of course I got a really thick one, that is seeming to be scratch-proof (Fiz has attacked it again and and again and it's not even scratching on the track).

I paid just under $9 a piece (3 pieces needed) for an 18"x24" x .093" thick piece of plexi at HomeDepot. Not sure what the equivalent sized piece of glass would have cost. Plus, I did the cutting of the plexi on my own since they were charging to do it at the store.