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kimitree
Hatchling
United Kingdom
77 Posts |
 Posted - 22/09/2009 : 13:37:35
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I'm looking at making a few modifications to my viv, but was just wondering are there any materials to stear clear of because they'd be harmful to the snake.
One example, is Pine OK to use on the lid? (As long as it's not in the viv and ingestible.)
Obviously I don't want to go making something only to find it's going to be dangerous.
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 22/09/2009 : 14:07:37
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Pine is bad because of the toxic Phenols that can come out of it, it doesn't have to be ingested to be harmful, inhalation can be equally toxic.
All hard woods are fine (including fruit trees), plastic, slate etc. |
 
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matty198111
Yearling
United Kingdom
174 Posts |
Posted - 22/09/2009 : 16:00:13
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ive used pine on my viv but it was varnished with a low voc varnish i also done 7 coats
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Gingerpony
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2663 Posts |
Posted - 22/09/2009 : 21:21:12
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i've used pine before with lots of varnish too
another no-no is normal silicon sealant, use the aquarium grade stuff - it's safe for reps  |
Dumerils boas, BCO hybrids, Sinder Hypo boas, cornsnakes, ratsnakes, Day Geckos
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matty198111
Yearling
United Kingdom
174 Posts |
Posted - 22/09/2009 : 21:46:31
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as above dont use normal silicone
the aquarium stuff smells more when you first put it on but give it a couple of days and it should be fine ( think i actually left mine a week )
the aquarium stuff is expensive in the fish shops but you can get it in them cheap diy stores for about £2 a tube |
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kimitree
Hatchling
United Kingdom
77 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 09:06:24
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How about MDF? Is that safe to use?
Thanks for the comments so far, very helpful.
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spor
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1226 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 09:15:31
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| as long as there is a good varnish on it, as it is dusty material and can really soak up water. |
0.4.0 Royal Python
1.0.0 Pastel Royal
0.1.0 Spider Royal
1.1.0 Carolina Corn Snake
1.0.0 Normal Stripe Corn
1.0.0 Yellow Bellied Turtle
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Gingerpony
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2663 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 10:34:36
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| yeah if there's not enough varnish on MDF it could turn to mush! |
Dumerils boas, BCO hybrids, Sinder Hypo boas, cornsnakes, ratsnakes, Day Geckos
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boze
Yearling
United Kingdom
408 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 14:25:12
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Remember not to breath in any sawdust or dust from drilling into hardwoods. A lot of hardwood dust, and plywood dust, is carcinogenic.
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0.1.0. Royal (Salmissra)
0.0.1. Western Hognose (Spiderman)
quote:
Originally posted by ruxpin64
I'm so happy I may lay on my back and pee in the air like a baby!
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kimitree
Hatchling
United Kingdom
77 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 19:27:31
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Absolutely, I remember that from Design Technoloy A-Level many moons ago...had risk assessments coming out of my ears!
Basically what I'm trying to achieve here is a new lid for Rex's viv. Currently it's a wire mesh lid with a solid frame that slides on and off. Fine at the moment, but with the weather getting colder it's going to be harder to keep the heat in, so I want to go for something a little more solid!
Going to trundle over to B&Q at the weekend and see what I can find, then home to probably cause multiple injuries whilst making a mess of the cellar |
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Remmy
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
642 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2009 : 19:42:37
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| If you cut MDF i would cut it outside and wear a mask. It has been banned in a lot of places around the world as it can cause cancer. |
1.0.0 Ghost corn Tynan
0.1.0 Normal corn Sully
0.1.0 Royal Tilly
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Viv Modifications
