Waterproofing?

So I have a cork log of sorts that I would like to put in my future BP’s enclosure (he’s coming the 28th) and I was wondering if it would be necessary to waterproof it? Here are some pics of the log. (Its quite large and there’s no way he can get stuck in it, at least while he’s still a baby).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...826872ed5e.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5335640425.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fbf73d5500.jpg

If I do need to waterproof it, will this spray be okay?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c06073ae31.jpg


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Big hint. Do not put anything in a ball python enclosure that is not easy to clean or you do not want to throw away. Waterproofed of not you have a hard time cleaning that.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Big hint. Do not put anything in a ball python enclosure that is not easy to clean or you do not want to throw away. Waterproofed of not you have a hard time cleaning that.

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Okay, so I just shouldn’t use it at all?

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Originally Posted by Snakeydoodles

Okay, so I just shouldn’t use it at all?

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No. I don't know why they sell those things. There are some ball pythons that get very creative with their poop. If you want something that looks nice, get something that is made of plastic that looks real. If it gets coated in poop you can scrub it off a lot easier and the feces will not soak into the material.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

No. I don't know why they sell those things. There are some ball pythons that get very creative with their poop. If you want something that looks nice, get something that is made of plastic that looks real. If it gets coated in poop you can scrub it off a lot easier and the feces will not soak into the material.

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Okay, thank you :)! Much appreciated.

I know that there are a lot of people who use cork bark and most if not all I see don't seal them. Typically, you sterilize it (bake at low temperature ~200 for an hour or 2) and use as-is.

The point about cleaning is valid (be prepared to toss it out if it does get really gross/smelly over time) and I typically see ones in use that aren't full circle like that, so that could be a cleaning concern because you can't see or get to all of a mess.

I've heard of people cleaning wood and cork with the F10SC and letting it dry for a while after scrubbing poop or other mess off, but I'm no expert. I think there is a thread somewhere on here about cleaning wood and cork you could look for.
I suspect that cleaning it would only work so many times before it is best to replace it anyway. (I imagine the smell will start to stick to it eventually, especially if it doesnt get cleaned immediately after every time)

If the sealer is reptile safe, I can't see how sealing it would hurt anything. I'm not sure it would be super effective on such a porous material though. You could test it and let us know, if you were inclined.

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Cork bark is made of a hydrophobic material making it naturally water resistant. A spray nozzle on a hose can be used to clean it off, you can also spray it with a disinfectant if you think it warrants that.