Vivarium separating?

Hey so I got this wooden Viv back in December and just really noticed today how much it's kinda come apart? It wasn't siliconed although I'm going to be taking it apart, putting it back together and siliconing the edges in about a week as that's when I'm getting another 1 (moving my corn into this 1, my BP going into the new 1) Will the silicone stop this from happening? If not, what can I do?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...64cf9eacae.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c210803761.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7ed2c36103.jpg

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That looks like moisture warping for sure.

Wood should always be sealed before being used in a humid environment. You can make it better, but it's probably swollen up so it won't ever be perfect again.

Best,

Paul

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Originally Posted by pbenner

That looks like moisture warping for sure.

Wood should always be sealed before being used in a humid environment. You can make it better, but it's probably swollen up so it won't ever be perfect again.

Best,

Paul

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ohh Thanks, as in seal with silicone?

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

Thanks, What can I seal it with?

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Generally any Polyurethane type sealer will work. I don't use wood so I'd suggest you look at what they use for Tegu cages or other wood construction for reptiles.

Once you seal it though, it will be unusable for a week or so while it cures. Don't put your pet back in there until the smell is gone and has been gone for a couple days.

Paul

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Originally Posted by pbenner

Generally any Polyurethane type sealer will work. I don't use wood so I'd suggest you look at what they use for Tegu cages or other wood construction for reptiles.

Once you seal it though, it will be unusable for a week or so while it cures. Don't put your pet back in there until the smell is gone and has been gone for a couple days.

Paul

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Ohh right okay, thanks!

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Once the sealer is completely cured, you can apply silicone caulking to the joints to try to provide additional waterproofing, but as mentioned, if the moisture has already gotten into the wood, it may never be quite the same again.

Did you have it custom made? I thought that any wood terrarium sold would be sealed before leaving the manufacturer. I haven't seen too many wood terrariums around here so I don't know how they are normally made but it seems like it would be sealed for protection from humidity and spills.

Do you have it inside an air conditioned space?

Honestly, for the time, effort and cost to repair it, you're better off scrapping it and buying something new. Once wood is damaged it's only worth fixing if you're experienced in doing so or want to spend money to do it right. Even then, unless its fixed by en experienced restoration craftsman it will always be damaged and not function properly.

Also, it is EXTREMELY important to make sure any silicone or sealants have dried, cured and off-gassed prior to putting any animal in the enclosure. The process will likely take a week or so if the enclosure is stored somewhere it can get a lot of air circulation.
Otherwise you're risking neurological damage and possibly death to the animal.

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Originally Posted by SquirmyPug

Did you have it custom made? I thought that any wood terrarium sold would be sealed before leaving the manufacturer. I haven't seen too many wood terrariums around here so I don't know how they are normally made but it seems like it would be sealed for protection from humidity and spills.

Do you have it inside an air conditioned space?

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No, it's not custom made, I got it off amazon specifically for reptiles. There's a decent amount of air that gets to it (it's not in a room) but there's no actual air con.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Honestly, for the time, effort and cost to repair it, you're better off scrapping it and buying something new. Once wood is damaged it's only worth fixing if you're experienced in doing so or want to spend money to do it right. Even then, unless its fixed by en experienced restoration craftsman it will always be damaged and not function properly.

Also, it is EXTREMELY important to make sure any silicone or sealants have dried, cured and off-gassed prior to putting any animal in the enclosure. The process will likely take a week or so if the enclosure is stored somewhere it can get a lot of air circulation.
Otherwise you're risking neurological damage and possibly death to the animal.

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I know it still wouldn't be completely right but if I took it apart, put it back together and siliconed all the sides properly to prevent anymore moisture from getting in, would that prevent it from getting any worse? I really need to keep this viv, just spent a load of money on a complete new set up!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

I know it still wouldn't be completely right but if I took it apart, put it back together and siliconed all the sides properly to prevent anymore moisture from getting in, would that prevent it from getting any worse? I really need to keep this viv, just spent a load of money on a complete new set up!

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It's tough to tell in the pics (I'm on my phone) but it looks like the wood has taken on moisture. If that's the case the structural integrity of the wood itself has already started to break down and will only get worse.

But....i can't see it all that well so it's tough to say

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

It's tough to tell in the pics (I'm on my phone) but it looks like the wood has taken on moisture. If that's the case the structural integrity of the wood itself has already started to break down and will only get worse.

But....i can't see it all that well so it's tough to say

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You're exactly right. It'd be possible to fix, but I have wood working tools and the knowledge to do it.

The item in question is made from particle board sheeting and the edges that are exposed are swollen and have taken on water. There is bandaging it, but there is no permanent fix.

In the future, something made of CDPVC would serve you much better for thing type of application.

Best,

Paul

I just got to this thread & pbenner beat me to it in above post: that does not appear to be "real" (solid) wood, but rather particle-board core with some kind of
veneer on the outside. Don't waste your time on it, and so sorry you wasted your money on it. Particle board is used in all sorts of inexpensive 'furniture' but does
not hold up well, especially to moisture. It looked nice to start with, I'm sure, but you were "had"...it falls apart easily. Best bet for a corn snake, get a 30-40 gal.
glass tank (many chain pet stores have $1/per gal. sales on glass tanks regularly) with a secure lid. If you live near me, I have an extra one cheap...;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I just got to this thread & pbenner beat me to it in above post: that does not appear to be "real" (solid) wood, but rather particle-board core with some kind of
veneer on the outside. Don't waste your time on it, and so sorry you wasted your money on it. Particle board is used in all sorts of inexpensive 'furniture' but does
not hold up well, especially to moisture. It looked nice to start with, I'm sure, but you were "had"...it falls apart easily. Best bet for a corn snake, get a 30-40 gal.
glass tank (many chain pet stores have $1/per gal. sales on glass tanks regularly) with a secure lid. If you live near me, I have an extra one cheap...;)

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I've been trying to find glass tanks near me, seeing as u have used $ I'm guessing we don't live near eachother seeing as I'm in the UK lol. Anyway, the only glass tanks I can find r ridiculously expensive, cheap but broken or way too far for me to get to :(

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pbenner

You're exactly right. It'd be possible to fix, but I have wood working tools and the knowledge to do it.

The item in question is made from particle board sheeting and the edges that are exposed are swollen and have taken on water. There is bandaging it, but there is no permanent fix.

In the future, something made of CDPVC would serve you much better for thing type of application.

Best,

Paul

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I just got to this thread & pbenner beat me to it in above post: that does not appear to be "real" (solid) wood, but rather particle-board core with some kind of
veneer on the outside. Don't waste your time on it, and so sorry you wasted your money on it. Particle board is used in all sorts of inexpensive 'furniture' but does
not hold up well, especially to moisture. It looked nice to start with, I'm sure, but you were "had"...it falls apart easily. Best bet for a corn snake, get a 30-40 gal.
glass tank (many chain pet stores have $1/per gal. sales on glass tanks regularly) with a secure lid. If you live near me, I have an extra one cheap...;)

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I couldn't even tell it was particle board. In that case, it's definitely not worth fixing. Unfortunately, particle board is junk as soon as it takes on moisture. It's basically glued wood shavings that are pressed. Once wet it just crumbles away.
Sorry for the bad news, but I can't see repairing particle board.

BTW, I also don't think silicone would hold the weight of that thing together. When someone mentioned "sealing" for moisture, there are water-proofing
finishes that dry non-toxic & are used for coating 'real' wood (ie. solid wood) enclosures, but they won't do anything for particle-board (fake wood). And
yes, silicone is used to waterproof corners of glass tanks so they don't leak water, but the particle-board crumbles with every little movement...I don't
think that will hold this together, sorry. The only way you might (-I'm not saying "should") salvage this is to install a solid wood framework around all
the corners (using right angle wood molding- ask a place that sells custom lumber)...but no guarantee. For the money & hassle, just buy a glass tank,
especially if you've never worked at all with wood. (I've been making my own wood & screen tops for tanks for years, also finishing furniture and even
converting some cabinets to house snakes.)

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

I've been trying to find glass tanks near me, seeing as u have used $ I'm guessing we don't live near eachother seeing as I'm in the UK lol. Anyway, the only glass tanks I can find r ridiculously expensive, cheap but broken or way too far for me to get to :(

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I've got a few I could give you if ypu were local. They're just taking up space in my basement. You'd be doing me a favor by taking them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

BTW, I also don't think silicone would hold the weight of that thing together. When someone mentioned "sealing" for moisture, there are water-proofing
finishes that dry non-toxic & are used for coating 'real' wood (ie. solid wood) enclosures, but they won't do anything for particle-board (fake wood). And
yes, silicone is used to waterproof corners of glass tanks so they don't leak water, but the particle-board crumbles with every little movement...I don't
think that will hold this together, sorry. The only way you might (-I'm not saying "should") salvage this is to install a solid wood framework around all
the corners (using right angle wood molding- ask a place that sells custom lumber)...but no guarantee. For the money & hassle, just buy a glass tank,
especially if you've never worked at all with wood. (I've been making my own wood & screen tops for tanks for years, also finishing furniture and even
converting some cabinets to house snakes.)

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If i could get a glass 1 I would lol.. it's just there's either the £230 exo terra 1 which is not in my price range and then the second hand ones r either broken or way too far away from me.. [emoji848]

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I've got a few I could give you if ypu were local. They're just taking up space in my basement. You'd be doing me a favor by taking them.

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Yea that could work! What sizes?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I've got a few I could give you if ypu were local. They're just taking up space in my basement. You'd be doing me a favor by taking them.

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Same here, just quick paddle across "the pond". ;) (we should stop with the "torture", eh?)

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

Yea that could work! What sizes?

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Oh my goodness!! I just realized I didn't say I'm in the states!! I feel like such a jerk! I'm so sorry!!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Oh my goodness!! I just realized I didn't say I'm in the states!! I feel like such a jerk! I'm so sorry!!

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:rofl::rofl::rofl: OP, Craig's a good guy- I'll vouch for him, he didn't mean to do that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

Yea that could work! What sizes?

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Do you have access to any tools?

IF you have access to a Circular Saw, a Drill with bits, a jig saw, and some measuring tools it's not hard to put together a "box" out of a sheet of CDPVC which I know you can get for not much more than $30-40 over here at least. Some Silicone and hinges, a sheet of clear acrylic and you'd have a nice cage quickly. It wouldn't be pretty unless you put a plan together, but you could make a swinging doors easily and a few other niceties.

As a thought.

Paul

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

:rofl::rofl::rofl: OP, Craig's a good guy- I'll vouch for him, he didn't mean to do that.

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Thank you!! I was even thinking as I was typing that I needed to mention that I'm in the US. and somehow spaced and completely forgot. I felt horroble when I saw OP inquire about the sizes. Ugggh.

Again, sorry OP.

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Originally Posted by pbenner

Do you have access to any tools?

IF you have access to a Circular Saw, a Drill with bits, a jig saw, and some measuring tools it's not hard to put together a "box" out of a sheet of CDPVC which I know you can get for not much more than $30-40 over here at least.

Paul

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I literally just priced out sheets at Home Depot last week. $90 for 5/8" 4x8 sheets.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Oh my goodness!! I just realized I didn't say I'm in the states!! I feel like such a jerk! I'm so sorry!!

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Ahh that's okay![emoji23]

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pbenner

Do you have access to any tools?

IF you have access to a Circular Saw, a Drill with bits, a jig saw, and some measuring tools it's not hard to put together a "box" out of a sheet of CDPVC which I know you can get for not much more than $30-40 over here at least. Some Silicone and hinges, a sheet of clear acrylic and you'd have a nice cage quickly. It wouldn't be pretty unless you put a plan together, but you could make a swinging doors easily and a few other niceties.

As a thought.

Paul

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I don't unfortunately!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

Ahh that's okay![emoji23]

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Thanks, hahaha

Have you considered a tub (or I believe RUB in the UK)?

It may be a great temporary solution

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks, hahaha

Have you considered a tub (or I believe RUB in the UK)?

It may be a great temporary solution

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I'm not a massive fan of tubs tbh, idk what it is, I just don't like them lol

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Or hire a "handyman" to make you a real wood cage...it's simple for someone with tools & a little experience, but you have to be able to describe or show them
what you need. Got any friends that might be able to do this? Or maybe you could trade tasks...like do their laundry & clean while they do your cage, lol.
There's bound to be someone around for whom such a trade would be great. Try advertising?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Or hire a "handyman" to make you a real wood cage...it's simple for someone with tools & a little experience, but you have to be able to describe or show them
what you need. Got any friends that might be able to do this? Or maybe you could trade tasks...like do their laundry & clean while they do your cage, lol.
There's bound to be someone around for whom such a trade would be great. Try advertising?

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Yea I think I know someone who might do it :)

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I'm with you OP. I don't really like tubs myself but it might be a good idea as a temporary solution while you save up some money to replace the cage. I'm sorry that your out the money you spent on the cage but it's ruined. The others are absolutely correct once particle board gets moisture it's ruined. If it had been sealed with something like pond shield it would have been fine or in a less humid set up like a bearded dragon would use. I've built a few enclosures and always use hardwood plywood and seal it. Not sure what you have for hardware stores on your side of the pond but the big ones here will cut sheets of plywood to size for free then all you would need is a drill and a few bits and you could build a fairly basic easy enclosure in a weekend. 1 sheet of 4x8 foot will build a 3x2x1.5 foot with a little scrap left and you don't even need a saw. Very minimal experience needed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophieg

I know it still wouldn't be completely right but if I took it apart, put it back together and siliconed all the sides properly to prevent anymore moisture from getting in, would that prevent it from getting any worse? I really need to keep this viv, just spent a load of money on a complete new set up!

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If you are set on trying to continue to repair it. Keep an eye out for mold and mildew. Particle board is notorious for that once it gets wet. Also you typically can't reuse screw holes with too much success. Generally you need to use slightly longer screws or make new holes. Remember you MUST pre-drill screw holes in particle board, whether making new ones or using longer screws, with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw. I have had best bet with sheet rock screws as they have a larger thread area than a wood screw. Over here Particle board is also called melamine and the covering on it that looks like fake wood is "supposed to" be able to handle moisture. If you look through the DIY forum here you can get some good info on melamine enclosure builds and how to seal them up.

I would just make my own. We did it for our beaded dragon. We spent about $150 to make a 4x2x2, but I spent $50 on custom cut glass. Acrylic would be much cheaper. We used one sheet of laminated plywood, a 1x3 and a 1x2 to trim out the front, bought some stain and poly, screws to put it together, and ordered tracking for the doors. If you don't have the tools, maybe you could borrow from someone. Its just some simple straight cuts and drilling holes and screws plus gluing the track. I have a little experience with power tools but am by no means a carpenter. We used a $30 jigsaw from Lowe's to make our cuts when our circular saw didn't do well. Really all you need is that and a drill with the appropriate bit and a screwdriver bit.