Need help with new tank!

[tender_kiss23]

Okay guys so my boyfriend is currently in the process of making me a huge tank out of an old 64in dresser. It's solid, treated wood and we're trying to figure out the best way to do it so my snake is happy and healthy and it looks good. Right now we're using plexiglass on the front to view inside. I'm just wondering what the best way is to get the dresser disinfected before I start setting it up for my snake to live in it.

Also, the whole inside will be wood except we're putting a rubber mat down over the bottom that the substrate will lay on top of. Should I keep the wooden inside the way it is or put plexiglass over it just for safer measures or is there an effective way of keeping it clean and healthy? It's treated wood so it shouldn't rot and I'll be tearing it down completely to clean everything once in a while, aside from obvious spot cleaning every couple days.

As always any and all help will be appreciated!!

Thanks guys!

[RaeDee]

I would personally line the entire inside with plexiglass and seal the edges, not just the front. But I'm a little on the paranoid side when it comes to my pets and potential problems so that's just my opinion.

[anicatgirl]

I tend to agree. I would seal the whole thing.

[Miranda2]

I would get some water based polyurathane and put a few coats on the inside. Its non toxic and will make the wood water resistant and last much longer. I would put at least three thin coats on.Let dry a for a few days, it doesnt smell either and you can paint it right on top of the paint or stain if there is any.
Just make sure its water based, not oil based.

[JoshSloane]

Yeah definitely do not line with all plexiglass. That's going to be insanely expensive and hard to cut to specs. Just get a good polyurethane from home depot. They can help you find the correct one for the job. Let it dry thoroughly before you introduce any animals into it and allow it to vent fumes.

For disinfecting you can get some chlorhexidine from most reptile supply companies. A google search will yield a ton of results. Its used by vets and zoos predominately.