Some vivarium material safety questions...

[frogged]

Not the richest person around so I decided to craft a 85x36x36 arboreal terrarium out of a wood frame. Basically consists of four wood pillars and a wooden base which give it structure, and everything else is aluminium mesh used to keep bats from getting to the ripe fruit here.

The wood isn't necessarily new, but what would you think about its stability? Any strengthening ideas? What should I coat both the base wood and the pillars with to make it inert and safe for the frogs?

The aluminium mesh has got some rigidity to it. Slightly worried about the tree frogs jumping into it and getting hurt. Opinions?

Additionally, I forgot to account for the necessity of a false bottom. Does anyone have any improvised ideas to suggest?

Thanks for the advice.

[ndame88]

Well first you need to provide info on what type of frog to determine if the screen idea is even a good idea.

[frogged]

Well first you need to provide info on what type of frog to determine if the screen idea is even a good idea.

White's tree frog. Humidity is always 70-80% here, if not higher, so let's not have any concerns about that.

[deranged chipmunk]

Well, the real problem with making recommendations is the cultural gap. What we have available in some countries, may not be available in yours. As far as the wood goes, no way for us to determine if it's safe, that would have to be your call. Waterproofing it, you woukd need some sort of waterproofing paint or marine epoxy.
We would need to see a pic of the screen to tell if it would be safe.

It's a difficult one and i don't mind helping, if i can

[frogged]

Cultural gap indeed! I can't even find GS foam here in the stores; though I've heard some of the industrial warehouses have got it in stock.

I think the screen is fine, aluminium is relatively unreactive; but I will take a picture just to be safe.

Is marine epoxy safe for vivariums? How much do you think I might need for a tank that is 80 x 36 x 36 in cm?

Waterproofing paint sounds like a more aesthetic idea, but have you got any brands or any types of paint to recommend? Acrylic paint perhaps?

Drainage is my main concern right now. I could of course, limit the watering, but that doesn't seem foolproof.