Wood Question

[LongPig]

I came across some branches from a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick Tree which is apparently a type of filbert. Does anyone know how well they would hold up in a vivarium? I like the way they look and would like to use them in my next build.

 

[Aimless]

I'd try it. I don't know if those are safe. One trick is to make sure the wood is completely dry (so it won't rot inside) and then spray with a couple coats of polyurethane. It will hold in anything toxic, repel water, be cleanable, and still retain most of the natural texture.

 

[LongPig]

I'd try it. I don't know if those are safe. One trick is to make sure the wood is completely dry (so it won't rot inside) and then spray with a couple coats of polyurethane. It will hold in anything toxic, repel water, be cleanable, and still retain most of the natural texture.

Thanks! What kind of polyurethane would be viv safe?

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

I've never coated a peice of wood with anything before putting it in a cage. Some people bake them to kill anything living in there but I've never done that either. I know many people that find stuff and put it in their cages and have never had any problems. I'd be worried that the poly would make it to slick for a animal to be able to climb.

 

[Aimless]

it doesn't. I've done it for years any time I wasn't certain if a species of wood was toxic. especially with geckos, who may be inclined to lick drops off a branch after misting.

for species like maple or manzanita that I know are safe, I don't use poly. I also don't bake the branches, it generally just makes them brittle.

 

[LongPig]

it doesn't. I've done it for years any time I wasn't certain if a species of wood was toxic. especially with geckos, who may be inclined to lick drops off a branch after misting.

for species like maple or manzanita that I know are safe, I don't use poly. I also don't bake the branches, it generally just makes them brittle.

Aimless, what kind of sealeer are you using?

 

[Aimless]

I just pick up a can of water-based polyurethane at the hardware store. it offgasses more readily than non-water based and isn't as thick.

the most important thing by far is letting it off-gas a LONG time. once it's done there are no more fumes, but during the process the fumes could harm your gecko. just like working with silicone (although not quite as stinky).

 

[Geckologist.tj]

I'd be worried that the poly would make it to slick for a animal to be able to climb.

Perhaps it would depend on the animal, but when I do this for my bearded dragon, I put on a layer of polyurethane, sprinkle in some saw dust, let it dry, then do another layer of polyurethane. It actually makes it more textured.

 

[Aimless]

all my geckos are the sticky-foot variety, so that probably makes a difference too. that use of sawdust is way clever!

 

[LongPig]

Thanks!

 

[CrestedRick]

Would this poly be appropriate for zoo med twisty vine? I woke up and found a nice fuzzy white surprise on my newly placed twisty vine.

 

[Aimless]

I don't use that stuff, but as I recall the material is very porous? I'm not sure. might be worth a try.

 

[CrestedRick]

Ok, it was either this or fake wood/vines and Im not a fan of the fake stuff. So any water based poly is good?

 

[Aimless]

they're all essentially the same, as far as I know. I've bought several brands over the years depending on where I was shopping.

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

I forgot to add that if anyone ever has questions on if anything is toxic just ask a dart frog forum. Those guys always have answers on what's safe and what's not. When I do planted tanks I go there for info even though I don't have frogs.