Let me lure you in with some Tokay shots...

[paul112]

Now that I have your attention...

how do I go about waterproofing this DIY vivarium for some kind of amphibian?

It's my first DIY viv, designed to fit snuggly under my Tokay Tank stand. I know it looks rubbish now, but once I get it waterproofed and a Corkbark background in there with some cocopeat, it should look pretty neat

It needs to be budget, and as far as I'm aware, there are no suppliers of fibreglass/epoxy stuff around here. I'm contemplating siliconing the whole thing inside. I don't need it to hold water, just stop the wood from warping from damp substrate/daily mistings.

Plastic sheeting maybe?

Enjoy (and reply!)
Paul

P.s. Champers for the person who tells me how to do it

 

[Ullopincrate]

Use a basement waterproofer.

 

[paul112]

Sounds like a good plan, except here in the UK I don't know anyone with a basement, let alone any stores that sell that kind of product

Paul

 

[angelo21]

nice

 

[latshki]

you could use multiple things, pond liner, wood varnish, and other wood products
best bet is to go to the home improvement store and ask for some waterproofing for somewhere with very high humidity

 

[paul112]

I thought about wood varnish, but how safe will that be with frogs? I'm very cautious about them absorbing chemicals through the skin.

Best,
Paul

 

[coura]

I thought about wood varnish, but how safe will that be with frogs? I'm very cautious about them absorbing chemicals through the skin.

Best,
Paul

I wouldnt risk it

 

[paul112]

Okay new plan. Anyone think theres anything wrong with this?

http://www.wickes.co.uk/DP-Sheeting/Heavy-Duty-Polythene-Sheet/invt/152882

Polythene sheeting. I figured I could staple that inside, seal the staples and seams with silicone to prevent rust and leaks, and I should have a make-shift waterproof enclosure.

A quick google for safety tells me that Polythene breaks down under UV light, but thats not of a worry since this tank doesn't have its own light source, just heat from a heatpad.

"Polythene has been used successfully in animals to replace segments of the trachea, pelvic colon, and bile-duct"

Sounds alright, yeah?

Any further help?
Thanks,
Paul

 

[varanio]

tileboard like they use for showers you can silicone it to the wood and seal the edging. I use it for my cages and works great!