GRAPEWOOD; to use, or not to use...

[schwartz]

I'm setting up a 24x24x48 screen cage for a little stud sambava. The main vertical support structure is a large piece of sanded grapewood anchored to a silicone base. Then I glued (waterproof wood) and screwed (brass) manzanita branches into it for horizontal effects/resting spots. I think it looks great. I just need to wrap some fake foliage and vines on some of the branches. Now I read that grapewood will become a moldy mess in a cage with a mistking running 3x a day. My breeder's advice is to let the cage dry completely between mistings. Should I bail on the grapewood and get oak branches from the forest preserve?
I'm trying to find that perfect combination of form and function that appeals to the chameleon and I.

 

[SaintJimmy]

Bark on the wood = no sealant required (if the bark is smooth/waterproof)

sanded down like mine? Have to have drying periods and most likely seal it.

I would just seal the grapewood somehow and still use it.

 

[jmwhitel]

Go to dendroboard.com

Many frog ppl use grapewood. You can learn lots about enclosures there.

 

[Lokithechameleon]

I have grape wood in my cage and it looks great no problems! my mister goes off 3 times a day for 5 min and its still holding up.

 

[Carlton]

I have grape wood in my cage and it looks great no problems! my mister goes off 3 times a day for 5 min and its still holding up.

Eventually it will mold unless you seal it. Just keep an eye on it. Kind of hard to predict how long it will stay clear.

 

[Carlton]

I'm setting up a 24x24x48 screen cage for a little stud sambava. The main vertical support structure is a large piece of sanded grapewood anchored to a silicone base. Then I glued (waterproof wood) and screwed (brass) manzanita branches into it for horizontal effects/resting spots. I think it looks great. I just need to wrap some fake foliage and vines on some of the branches. Now I read that grapewood will become a moldy mess in a cage with a mistking running 3x a day. My breeder's advice is to let the cage dry completely between mistings. Should I bail on the grapewood and get oak branches from the forest preserve?
I'm trying to find that perfect combination of form and function that appeals to the chameleon and I.

Its not that you CAN'T use grapewood, just that you need to keep an eye on mold growth. You may find its too much hassle to keep removing the branch to get rid of it. Time will tell. If you do use it, design your cage so it's easy to take in and out.