Hey guys! I recently acquired a hutch from family members and I'm going to convert it into enclosures for two veiled chams. Obviously with a divider between them. I was wondering if any one could give me some pointers. Dos and Don'ts. Should i coat the inside with water resistant paint of some kind? Should I silicone all the corners and edges? We also possibly want to have live plants like a vivarium so any possible way to do that? Any thoughts would be helpful!
Hutch/China Cabinet Conversion
- Thread starter Jmplocica
- Start date
sapphira80
New Member
How big is the hutch? Have you thought about drainage yet?
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Should i coat the inside with water resistant paint of some kind?
Definitely. A non-toxic latex paint or polyurethane at least. Let it cure until there is NO odor.
Should I silicone all the corners and edges?
Probably a good idea. Water and damp will get everywhere if its not sealed.
We also possibly want to have live plants like a vivarium so any possible way to do that?
Probably better to leave your live plants potted. If you plant them directly they will rot the wood.
You'll need to accommodate the light fixtures in the top, allowing heat to escape well. Make sure there is some cross ventilation by replacing some of the wood with screen, or you'll have a humid stuffy space that molds.
Definitely. A non-toxic latex paint or polyurethane at least. Let it cure until there is NO odor.
Should I silicone all the corners and edges?
Probably a good idea. Water and damp will get everywhere if its not sealed.
We also possibly want to have live plants like a vivarium so any possible way to do that?
Probably better to leave your live plants potted. If you plant them directly they will rot the wood.
You'll need to accommodate the light fixtures in the top, allowing heat to escape well. Make sure there is some cross ventilation by replacing some of the wood with screen, or you'll have a humid stuffy space that molds.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
So, each side will provide a space that's 1.5' x 4' x 3', correct?
PascalsWager
New Member
I've seen it done, and it looked really nice. I wasn't able to check out the mechanics, however.
A photo-journal of your project would be really interesting!
A photo-journal of your project would be really interesting!
Do you know what paints and silicones are safe?
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Look for products described as "child" or "baby" safe, or "non-toxic when cured". I think most of these will be water-based or latex. And, whatever you use, make sure its completely cured before getting it damp.
Just to add to what Carlton said... some of the the best substances/products to use are ones rated as "food safe" or safe for occasional contact with human food.
You may want to research some 2 part epoxys like West systems epoxy... some of their products I think will fill the bill nicely.
It is expensive... but also awesome.
I think I have heard of something called like Zoo-poxy or something like that that is also along those lines and considered safe for food and water contact.
On projects like that... I would coat the whole insides with a product like that to seal it.
Cheers!
Todd
ADDENDUM:
Here are some things to check out--
https://www.polygem.com/products/zoopoxy
Note the use to make vines an things in cage exhibits.... cool
https://www.polygem.com/products/zoopoxy/flexible-coating-vines
and I did see this on e-bay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310123985135?lpid=82&chn=ps
I am sure if you surf a bit using keywords like "food safe epoxy", more options will crop up.
Hope this helps.
Here are some things to check out--
https://www.polygem.com/products/zoopoxy
Note the use to make vines an things in cage exhibits.... cool
https://www.polygem.com/products/zoopoxy/flexible-coating-vines
and I did see this on e-bay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310123985135?lpid=82&chn=ps
I am sure if you surf a bit using keywords like "food safe epoxy", more options will crop up.
Hope this helps.
