Terrarium Materials

[iTurneRi]

Hey guys, as I said earlier, I'm making a homemade terrarium...
Something around 6'x2'x2'.
My uncle is a ''handy-man' and I've asked his help for me to start this project of mine!
Only thing is.... I want to use melamine to do the terrarium with sliding doors in front.
Can the melamine stand those kind of conditions?
I know it's not going to be a *tropical jungle* in there, but still. Just to be sure!

Thanks,
Mike! <3

[Richard.C]

I keep a fair few ive mine in melemine,i dont let it get overly wet though,as it doesnt do well with alot of moisture,if you want to add dampness though u can introduce damp hide boxes and dry ones,lets them choose either at any particular time and save wood enclosures soaking up moisture and swelling/warping

[El Lobo]

I have 3 melamine enclosures for the Blotchies and haven't found any problems in the 5 years they have been in use.

A few tips to consider:
1. Reduce the height to about 18", BTS don't need extra height. It is still high enough to allow light fittings to be mounted internally and being closer will not need as high a wattage globe, hence saving on electricity.
2. Screw the top and bottom to the back and sides i.e. not the sides and back to the top and bottom. This will give more strength and rigidity to the structure and allow stacking if needed in the future. It also limits flexing in the middle of the enclosure allowing the glass slides to move freely.
3. Opt for melamine coated MDF (medium density fibreboard) rather that the cheaper board based on coarser fibreboard. The cheaper board is more likely to absorb moisture and swell.
4. When assembling, coat the exposed non-melamine covered ends of the board with silicone to improve waterproofing. Screw together and simple wipe off any silicone squeezed out from the joint.

Good luck, it's very satisfying to build your own.

[iTurneRi]

@Ricahard - Sweet! Yeh that's what i thought... since I'm not making a tropical environment!
The only humidity would be from the water dish.

@ El Lobo - Alright, I'll try to check that MDF melamine coated... haven't seen any so far =/
Thanks for the tips, I was wondering what the height should be

Another Question!
If I make it 18'' high, the basking temperature will be good, but my terrarium will be 6' long.. will it be tooo cool on the toher side? Or should it eventually warm up and remain at a good temperature?

[UroFreak13]

It should heat the whole tank, if you are worried you can add a ceramic heat emmitter as it radiates heat in all directions

[Richard.C]

If it doesnt heat cool end as much as u like u can add a smaller light fitting down that end to bring temps up if back ground temps arent high enough for your liking which can be an issue in cooler climate areas,especially with tropical species