Waterproofing Advice

Tommy03

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Hello,

I'm looking for some advice please on some ways to waterproof my Russian's new 8x3ft vivarium? It's made from Melamine Faced Chipboard and I already have some aquatic grade silicone (Arbosil 1081) to seal it but I just don't want the wood to rot from the damp orchid bark.

I've had a look at some previous threads and can't seem to get a lot of the paints mentioned here in the UK so would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!
 

Blackdog1714

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As long you you keep the joints sealed with Silicone the Melanine doesn't need any extra protection. The issue is that if the seam leaks the pressboard of the melanine will come apart like wet cardboard. You could use Flex seal for added protection at the seams
 

Tommy03

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As long you you keep the joints sealed with Silicone the Melanine doesn't need any extra protection. The issue is that if the seam leaks the pressboard of the melanine will come apart like wet cardboard. You could use Flex seal for added protection at the seams
Okay, thank you! I can't seem to find any Flex Seal available online in the UK so might see if I can find an alternative just in case. Is it the Spray Rubber Sealant Coating that you mean?
 

Maggie3fan

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I have used shower curtain liners stapled in place for years. A few of my tort tables have been in place for almost 16 years, and no leaks
 

Blackdog1714

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Okay, thank you! I can't seem to find any Flex Seal available online in the UK so might see if I can find an alternative just in case. Is it the Spray Rubber Sealant Coating that you mean?
I saw it on the UK Amazon site
 

Yossarian

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The advice you have recieved thus far is accurate, WIth melamine you just need to make sure the seams are thoroughly sealed to protect it. If you are concerned though, pond liner is widely available, you wouldnt need much, and it is very durable.
 

Tommy03

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The advice you have recieved thus far is accurate, WIth melamine you just need to make sure the seams are thoroughly sealed to protect it. If you are concerned though, pond liner is widely available, you wouldnt need much, and it is very durable.
Okay, thank you very much!
 

torinator13

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For the bottom of our enclosure,we went to a home improvement store and bought linoleum/vinyl peel and stick "tiles" I think the box had 25-30 tiles in there but we only needed a few. It was a cheap way to waterproof the bottom of the wooden enclosure!

I put a picture of my tortiose on top of it before we got the substrate down!
 

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Tommy03

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57
Location (City and/or State)
England
For the bottom of our enclosure,we went to a home improvement store and bought linoleum/vinyl peel and stick "tiles" I think the box had 25-30 tiles in there but we only needed a few. It was a cheap way to waterproof the bottom of the wooden enclosure!

I put a picture of my tortiose on top of it before we got the substrate down!
That looks really good, thank you!
 
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