Help please (non-toxic sealant)

[Alex Z]

Trying to find the non-toxic sealant for wood. Bldg a new enclosure for our 5 torts.

Thanks to all!

 

[Alex Z]

Also, we dont live in a home so I am struggling to find a solution from keeping the wood from rotting. Tried plastic before and that does not last.

 

[SweetGreekTorts]

I use "Flex Seal." It's sold at home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, ACE Hardware, etc) and even some Wal-mart stores carry it.

 

[Alex Z]

And its non toxic? How many years habe you used this product?

 

[Tom]

I've found nothing that works well and isn't expensive. Nothing at Home Depot is meant to be wet all the time, and I'm not sure of their level of toxicity in a closed chamber with heat and humidity 24/7. I once used non-toxic boat paint and that worked, but it was $90 for the primer and $130 for the paint, and then it didn't hold up to three growing sulcatas where they were rubbing on it. I used Pond Shield on a couple of recent night boxes, and that was okay, but you have to mix it and use it just right and its also $100 for a tiny little amount. I found it difficult to apply and mix correctly. Coverage was okay on the first one, but it doesn't look so great on the second box.

Instead I've switched to using enclosures made of controlled expansion PVC. It is now cheaper to buy a perfectly made enclosure, custom built to order, than it is to buy just the materials to build my own. I get mine here: https://apcages.com/collections/terrestrial-cages
See them here: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/new-stack-of-animal-plastics-closed-chambers.165626/

@Sterant made a thread about building your own using this material: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/b...-pvc-enclosed-chamber-–-for-beginners.159220/

 

[Alex Z]

Too pricey. The size I need cost almost my rent. I can build the complex for much cheaper. Ty for the info.

 

[TechnoCheese]

I have also been using flex seal for about a year. Just be sure you add multiple layers to the bottom.

 

[Yvonne G]

I have two tort tables sealed with Flex Seal. The product works great. I allowed it to set for a couple days, then just added my substrate. The smell is totally gone, it holds water and causes no discomfort for the tortoises kept in there.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Have you looked into building out of 1 inch PVC material?

https://www.doitbest.com/products/1...7v0F1akGe_UBmlDji-sjOB2iz8TMd8KIaAhZFEALw_wcB

not sure how large of an area / enclosure you are building. One good thing, doesnt rot, doesnt need coating or painting or sealing.

 

[aqualungs]

I used Kilz low voc and then lined the substrate area with a shower curtain. I let it dry and hit it with a heat gun to gas off of course.

**I also caulked the cracks before hand with 100% silicone. I hope this is all good enough.

 

[Alex Z]

We are buidling the tort complex 8×4. 3 enclosures stacked together.

 

[aqualungs]

We are buidling the tort complex 8×4. 3 enclosures stacked together.

Can’t wait to see it happen!

 

[Alex Z]

Can’t wait to see it happen!

Thnx! Will be completed by next month. Only thing is debating what type of door for the redfoots enclosure. Our russian tort will live on the bottom.