I want to repurpose a bookcase into a tort habitat

[For-Mr.Spock]

My Russian tortoise is currently 5 inches in length from front to end of shell. The space he is in right now is only 5 cubic feet, so I want to get something bigger set up for him soon. I also want to not poison him with the wrong sealant. I thought the bookcase could be repurposed as it is of good size and length. For the bottom, would a tarp work? Or should I waterproof some plywood and fit it into the bookcase?

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

 

[bouaboua]

I come a cross this post earlier this morning in the forum and I think it may give you some idea for your bookcase enclosure project.

Boris's new larger enclosure made from Argos bookcase

Boris's new larger enclosure made from Argos bookcase

Hi all. I've not posted for a while as I sometimes find the site a bit intimidating. Sorry, just a lot of people with a lot of opinions. But I was so excited that I thought I'd share photos of Boris's, my 2 year old Russian tort's new bigger enclosure. It's 6ft x3ft and I would have liked bigger...

www.tortoiseforum.org

 

[Blackdog1714]

I would just cruise Craigslist and you might get one for free. I would use UGL Drylock or Pond Liner to paint the sides but use some actual pond lining material or thick plastic to do the bottom to protect it from the moisture in the substrate. Even for a russian the substrate will have enough mositure to wreck a normal paint or sealer.

 

[DJ Kirk]

Bookcase enclosures are common
Personally not big enough for me so I used a refridgerator cabinet made of melamine.
Check this out https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/ikea-bookshelf-enclosure.9740/
Here's mine https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/custom-enclosure.177379/#post-1788452

 

[For-Mr.Spock]

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[TechnoCheese]

That book case is too small. You’ll want preferably around 8x4 feet for a table.

 

[Randy Micheals]

I used an old shower curtain for lining my bottom, works also.

 

[For-Mr.Spock]

I used an old shower curtain for lining my bottom, works also.

I have heard of that and I think I will do that! Thank you.

 

[Yvonne G]

Since russians are diggers, any type of plastic liner isn't going to stay in one piece for very long. It would be much better to either use pond liner or water proof the wood.

 

[For-Mr.Spock]

Since russians are diggers, any type of plastic liner isn't going to stay in one piece for very long. It would be much better to either use pond liner or water proof the wood.

That is true, he loves his burrows.

 

[DJ Kirk]

I put down some anti-fatigue mats from the $ store before I put down a thick pond liner. Works great for waterproofing and stops the digging when it reaches the hard mat.