Sealing Ceiling in a closed Chamber?

[smurphy11231]

I've tried searching so I don't ask redundant questions but may be asking redundant questions. I just built (had someone build) a double closed chamber enclosure out of plywood (couldn't source expanded PVC sheets locally, shipping costs were insane). I sealed it with Killz and Rustoleum Countertop paint. The ceiling got a coat of both but the plywood has cracks, knots, and little holes the paint won't fill/seal. I was thinking of covering the ceiling with self adhesive cork sheets or using this clear, rubber, waterproof sealant (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ98YFNW?tag=exoticpetnetw-20) but I have no idea if it's safe. It would be on the ceiling out of reach though and will have time to off gas. I have two adult Mediterranean tortoises (Greek and Hermanns). So the enclosures won't be high humidity. Do I need to seal further? Has anyone used the rubber stuff or a similar product, is it safe? Attaching pics of the enclosure(s) and the ceiling.
Thanks for your time!

 

[wellington]

I would just use a silicone caulk, or leave it.

 

[smurphy11231]

I would just use a silicone caulk, or leave it.

Thanks for the reply! I kinda love the idea of leaving it, if it won't result in mold or mildew. But just to clarify on the caulk...like the stuff in the tube and then smear it across the whole ceiling? Those little holes are everywhere on both ceilings.

 

[wellington]

Okay, no, I wouldn't caulk it then if you would need to smear it over the whole ceiling. Being they are adults, so a low, 30-50% humidity is all that's needed, it shouldn't be a problem at all to leave it be.

 

[wellington]

Btw, what is the size of them? They look great but possibly too small. Adults should have at least a 4x8 foot.

 

[smurphy11231]

Yeah, I know. Unfortunately it's smaller than that. They'll each have an 8'x3' space with a 3'x3' loft. Part of the underneath of the loft will be a humid hide but with wandering room too. My hope is the extra space from the loft will make up for it being narrow. I'm already putting together an array of climbing and foraging "toys" to keep on rotation so they hopefully won't get too bored during the long winters here.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yeah, I know. Unfortunately it's smaller than that. They'll each have an 8'x3' space with a 3'x3' loft. Part of the underneath of the loft will be a humid hide but with wandering room too. My hope is the extra space from the loft will make up for it being narrow. I'm already putting together an array of climbing and foraging "toys" to keep on rotation so they hopefully won't get too bored during the long winters here.

Now that’s an impressive build! And what a great way to make up for the space by them each having a loft space! Would absolutely love to see everything all set up and running! Would you mind if I included it in my ‘visual inspiration’ thread? It’s such an amazing example for both multiple levels and keeping two tortoises housed separate! I love it!

 

[wellington]

Yeah, I know. Unfortunately it's smaller than that. They'll each have an 8'x3' space with a 3'x3' loft. Part of the underneath of the loft will be a humid hide but with wandering room too. My hope is the extra space from the loft will make up for it being narrow. I'm already putting together an array of climbing and foraging "toys" to keep on rotation so they hopefully won't get too bored during the long winters here.

The wandering the floor is a bad idea. We have seen to many get hurt, sick or dead because of them wondering the floors. Besides they should never roam together anyway. The space they have sounds pretty good and much safer then the floor.

 

[smurphy11231]

The wandering the floor is a bad idea. We have seen to many get hurt, sick or dead because of them wondering the floors. Besides they should never roam together anyway. The space they have sounds pretty good and much safer then the floor.

Oh sorry, I meant they'll have room under the loft to wander in addition to the humid hide. I have really cold concrete floors so they don't get floor time.

 

[smurphy11231]

Now that’s an impressive build! And what a great way to make up for the space by them each having a loft space! Would absolutely love to see everything all set up and running! Would you mind if I included it in my ‘visual inspiration’ thread? It’s such an amazing example for both multiple levels and keeping two tortoises housed separate! I love it!

Thanks, that's nice to hear. I've been having some regrets overall and second thoughts on the design. It's still off gassing and will be for some weeks likely but I'll be happy to share when it's set up. I assume any pics I post here are shareable

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks, that's nice to hear. I've been having some regrets overall and second thoughts on the design. It's still off gassing and will be for some weeks likely but I'll be happy to share when it's set up. I assume any pics I post here are shareable

It’ll definitely be worth it once done I’m sure! Can’t wait to see everything up and running!

 

[mojo_1]

I've tried searching so I don't ask redundant questions but may be asking redundant questions. I just built (had someone build) a double closed chamber enclosure out of plywood (couldn't source expanded PVC sheets locally, shipping costs were insane). I sealed it with Killz and Rustoleum Countertop paint. The ceiling got a coat of both but the plywood has cracks, knots, and little holes the paint won't fill/seal. I was thinking of covering the ceiling with self adhesive cork sheets or using this clear, rubber, waterproof sealant (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ98YFNW?tag=exoticpetnetw-20) but I have no idea if it's safe. It would be on the ceiling out of reach though and will have time to off gas. I have two adult Mediterranean tortoises (Greek and Hermanns). So the enclosures won't be high humidity. Do I need to seal further? Has anyone used the rubber stuff or a similar product, is it safe? Attaching pics of the enclosure(s) and the ceiling.
Thanks for your time! View attachment 382425View attachment 382426

Have you looked into using dryloc extreme or even a pond sealant safe for fish.

 

[smurphy11231]

Have you looked into using dryloc extreme or even a pond sealant safe for fish.

Thanks, I hadn't. I was looking for something that would fill in the holes and cracks or cover them (cork). I tried dabbing paint in there with a brush but it doesn't fill them in. I've never had my guys in a closed chamber so I was worried the wood would eventually get moldy but if the low humidity won't effect it, I may chance it and leave it as is.

 

[mojo_1]

Thanks, I hadn't. I was looking for something that would fill in the holes and cracks or cover them (cork). I tried dabbing paint in there with a brush but it doesn't fill them in. I've never had my guys in a closed chamber so I was worried the wood would eventually get moldy but if the low humidity won't effect it, I may chance it and leave it as is.

You should be fine just keep an eye on it.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Don’t suppose there’s any updates on this enclosure? @smurphy11231

 

[smurphy11231]

Don’t suppose there’s any updates on this enclosure? @smurphy11231

...it's still smelly
I've got plants and wall planters and I'm going to finally put the lights up. I'm still trying to make a decision about substrate. I'm guessing it will be a couple more weeks. I may wait til the new year just to make sitting easier for my friend next month...so, I'm still a little bit from done.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

...it's still smelly
I've got plants and wall planters and I'm going to finally put the lights up. I'm still trying to make a decision about substrate. I'm guessing it will be a couple more weeks. I may wait til the new year just to make sitting easier for my friend next month...so, I'm still a little bit from done.

Fair enough

 

[Sarah2020]

...it's still smelly
I've got plants and wall planters and I'm going to finally put the lights up. I'm still trying to make a decision about substrate. I'm guessing it will be a couple more weeks. I may wait til the new year just to make sitting easier for my friend next month...so, I'm still a little bit from done.

Hi
I recommend you line the base with sticky back plastic to avoid damp substrate ruining your woodwork. I also recommend orchid bark. On the ramp you can add shower anti slip strips to help.

 

[Sarah2020]

Thanks, I hadn't. I was looking for something that would fill in the holes and cracks or cover them (cork). I tried dabbing paint in there with a brush but it doesn't fill them in. I've never had my guys in a closed chamber so I was worried the wood would eventually get moldy but if the low humidity won't effect it, I may chance it and leave it as is.

i would leave them to help with ventilation.

 

[smurphy11231]

Hi
I recommend you line the base with sticky back plastic to avoid damp substrate ruining your woodwork. I also recommend orchid bark. On the ramp you can add shower anti slip strips to help.

Ah! The magical and elusive orchid bark everyone loves to reference. I need 10 cu feet of it so small bags are not cost effective. Hardware stores and nurseries in my area sell either medium sized chunks of fir bark in 2 cu foot bags or fir mulch which is the consistency of fluffy dirt with some twigs. I've read neither of those are preferable.
The base has been sealed with countertop sealant in both enclosures and vinyl flooring in one because I felt like the wood had too many deeper grooves that weren't sealing properly.