Building a terrarium for a rainbow boa

[ede618]

Within the next month I am buying a Brazilian rainbow boa hatchling. I have a 29 gal aquarium set up for it now.

I am planning on building a wood terrarium 48" wide x 18" deep x 24-30" high. I want a glass door in front only and a screen strip on top only wide enough for a light and to let air flow in.

My reasoning for this thread is to get some suggestions on the type of wood I can use and the type of finish that can be used safely on the wood so not to affect the health of the boa in anyway.

Any additional suggestions or ideas are appreciated as well

Thanks!

[SnakeyJay]

I'd say to not put in the mesh strip ontop... You'll let all the humidity out and heat aswell... A couple of vents on the back is good enough.

[Tekpc007]

if you get a hatchling , i would use a sterlite tub as it will hold humidity better than any glass tank. Use a Fluker UTH with a thermostat as they are rated for plastic tubs. glass tanks are for fish , not snakes . here is my BRB setup and it keeps humidity at 85% and above for days, see this thread also : http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/epicrates/93279-brazilian-rainbow-boa.html



http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/1212/20120513142208.jpg

[MrBD1980]

Why would plastic hold humidity better than glass?

As a display viv I use a glass 3x2x1 with great success for both humidity and temps! It provides a great visual in the room....something a plastic tub can't do!!

OP: I would also avoid the mesh top and would consider if A wooden viv is most app. Many good threads re brb vivs viA the search engine!

Brian

[ede618]

I am cinstructing a wood viv and will be using a fogger and humidity controller so I am not worried about that. Especially since the screen will only be 9 inches by 12 inches on either side of the top

My main question is the type of finish that will be safe for my boa once he is big enough

[Tekpc007]

Why would plastic hold humidity better than glass?

As a display viv I use a glass 3x2x1 with great success for both humidity and temps! It provides a great visual in the room....something a plastic tub can't do!!

OP: I would also avoid the mesh top and would consider if A wooden viv is most app. Many good threads re brb vivs viA the search engine!

Brian


Screen tops for glass dont work to hold humidity on a 29 gallon tank , might work with an all glass top but I find glass not so good for ambient temps also.

[SnakeyJay]

Maybe so, but mesh on top will also lose heat, as warm air rises.. This coupled with a heat light will dry the air out. 9" x 12" on either side at the top is a big area to be mesh.. A fogger may work but it's much better to create a stable environment Incase of fogger failure.