how should i do this?

[fixitfelix]

hello
in the next few months im setting up my new panther chameleon viv.

heres the viv im using

and somehow i want to attach a few pieces of wood like this
to the upper sides of the viv.

my husband thinks the best way to do this is to screw it in and tighten it with a nut on the outside.im worried that the screw will eventually rust tho??

any ideas or is this the only way??

i will be using aquarium sealant to make the viv water tight.how about i cover the screw head with the sealant too? would that work??

 

[Decadancin]

That should do the trick. As long as your cham can't accidentally ingest any. I don't know if I'd do anything that "permanent" though. Sometimes it is necessary to move branches around for one reason or another, or just remove them for a good cleaning. Use stainless screws and bolts and they shouldn't rust.

I actually attached small pieces of wood to the inside frame of my enclosure. I then screwed the wood vines into those. The benefit there is you dont see the screws from the outside.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/decadancin-albums-zaphod-s-enclosure-picture18528-a.jpg
Hope that link worked, and I hope you can see what I mean.

Good luck with the enclosure! Can't wait to see it done!

 

[fixitfelix]

thanks for your advise

i just think it looks more natural.
i just hope the the wood im going to use (its from the exo terra range) will be easy to drill through

btw great enclosure build! i love the antique look,great job but i bet you have already been told that lol!;-)

 

[lildi]

Could you attach some kind of trellis to the sides using hooks that clip together? then you can attach vines, small pieces of wood to that with cable ties, would make it a lot easier to revove and replace during cleaning.

 

[fixitfelix]

i was thinking of adding trellis as i think it gives them more areas to explore

i think that the wood maybe too heavy for the trellis tho,not sure

 

[Psychobunny]

That looks nice, but what about ventilation?
Looks like it could be a sweatbox.

I would cut the sides out and install screen.
Maybe even remove the glass and screen the front too!?

Also, what will constant wetness do to the wood?
Does it have good waterproof finish?

 

[fixitfelix]

you are right it would be a sweatbox lol

im planning on cutting the roof off and adding mesh.i will also add a lot more vents down the sides too.
i live in the uk and many people say they suffer in reguards to humidity.so i am following there ideas due to there success

im planning on coating the wood with yacht varnish to keep it water proof.

i will not be getting my new addition till 3-4 weeks after so any fumes that may appear should be gone and if not i will wait till they are.

 

[Psychobunny]

That sounds like a good plan.

What are you going to do about drainage?

 

[fixitfelix]

im going to drill numerous holes around the base and coat the holes with varnish too as the inner wood will be exposed to the water.
i will then pop a large bucket in the cupboard underneath.

thanks for your interest btw