viv construction

[doortech9]

im in the process of building a new enclosure for seth and being more of a metal fabricator than a carpenter im planning on using angle iron. needing to finish the steel off, im wondering what kind of paint is acceptable, if any type is recommended or if i can use any type of paint. aside from the obvious weight issue is there any negatives to using steel? and also, does anyone have any opinions of exo terra backgrounds? thanks.:)

[tomcat]

A metal viv? I wouldnt recomend it. The metal could get very hot and burn the snake if the thermsostat failed mabey?

Tom

[alan]

Once the paint cures completely I don't think it matters unless it has something toxic like lead that stays in the paint.
Another thing is the paint will probably not be where the snake can touch it if just the frame is painted.
Show some pics when you get done, please. I work with metal myself, if I made my own viv it would be metal. Right now I have a large wooden one that I adapted from a fish tank, it will last forever, but you never know when you might need more.

[batwrangler]

im in the process of building a new enclosure for seth and being more of a metal fabricator than a carpenter im planning on using angle iron. needing to finish the steel off, im wondering what kind of paint is acceptable, if any type is recommended or if i can use any type of paint. aside from the obvious weight issue is there any negatives to using steel? and also, does anyone have any opinions of exo terra backgrounds? thanks.:)

I just saw some beautiful vivs made from large plastic tubs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/batwrangler/2350345485/in/set-72157604190951044/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/batwrangler/2351182448/in/set-72157604190951044/

There is screen set in a rectangle in the "top" of the viv for ventilation.

I've also seen very nice vivs made from turning fish tanks on their sides and using clips to hold heavy-duty screen covers over the "front". They are easy to access for maintence, stackable, and come in a variety of sizes.