Convertment...

[carinacat]

Hey there! I am looking at converting an old tv unit for some Boyds Was just wondering what people used to make their enclosures water proof? Also... would a water feature that the Boyds could swim in be a good idea or would that be too much water? Would love to see some setups for Boyds that other people have

 

[leeroy1983]

I just went down to bunnings a got myself waterproof pond membrane. a couple coats of that worked well for me.

 

[mad_at_arms]

Most Pond membrane sealers are not designed for use with wood, it will make the wood more resistant to water but not completely seal it.
I would use marine grade varnish and then seal all the little gaps between the wood panels with some aquarium silicone.
What are the dimensions of the unit?

 

[carinacat]

Ok thanks. The unit is approx 6ft high x 2ft deep x 4ft wide. It is a corner unit thou so its only 4ft wide for approx 1.5ft then gets smaller. Should i include a water feature in it?

 

[mad_at_arms]

If its for boyds you will need running water won't you?
I don't keep them, but I'm under the impression running water is preferred.

 

[Chicken]

Am doing exactly what you're doing at the moment carinacat! I posted pics in the The boyds info sticky i think you saw...
I have a 6x3x2 that i am staining and waterproofing for a pair of Boydii. The marine grade varish stuff i bought is toxic, im now using Pondtite.
Keep an eye out in the Boyds Dragon thread, ill do an update shortly.

 

[carinacat]

Great chicken! Would love to watch your progress and get ideas for my own

 

[mad_at_arms]

The marine grade varish stuff i bought is toxic, im now using Pondtite.

I have the bondall brand same as the pondtite, no problems.

- - - Updated - - -

How much of the unit will be enclosure?
Boyd's need a bit of vertical space.

 

[Chicken]

I'd Rip out the top 2 cupboards and just convert the top and middle part. To be honest, dont do what i did and sand the whole whole bloody thing down and re-paint its a mess.
Just silicone the edges where the wood joins and give it a coat of clear pondtite.
You can then add a rock background or a Paper background, you know those laminated pictured backgrounds? The rainforest themed one.
Then just add some sort of drainage, big rocks, mesh then little rocks then coco-peat ontop, then just verticle branches and get some tracks in and glass too.
Good luck

 

[mad_at_arms]

You could get a good quality tub and cut out a hole to fit it into the floor and run the plumbing for a pump in the cupboard space underneath.

 

[carinacat]

Yes i am going to use the middle section and the top. Im not wanting to cut the two top shelves completely out thou as i want a bit of strength still in it. A good quality tub sounds like the way to go... would be easily enough to clean then I want to sand the cabinet as the bottom part has white paint on it.