Question About Converting a Bookshelf/entertainment Center?

I am looking to build a bigger enclosure for my Chinese water dragon. He is still a youngin but I understand he will soon out grow the aquarium he is in. I would love to convert a large deep book shelf or entertainment center type thing into a custom enclosure but had some questions about what types of wood/finishes would be acceptable. Any pointers would be great. Also what's the best way to ventilate the enclosure and add doors? I'm no expert but luckily my skillful grandfather wants to help as long as I come up with some decent plans. If there are issues with certain types of wood or finishes commonly used on such furniture, does anybody have links to decent plans to start from scratch? I havnt found anything in the vertical style that I (and more importantly my dragon) desire. Thanks in advance

As long as the piece is wood it can be stained and sealed. Minwax makes a polycrylic sealer(brush on type not spray on type)
I've seen some nice ones using Armoire. Did you have a look at the enclosure section to see what some have transformed using such things? Kijiji is a great place to buy a used furniture, just make sure that its not mdf or melamine product they will warp, swell and fall apart with moisture.

Here is one;
http://www.herpcenter.com/reptile-en...enclosure.html

If it was me and I had the space I would use a working shower stall with drainage!

Book shelves are really too narrow for a Chinese Water Dragon enclousure. I used a armoir for Zap Land!

Check 2nd hand furnature shops, etc. You will find what your looking for. Make sure to seal it like crazy too!

Originally Posted by mld

As long as the piece is wood it can be stained and sealed. Minwax makes a polycrylic sealer(brush on type not spray on type)
I've seen some nice ones using Armoire. Did you have a look at the enclosure section to see what some have transformed using such things? Kijiji is a great place to buy a used furniture, just make sure that its not mdf or melamine product they will warp, swell and fall apart with moisture.

Here is one;
http://www.herpcenter.com/reptile-en...enclosure.html

If it was me and I had the space I would use a working shower stall with drainage!

Originally Posted by Wyldrose

Book shelves are really too narrow for a Chinese Water Dragon enclousure. I used a armoir for Zap Land!

Check 2nd hand furnature shops, etc. You will find what your looking for. Make sure to seal it like crazy too!

Thanks for replies and tips. I've been browsing kijiji daily and am yet to find something that jumps out at me. Ill keep ya posted once I find something and begin construction.

It is really hard to find furniture of an appropriate size for an adult Chinese Water Dragon and generally is easier to build one.

It is definitely much easier to build your own enclosure to your specific wants instead of constantly waiting for something that comes close and will undoubtedly mean a compromise or two.... And it might even be cheaper in the end.

Anything you find in the way of wood and finishes has long cured out and would be fine except
stay away from solid pine furniture or wardrobes lined with cedar.
You would need an armoire sized cabinet to convert.