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boas and paint?

geckogrl6

geckogrl6

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I have a situation which might necessitate my doing some interior painting with my BRB in the room. While I realize this is not ideal, it might not be avoidable. Does anyone have any help on how to best do this safely? He is just turned 2 and roughly 4 feet. In a 45 gal (12d x 24 h x 36l; 75 cool/82-88 hot) with about 2/3 the top covered and the other third has a heat lamp. Maintains about 80% humidity. I will of course be giving as much fresh air in the room as possible, but I was thinking of fully covering the tank for awhile. I will throw a dropcloth over it, but would it be ok to seal the tank for a couple hours to keep fumes out? not necc? or not doable (ie-prob have to board it- ugh!) any particular ingredients to stay away from? primer ok too?
:shrug01:
 
Yeah that would work, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I am looking at a minimum of four coats, and prob 1 wall @ a time (plus 2 coats min on trim), so am trying to find a solution that would not involve moving him several times.....The whole process will likely be spread over at least a week. Am REALLY hoping to hear something besides "put him elsewhere" though if it comes to that, then so be it :(
The paint says its dry in an hour, but I know its longer than that that I can smell fumes....The primer can says it contains "crystalline silica" and carries a specific breathing warning. I notice irritation myself & wear a dust mask.
If I can bring him back in the room after an hour or two, why cant I saran wrap the tank for that long? is CO2 gonna build that quick? air exchange is already minor, as per my OP. Whats the max I should keep him in a tupperware, or more likely, a 20 gal, in another room?
Help?:shrug01:
 
You can keep him in the other container for a week easily. Some peoples snakes live in sterlites and rubbermaids with no ill effects for their entire lives. Give him water, some substrate, and put his lamp above him for heat.
 
Yeah, I guess I will have to house him elsewhere for awhile. I dont like the solution, but oh well. I really didnt want to do that, as I most likely wont be able to handle him while he is elsewhere, and I really try not to go too long between handlings either, but his health is ultimately more important in the long run than his temperment.
Oh, and its a total 4 coats- 2 primer, 2 paint, not 4 paint coats lol Panelling!!!:angry:
 
I don't mean to be negative, but as far as a 'local pet store' boarding him, is he going to be in a quarantine situation or in & around the pet store reptile stock? Just something to think about...
 
Thanks, I have some concerns myself with boarding him at a store. I do know the owner, have dealt with him for a couple years anyway, and he has bought some of my stock on occasion. There are of course pythons there as well, and so IBD is a concern, though I am more concerned for his pythons than I am for my boa (who is now 2, no signs). In any case, my guy is living (not so) happily in his tank in another room for now, and I am trying to get the painting done ASAP cuz I miss watching my pets stare at me lol.
 
I think you made the right decision: we're painting right now, and my boas aren't going back into their room until a week after it's finished and I can small no trace of fumes.
Hope you're having as much chaotic fun as we are!
 
Low VOC (volatile organic compounds). Look for paint that says right on the can, Low VOC and you won't have to worry about "fumes". Some paints might stink, but don't mean it's harmful. And some that actually are harmful with long exposure.
 
Thank you! So if I have paint/primer that says on the label "low VOC" then I can paint and have them watch? Really?
 
Thanks Richard! The primer is what most concerns me, as it irritates my respitorys, the paint says 100 mg/mL VOC which does not sound too low-
He is living in a spare room in too close proximity to the gex, and I accidentally left his lamp off last nite, so now I have that to be anxious about lol. (was @68 this morning when I switched back on, but surely hit below that overnight) All the more reason to paint quick!!!
 
FROM EARTHEASY

Low VOC - Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS. Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards. must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter. As a general rule, low VOC paints marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 g/L VOC threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50 g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen).
Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's.
 
Shelly covered it well. I thought I had mentioned the lower the better, but guess I neglected to.

Couldn't you put a box fan in a window blowing outside, and drawing fresh air from the rest of the house? That will help a lot with your respiratory, as would a mask. :)

But I'd say if it bothers you, then don't put him in there until it's all cleared up.

Good luck.
 
That's helpful, thanks.
Now can I sidetrack a bit about sealants? I just made up some heating rocks for my snake tanks using bathroom silicone sealant. The tube says it takes 72 hours to cure, it's now almost that and I can't detect any smell.
Safe to put back into the (well ventilated) tank with a little heat?
 
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