I am building my first vivarium and want to know if MDF is ok to use, or whether plywood is better. Also the best thing to seal them with if ordinary varnish is not ok for snakes. :?
MDF is terrible unless you cover the inside with lenolium or something similar that is water proof. MDF turns into a giant sponge. Use ply that is not pressure treated. Use polycrylic and use atleast 4 coats for the inside.
Boaman is right on the MDF being bad, not only will it soak up moisture like a sponge, but it is very heavy as well. Something that you want to consider as an option to plywood is melamine. Melamine is heavy, but it is pre-coated with a sealed face and most home stores carry it pre-cut in 24x48 panels.
