what silicone to use on great stuff background?

JHud_TheLeprechaun · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 10:36 PM

I have researching for awhile about what silicone to use when doing the great stuff background but never have found anything that really gave me a straight answer. It seems that everyone has their own opinion on using the GE silicone II and thats the only thing i can really find in black or brown on a tight budget and since i plan to do a 29 gal. tank for my tokay im gonna need a good amount. from what ive been reading the problem with it is that since it has bio-seal that over time that arsenic seeps out and is toxic to the animal. Is their anyone that has had a problem with the silicone becoming toxic and killing their gecko over time? Or has anyone successfully kept geckos in a tank for a few years with no sign becoming toxic? I Kinda need an experienced opinion on the matter so that i can get started on the project the little guys getting kinda cramped in the tank hes in now

mh728 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 12:18 AM

Alot of people still say they love GE Silicon II but it doesn't say anywhere that it's safe. I'd go for one that says something like "FDA certified safe for food contact after cured and washed" on the back, or you could just shell out for a bunch of aquarium silicon. The only thing I could find was DAP Kitchen and Bath at a non-typical (not Home Depot or Lowes) hardware store.

Oops, sorry, I kind of spaced and didn't read the whole post.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 09:19 AM

Instead of using silicone, perhaps use something like Habacrete? It's known to be safe and it looks really nice.

Bowfinger · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 11:59 PM

What is in habacrete and how does it harden without chemical reaction?

**Riverside Reptiles** · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowfinger

What is in habacrete and how does it harden without chemical reaction?

HabaCrete Vivarium Mortar Instructions.

I'm sure it uses some sort of chemical reaction to dry. But it's non toxic when dry and doesn't contain all the lime and whatnot that regular mortar does. It's used a lot in the dart frog hobby. The owner of the company is a member of these forums as well. So perhaps he'll chime in on this thread. There's also several previous lengthy threads about it posted here if you do a search.

JHud_TheLeprechaun · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 07:41 PM

i have looked into the habbacrete before but saw that it was kinda pricey and was leaning towards the silicone method. but the more i look into it now im beginning to think its better safe than sorry. i will probably save up some money and email the guy on the habbacrete site on the questions i have plus it looks like i can put in alot more features with the habbacrete and if im gonna shell out the money i might as well go big

DJreptile · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 05:53 AM

So to continue with this thread, what have other people used to seal up Great Stuff foam backgrounds? I ordered some Habbacrete around 4-6 weeks ago and still haven't received it so I'm starting to look at alternatives. Any ideas aside from coating the whole thing in silicone? Anyone tried using some sort of liquid latex?

Scott Filimonow · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 12:54 AM

All-Glass brand aquarium grade silicone; Herpsupplies.com sells the 10.3 OZ tubes for $6.50 each (and it was only $9 shipping for the eight tubes that I bought). By far, this is the cheapest price anywhere that I have found.