Is hot glue safe to use in a terrarium?

Wolfenheim · #1 09-22-2009, 07:12 PM

I just preparing a 35-gallon hex tank for a giant day gecko soon, and I'm just setting up the decorations inside. I've got some large bamboo sticks I cut into angled pieces that I was going to attach to the sides (not touching the ground) so it can bask. I was just wondering - is glue from a hot glue gun safe for my gecko to be around? Or are there any alternative ways I could go about suspending the bamboo sticks off the ground?

One more question while I'm at it. Since decorations at Petco and such are extremely overpriced, I bought a bunch of fake leaves and plants at Hobby Lobby. There shouldn't be a problem with these, right?

Just wondering ~ Better to be safe than sorry!

Salzy · #2 09-22-2009, 09:01 PM

Hot glue works fine, but sometimes it doesn't hold a lot of weight like you may want it to. We use it to glue screens into our Sterilite tubs, and it holds up fine for that. There is no residual fumes or anything else that I know of that will come from hot glue, so that makes it nice.

If I were you though, I would attach the sticks and everything using a clear silicone. It takes longer to dry and should be washed a few times before putting an animal in the tank, but it will be much more durable and have a longer life.

Dane · #3 10-17-2009, 06:42 PM

I frequently use hot glue to hold epiphytic plants on to cork bark in my dart frog vivariums, and it works well, even over long periods.

Airedale · #4 10-19-2009, 08:42 PM

I have used hot glue for a couple of enclosures I have made and they have worked fine. I'm sure silicone would be much better, in fact I know it would be in the long run, but hot glue works well for me.

vivmadso · #5 10-20-2009, 02:40 AM

oh,this is the 1st time i heard about it

kaikara · #6 10-20-2009, 07:49 PM

I just used suction cups for mine. Just get the right size. if you cut the bamboo to the right size then you don't even have to attach the suction cups to the bamboo. Just put one size in place put the bamboo on and then wet the other side and just slide the suction cup into place. Once it drys you won't be able to move it unless you wet once size and lift up the edge the suction cup.

Looks like this.