Hot glue for decorating! BE CAREFUL!

Dirtbagxchaz · #1 01-10-2012, 05:55 AM

I recently got a small exo terra virtical terrarium for my crested gecko, and ive facilitated the use of a hot glue gun. I guess I was a little careless with gluing fake plants to my logs and the sides of his enclosure. After you apply the glue, you leave a thin strand of glue behind when you pull the gun away from whatever you are glueing. Make sure you get ALL of the excess glue off of your decor before putting it in the terrarium! The other day I caught Peter gagging on a strand of this glue! I'm fortunate to have caught him or he might have choked. This is my first one so I'm learning from my mistakes I guess. This is just a little heads up so nobody else makes the same mistake!

**Riverside Reptiles** · #2 01-10-2012, 10:31 AM

I'm not a big fan of hot glue. I prefer Gorilla glue for most things. It takes longer to dry, but works a lot better in most cases.

Harley_Davidson · #3 01-10-2012, 10:37 AM

Wow close call huh Chaz. Glad you were able to catch it in time.

Dirtbagxchaz · #4 01-10-2012, 07:15 PM

Yeah! It scared the crap out of me. Hot glue doesn't stick to the glass on the sides either, especially in a humid enclosure. I've heard good things about the Sillicon glue that zoo med sells.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #5 01-10-2012, 09:16 PM

Silicone is about the only thing that will stick to glass. I don't know anything about the zoomed stuff, but I'd imagine that it's just the same basic "aquarium" silicone that's been being used for years, but relabeled with their name (and likely a higher price tag).
Aquarium Silicone Sealant; Dow Corning Clear 100% Pure, for Glass Tank Repair
You can order that or even buy it at most Home Depot type stores.

Dirtbagxchaz · #6 01-11-2012, 12:25 AM

I'll look into that, I hear you need to let that stuff dry and air out for abou a day in order to get rid of the fumes. Thanks for the advice.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #7 01-11-2012, 02:19 AM

Personally I let mine go for at least several days until it really sets up well. Different products can outgas for quite long periods of time. I choose to be better safe than sorry.

Dirtbagxchaz · #8 01-11-2012, 03:29 AM

That's definitely the way to go. Wouldn't want to kill my lil guy. I'll set up a little KK vacation home for him will the silicon sets. Thanks for the helpful input