Sealing a Boamaster enclosure?

LadyWraith · 01-02-14, 11:20 AM

I remember seeing a recent thread regarding Boamaster enclosures and someone (Mikoh perhaps?) mentioned they can leak due to not being sealed. Well, found out the hard way that is correct. My question: what would be the best material to seal them with? I was thinking caulking for bath tubs/showers... but wasn't sure about the fumes being harmful. Also, is there more than just the seams where the pieces fit together that need sealing? TBH, I haven't even taken a look to see where else might be an issue but might as well inquire since I can't really do anything about it til the work day ends.

mmarchl23 · 01-02-14, 12:25 PM

Most pet stores sell tubes of fish tank safe silicone. Its what I use for all my custom tanks. I will say to give it a few days to dry and air out though as it does give off some fumes while curing.

LadyWraith · 01-02-14, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarchl23

Most pet stores sell tubes of fish tank safe silicone. Its what I use for all my custom tanks. I will say to give it a few days to dry and air out though as it does give off some fumes while curing.

That is a great idea! Yea, I know temp enclosures will be necessary until whatever I use has cured. I believe I have some aquarium silicone at home even.

mmarchl23 · 01-02-14, 02:33 PM

Good deal! I do really like how well the stuff works but hate applying it. The smell destroys me.

Mikoh4792 · 01-02-14, 02:43 PM

Yup I use silicone for fish tanks. I've read that bathroom caulks with mold and mildew resistance is toxic, even when cured.

LadyWraith · 01-02-14, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Yup I use silicone for fish tanks. I've read that bathroom caulks with mold and mildew resistance is toxic, even when cured.

That's what I was looking for. Silly me, I forgot about aquarium silicone

Although, I'm debating selling the enclosures and switching back to tubs. If I can find the Iris Christmas tree ones still in stock, it's a definite..the front open business is not to my liking at all. So in the long run this question may not matter haha.

Mikoh4792 · 01-02-14, 03:19 PM

What don't you like about front opening enclosures?

LadyWraith · 01-02-14, 04:18 PM

Multipe reasons. I don't like that my face has to be level with the door in order to see what I'm doing. I'd rather not get tagged in the face by a waiting, hungry snake. I don't like the lack of security I feel without the barrier of the lid with my tub setups. I don't like how I have to practically climb in to clean them lol. And I don't like having a separate light source in each enclosur just to see. The semi-transparent tubs let in enough light to see. I don't like how reflective the doors are (makes it hard to see in.)

Mikoh4792 · 01-02-14, 04:24 PM

Well, those are lots of reasons lol.

I guess we see things differently in that case. i find front opening enclosures to be very secure especially with locks, and room light is enough to illuminate the insides(since the front of the enclosure is all glass).

Flint · 01-02-14, 04:59 PM

GE Silicone I is safe for use in fish tanks, GE Silicone II and III are mold resistant and are toxic, however.

LadyWraith · 01-02-14, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Well, those are lots of reasons lol.

I guess we see things differently in that case. i find front opening enclosures to be very secure especially with locks, and room light is enough to illuminate the insides(since the front of the enclosure is all glass).

Lol I know. Once I started typing that list, I started to feel a little whiny. I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to the tubs or what. I do like that the doors have locks, but sliding it open with my black blood's face right there ready to tag anything that moves, is no bueno. The doors are acrylic and reflect way more than glass would. I found a couple of the big IRIS Christmas tree tubs today and am gonna sell the Boamasters.