*Raises hand* My name is Dove and I'm a Herpaholic....

My name is BlackJack and I'm a Herpaholic!

Seriously though, ChronicFatigue: THANKS for the info... I had NO idea that when this stuff dried it could still leak toxins!! I've sealed it with acrylic sealant, but now I'm not sure if that's good enough. I'm not using "Great Stuff" but this is probably the same thing.
I'm going to see what other sealants are out on the market... I really like my backdrop and hide boxes, but I don't want anything in my tanks that could be potentially harmful to my snakes.

Thank you!

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Andrea

Black, Im here to help

A general rule that I've been following when selecting things from the hardware store is to use plumbing items (pvc, sealants, paints) rather than electrical or other. Plumbing materials are usually made to NSF standards, meaning that its safe to drink from. However, and unfortunately, thats not always the case. Once I get back to my apartment, probably tommorow evening, Ill try to remember to post the acceptable brand.

Good advice about the plumbing stuff. My brother does renovation work and thought that when that insulation foam is completely dry, it shouldn't give off any more toxins... especially if painted over in acrylic: but he'd never heard of anyone using it the way I have!

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Andrea

Thats the problem, everything says it should work, but they're not entirely sure. Thats why we share what we do and how we do it and what we shouldn't do and why, thats what makes this place so great

I just wish someone in the hardware store had some idea what I was talking about. Last time I told someone I wanted to put the PVC in a tank he asked why, I couldnt convince him it was for lizards so I said I was putting it in the tank so the PVC would not escape

I found the stuff that is definately safe.

http://store.yahoo.com/123ponds/blstraw12.html

I couldn't find it anywhere besides online. And it's more than twice as much as the regular expanding foam or insulation. I've been told that its much easier to work with and worth every penny.
I just found that if you search for "handi-foam" you can find it for way cheaper. Its used for hardscaping ponds as well as fixing patches and moulding, its pretty tough and can be sanded, cut, and painted.

Thanks chronicfatigue! I haven't checked up on this thread in a while (obviously) or I would have written back sooner. That looks like much better stuff. I'll have to order some and try it out!

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Andrea

Black,
I've been doing some research, or should I say more research. Anyways after hours of searching no one could really prove that any expanding foam was better or worst once cured and placed in an enclosure. Apparently the Black fish foam is manufactured by several companies. What I got out of all my invested hours was that Great stuff and The black foam are toxic before cured/set. Once time has been spent curing both are apparently non-toxic. However when equal size peice were placed in equal amounts of water the black foam showed zero degradation after the same amount of time it took great stuff to break down 1/4 of the way, however this was unsealed. Black foam has been used again and again over the years by aquatic enthusiasts with no problems and great stuff has been introduced to the hobby relatively recently. One more point Black Fish Foam costs 1/3 more but expands 2 to 3 more.

Hope this helps

Thanks ChronicFatigue; I know the fumes of that stuff are pretty toxic, but it seems to at least lose it's smell when dry. The acrylic paint smells more for longer (I don't think that's toxic, but I wouldn't swear on it.)
My terrarium furniture made from this foam stuff gets misted daily, but not soaked in water.
I think Toadie has some interesting ideas using plaster of paris... I'm just not sure how much humidity something like that can take and it's a bit heavier than the foam stuff.
Also my foam sculptures and backdrop will not hold up very well to anything with claws! I've scratched a few pieces off of it, just moving it out of the way!
I'll let you know if I find a better solution. I'm always looking!!

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Andrea

I plan on using the foam in my next enclosure either this weekend or next. WHat I plan on doing is fillling the entire background and sides once the wood is in place. Then Im going to cover some of it with tile grout and the rest with GE II silicone and cocofiber. That should make it strong enough for a couple geckos. The rock (with grout) will definately be strong enough for a heavy and clawed animal, but I don't think that the cocofiber section will be strong enough for anything heavier than my geckos.