Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey All,

I need to "burn off" my new panels. Are the fumes harmful? I plan to remove all the residents before I do so but was wondering if anyone has ever not removed their herps first?

Bill

Bill,

I have played around with building my own RHP's and did start to research materials a bit. During the process I did spend some time reading about the offgassing that Helix panels are sometimes known for.

I found a posting on a reptile forum that the offgassing is entirely due to how new the fiberglass reinforced panel is when Helix recieves it. I'm sure this is something that is beyond their control. I don't have a link to that forum but I do believe it was from a consumer who contacted the company and was simply reporting what they said.

So it is very likely that the offgassing is from the polyester resins used to make FRP. I would absolutely consider this to be unsafe for herps and would allow the panels to offgass outside of their cages or at the very least with the doors wide open or removed.

FRP is a safe product to use around herps but like other plastics there are issues when it is heated. However, I believe the panels are safe once offgassing is complete. I prefer the Pro Products panels but would use a Helix panel if I were to come across one. To be fair, I have not seen a recent version of either product in many years.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Jave local (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

1.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Celebes locale (Black & Tan)

Thanks Chris!

I'll burn them off for a few days but no immediate need as its optimum ambients in my garage this time of yearhere in Vegas.

The adjusting to the new cages went well, all 5 that were scheduled to eat tonight did.

Bill