Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, before I get a bunch of "why would you want to?" comments, let me explain.

I have a 30 gallon tall aquarium which I have been slowly toying with for the purpose of building a vivarium for dart frogs. As of now, I have made a polycarb "topper" which has been permanently sealed to the top of the tank. The tank is now designed to sit on its side and the "topper" has a door and ventilation holes. Basically at this point the side of the aquarium is now the top. I should also mention that it is laying on its narrow side so the height of the tank is still the same.

I have since abandoned the dart frog idea and the tank has been sitting in my basement collecting dust. I have considered using it for an arboreal python/boa and am considering ways to mount a radiant heat panel to the ceiling of the tank (which is tempered glass). I have thought about using Goop adhesive or standard aquarium silicone. My question for everyone is which do you think is better and would both hold up to the heat from the panel (standard 30w pro-products)? Also, does anyone have any other suggestions for mounting it?

I understand that if mounted my way, it would be a permanent fixture, and if the panel should ever fail, the whole tank is trash. I also understand that the size will not accomodate a full grown gtp or emerald and will eventually become a dust collector once again. I am doing this with used items laying around my house and not putting a lot of money into it (old panel, old thermostat, old tank). My thoughts on this is that it should allow me to create a nice display for a young arboreal for the present time without causing me to go out and spend money.

Any comments?

Bart

Velcro?

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Ben Team
Mark Davis
New Paradigm Herpetoculture
Captive Bred Morelia
404-438-2135
chondro776@yahoo.com

One way is to use silicon adhesive or aquarium sealant. Both adhere well to glass and metal, and the frame of those RHPs are metal. RHPs are not heavy, nor do the tops and sides get hot, so you are fine with silicon.

Thanks for the reply. Ben's velcro suggestion actually got me thinking (yes, I know Ben was joking). 3M makes a product called Dual Lock which is also known as industrial strength velcro, among other names. For those of you who have EZ Pass transponders on your vehicle, it is the same stuff used to attach it to your windshield. The basic idea is similiar to velcro but it snaps together as opposed to velcro which just catches on the fabric. It is designed to withstand high temps and humidity, and best of all, would allow me to remove the panel from the tank if necessary. I am thinking about trying it out. Of course, I would run the setup for a few weeks before placing an animal in it. I have little to lose - like I said, most of the materials involved in this project are just sitting in my basement collecting dust.

Bart