Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know that these questions are more approprite for another forum (and I've posted in the Cage forum) but I'd really like as much input as possible:
I just finished an enclosure for my Aesculapian Rat Snake but before putting him in I need to be sure I'm not putting him in a toxic environment. Here are my questions:
1) I used some expanding foam (Great Stuff) to create a substrate dish and spray painted it with black "wrinkle finish" paint.
2) I used Aquarium silicone to seal much of the enclosure and some of it seems to want to peel and flake a bit.
3) I used acrylic paint to paint a climbing structure in the cage.
4) I windexed and dryed thoroughly the glass and acrylic several days ago.
--- Are any of these potentially dangerous after having sat for more than 24 hours to dry???

ALSO, I used a human heat mat with the cloth cover stapled under the melamine bottom of the enclosure. It gets plenty of air circulation and keeps a space on the floor at the perfect temp when continually on the low setting... Should this pose a problem?

LASTLY, I'm considering spraying some of the items with spray laquer/varnish... Is this safe? Thanks.
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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

1) Expanding foam. Is this polyurethane foam? If so, I wouldn't use it for a drinking vessel under any circumstances. There are definite toxicity issues, especially in home-mixed stuff.

2) Aquarium silicone sealant. As far as I know, there are no problems after the stuff cures. If it isn't holding, there are probably areas that are greasy or dirty under the peeling parts. You probably ought to clean and reseal those areas.

3) I don't know of any problems with acrylic paint.

4) I often use Windex (the blue, ammonia-based stuff) for cleaning glass in my snake cages. Wiping dry and sitting for 15 minutes seems adequate. I do not know what effects the stuff has on acrylic, though.

IMHO, 24 hours is not enough time for curing. Depending on temperature, one to six months may be necessary. Put your head inside the cage and sniff. If you can smell paint fumes, etc., then the cage hasn't cured long enough.

Paul Hollander

1) The expanding foam product you mention is terrific for realistic back drops, but makes for a horrible water device and is toxic if ingested. However a substantial amount is needed for any damage and snakes don't eat foam to often. As a water dish I would say no.

2)Aquarium sealant, I assume you mean silicone is totaly safe. Just make sure you give it at least 48 hours so the fumes disperse.

3) Windex contains ammonia, which in excess can help lead to RI. Also it does not throughly disinfect. An equally cost effective and safer alternative is 60% concentration rubbing alchol. Its fumes disperse quickly and its cleans glass well and disinfects.

Finally. Simpler is better, don't reinvent the wheel. Buy water dishes, and don't creat a tank that would be hard to clean out on a bi-weekly basis. Also remeber, snakes tend to ruin nice set ups anyway!
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