What kind of glue can I use to build my fish little shelters out of terra cotta pot shards? I need it to be waterproof, of course, and non-toxic once it dries. I do have a hot glue gun if that is an option. . . .
2007-05-04 01:45:59 · 8 answers · asked by whisper2roar 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Thanks everybody. We will definitely make sure to sand down all rough or sharp edges. These are for my son's betta tanks and it's a project he wants to do. The tanks are kind of small and oddly shaped. We'll probably be decorating them by gluing on colored aquarium gravel in different patterns, too. He is really excited about this!!!
2007-05-04 04:32:50 · update #1
Wow! Everybody gave great answers and were very helpful. I can't decide who's answer was best. All of you were helpful and informative and each of you gave me a new insight. I'm going to ask the community to vote on this one.
2007-05-05 15:34:17 · update #2
Heres an ideal for you. I went to home depot and bought the smallest terra cotta pots i could find. I took them and barried them in the gravel they swim in them and i also proped them up so they can swim under them. Breaking them up or using broken tile you have to watch for sharp edges. I also took large pieces of rock and propped them up so the fish can go under them. Fish slime coat can get damaged and cause them to get dieases. Hope this help.
2007-05-04 02:09:22 · answer #1 · answered by sportyconnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Silicone is the first easy to find solution and should work well for you. I have used it to glue clay pots on several occasions. Be sure to get pure silicone though. Either buy it in the pet department or buy the GE brand in the hardware department that specifically says safe for aquariums. If you are making very many, the hardware department version it far, far cheaper and the same exact stuff.
I would avoid using a hot glue gun, many of those glues contain some nasty materials as far as fish are concerned.
Another option is marine epoxy. It's a two part glue that will dry hard and can even be drilled or sanded, unlike silicone. It will also hold the odd item that silicone won't stick to well.
MM
2007-05-04 02:46:57 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could either use an aquarium silicone sealer (make sure it's aimed at aquaria as some have toxins in them which can harm the fish) or there is a product out there called Milliput which is used to build up rocks, shelters etc and is safe for use in the fish tank.
You'll find any good specialist retailer should have both and you shouldn't have too many problems finding them!
2007-05-04 06:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by motzeye 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some silicone from a pet store that is aquarium grade. It will stick everything together,won't hurt fish and you won't see it ! Also make sure there are no sharp edges on your building materials because the slime coat,scales,skin,and fins damage very easy>
2007-05-04 01:51:24 · answer #4 · answered by David G, Jeff Gordon Rules !!!!! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Silicone is a great idea if you are willing to let it cure fully before putting the items in water. It can also be pricey depending on where you get it.
A quick fix though is superglue. It is non-toxic once dried and it dries in a instant. I have used in in my saltwater tank to attach corals to rocks and I have fixed holes in breeding nets in fresh water with no problems. Good Luck!
2007-05-04 02:46:20 · answer #5 · answered by lilith 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agreed Silicone is completely safe and already used for sealing your aquarium when it was made. Just give it plenty of time before testing the seal its kind of a gooey seal nothing too terribly strong.
2007-05-04 02:09:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe so because certain chemicals in the glue itself could be harmful plus you don't know what the gun or the glue touched in the factory.
2016-05-20 03:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just use silicone, its used for aquariums anyway.
2007-05-04 02:27:08 · answer #8 · answered by I wonder... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋