does anybody know if plexiglass or lexan can burn or melt?

Question

i want to build a turtle tank out of lexan or plexiglass and i was wondering if i put a heating lamp on it will the plexiglass melt.

Answer 1

Both can, but a suitable heater will not throw nearly enough heat to be a problem. A turtle will do fine without any heat at all.

Answer 2

It sure can... I ran a piece of plexiglass through my table saw once... the friction from the saw blade started melting it. Anyway, the heat lamp may warp the plexiglass or cause it to turn brown. Why not stick with real glass? Or just buy an aquarium. and put a metal grate on top of it.

Answer 3

Certainly being polymer based they will melt/warp with high enough heat as answer number one states. The issue is more that... as reptiles having ambient heat properties, such as my snakes, they don't strictly need a "lamp" but you might consider an under the tank heat pad appliance, specific the the purpose, and or, keep the tank in a room where the temp is comfortable for you, allowing the turtles the same. On the opposite side of that a reptile also requires a COOLING area.

The real difference between lexan and reg. plexi is that has properties that make it stronger,,,less able to shatter.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

if you are going to build a tank make sure you use 100% clear silicone and let it air dry till there is no smell anymore before you place your turtle in it. You do not need to buy the silicone specifically for aquariums i used regular clear silicone when i made a live well for my boat out of Plexiglas.