Enclosure sealant

Alexio

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I completed my first PVC board enclosure last night and I could not be happier with the results. It should be completely waterproof, insect proof , and mold and mildew proof. The best part is there is no annoying standing or sealing the PVC board itself. (I will include a separate thread on my latest project later with pictures).
My last task is to seal the seams where the edges meet. I feel like I already have an almost water tight seal but just to make sure I wanted to use some type of calking for the corners.
I have seen threads where people recommend aquarium sealant or a similar product. Are the requirements for a sealant that would be safe for animals basically just it has to be waterproof and non toxic?
I found this in a local Walmart and I'm looking for opinions on whether this would be an alternative to aquarium sealant.
It doesn't actually say it's non toxic, but at the bottom it says "drinking water safe" . That implies to me it would have to be non-toxic would it not?

 

JoesMum

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It says it's suitable for potable tanks... Potable water is drinking water so I would say it is safe to use. An alternative is aquarium sealant.
 

leigti

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Did you mean of the enclosure of the sealant? This is the enclosure





This was the sealant I was wondering about. It's called J B Weld water weld.

I meant to the enclosure. I'm not familiar with that material. How did you put it all together?
 

Alexio

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This is the link to the page for the PVC board. It is in my opinion the best longest lasting building material for enclosures.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

1/2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. White PVC Trim

http://www.homedepot.com/p/205309788

I used stainless steel star head screws to attach it.
 

AmberD

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Is the PVC board light or heavy? That's such a great idea, would be so easy to clean.
 

Markw84

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I completed my first PVC board enclosure last night and I could not be happier with the results. It should be completely waterproof, insect proof , and mold and mildew proof. The best part is there is no annoying standing or sealing the PVC board itself. (I will include a separate thread on my latest project later with pictures).
My last task is to seal the seams where the edges meet. I feel like I already have an almost water tight seal but just to make sure I wanted to use some type of calking for the corners.
I have seen threads where people recommend aquarium sealant or a similar product. Are the requirements for a sealant that would be safe for animals basically just it has to be waterproof and non toxic?
I found this in a local Walmart and I'm looking for opinions on whether this would be an alternative to aquarium sealant.
It doesn't actually say it's non toxic, but at the bottom it says "drinking water safe" . That implies to me it would have to be non-toxic would it not?

I have used the water weld. It works fine and is safe, but I would not use it for your application. It is a putty and good for sealing tough to get to spots and spot leaks, but along a seam a bead of GE silicone I would be a much better choice.
 

Alexio

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I have used the water weld. It works fine and is safe, but I would not use it for your application. It is a putty and good for sealing tough to get to spots and spot leaks, but along a seam a bead of GE silicone I would be a much better choice.
Awesome this is kind of what I was thinking , I'm glad I held off a little on it.
 

Alexio

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Is the PVC board light or heavy? That's such a great idea, would be so easy to clean.
It's super light and very easy to clean I can lift the whole thing pretty easily and it's a 4x2x2. Just kinda large and awkward but not heavy.
 

AmberD

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It's super light and very easy to clean I can lift the whole thing pretty easily and it's a 4x2x2. Just kinda large and awkward but not heavy.
Thank you so much. This would be a great alternative to wood as I was thinking it would be too heavy and hard to keep clean/mould free with the humidity required. Not too mention the added weight once the substrate/hides/dishes and the tortoise itself are added.
 
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