Fake Plant Safety Q

[J-Aqua]

So I have this Art's and Crafts store called Michaels that is going outta business. Me and my women were out and she stopped in there to check some stuff out. I went wondering and I came across all these fake plants (silk/plastic) and thought to myself that would look REALLY sweet in my tank. My only concern is how safe they're to put in the aquarium long term?

Next question is what kinda glue/epoxy is aquarium safe to to glue/epoxy to wood? I have this sweet center piece driftwood that i would like to glue/epoxy some silk plants to. Kinda have that sumerged tree effect.

Thanks for your inputs!
J

 

[dr_sudz]

I can't see any problems with the fake plants unless there is exposed metals (not necessarily seen but water penetrated exposure) You can use 100% silicone or hot gun should be fine as well.

 

[J-Aqua]

Thanks!

How long should I let the silicone/glue sit before adding to the tank? 24hrs?

 

[Yanbbrox]

24 hours is more than enough, good piece of mind

 

[TheFishJunky]

I thought this same thing when in a craft store by my house.Problem I see is that the fake plants are all metal on the inside and would definitely rust over time and most likely screw up the fish or the water.I could be wrong?I would use aquarium silicone or any 100% silicone for "glueing"purposes

 

[invisyblegypsey]

i use them i have to wash them once and awhile but they awsome. as far as atching plants to wood git a drill and make the hole just a bit smaller than the plant stem and just push them in. no muss no fuss

 

[J-Aqua]

I didn't realize that some of them have metal in them I will definitely check that out before hand. Thanks for the heads up!

I think the silicone that i have read in the past thats safe for aquariums was "GE Silicon II" Could be wrong. Thanks again guys

J

 

[loach43]

Give plastic plants a major scrubbing all over when you rinse them to get rid of residue left over from the demolding process. Companies use all sorts of means to keep plastic products from sticking to the molds when they are being manufactured. Same goes for plastic trash cans etc. Mold release agents are commonly toxic on some level.

I've used the plants from Michaels in my tanks with no ill effects. Cap off exposed metal with silicone.

 

[cichlid2006]

Thanks!

How long should I let the silicone/glue sit before adding to the tank? 24hrs?

whatever it says on the tube is the best time to leave it.