Making Caves

[OH10fiero]

Anything that can cause instant death when applying I stay away from unless I have no choice. Those two have a fatality death list that follows them where ever they go, mostly due to error on the part of the person applying the material.
Most epoxies that you see will leach toxins into water, I know of someone who used epoxy in thier pond and could not keep anything alive for more than a week untill it was removed, took them months to figure it out. Poly does seal very well but is too toxic for me to want to even want to apply it for something as small as a cave for a fish tank, poly has a high fatality rate to people who did not take enough precautions when useing it. So I ask, is it really wort it? Especialy when there are so many other methods that can be used to get the same results, most of them by going to a craft store and talking with somene who can help direct you to non-toxic substance.

 

[WyldFya]

If you just allow them to cure both polyurethane and epoxy paint are 100% non-toxic. If you just read the instructions on the cans, and allow it to fully cure, there will be no problem. User error doesn't really mean it is not safe to use in aquariums always, it just means that it was improperly used that particular time.

 

[WyldFya]

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Here are just a few plywood tank threads that have used 2 part epoxy paint for sealing and waterproofing their tanks.

 

[maxumis]

Better stay away from silicon as well OH10fiero. Since its toxic while not cured. Oh and don't drink dishwasher soap. Come on. But really. When using silicone, use the type that has no anti-mold chemicals added. When using epoxy, use the stuff that is potable water safe or is rated "food grade". When using acrylic glue, use the more expensive stuff used on water supply lines, not the stuff used on sewerage lines.
Not all epoxies were created equal, or for the same purpose. Same goes for silicon, cement, acrylic glues, polyester resins, glass, lumber, steel and even crayons.
Point being; it's your own fault if you or your fish die because you used the wrong substance for a job or didn't take necessary precautions.
There are labels on products. Most suppliers have datasheets on their websites and contact numbers on their products. Oh there's the yellow pages as well. And there are forums like these.
Yes, you can die from inhaling polyester fumes.
Yes, you can cause serious damage to your lungs and sinus canals from inhaling uncured silicon fumes.
Yes, fish will die if placed in a tank with proportionally large amounts of uncured cement.
Ask advice.
Read and understand the instructions AND safety precautions.
If the smell of something makes you light-headed, STOP! in the name of DIY.
And don't drink dishwasher soap.

 

[WyldFya]

Better stay away from silicon as well OH10fiero. Since its toxic while not cured. Oh and don't drink dishwasher soap. Come on. But really. When using silicone, use the type that has no anti-mold chemicals added. When using epoxy, use the stuff that is potable water safe or is rated "food grade". When using acrylic glue, use the more expensive stuff used on water supply lines, not the stuff used on sewerage lines.
Not all epoxies were created equal, or for the same purpose. Same goes for silicon, cement, acrylic glues, polyester resins, glass, lumber, steel and even crayons.
Point being; it's your own fault if you or your fish die because you used the wrong substance for a job or didn't take necessary precautions.
There are labels on products. Most suppliers have datasheets on their websites and contact numbers on their products. Oh there's the yellow pages as well. And there are forums like these.
Yes, you can die from inhaling polyester fumes.
Yes, you can cause serious damage to your lungs and sinus canals from inhaling uncured silicon fumes.
Yes, fish will die if placed in a tank with proportionally large amounts of uncured cement.
Ask advice.
Read and understand the instructions AND safety precautions.
If the smell of something makes you light-headed, STOP! in the name of DIY.
And don't drink dishwasher soap.

The one in bold is kind of scary! I have inhaled more than my share of those fumes!