why can't i use these?

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Matt724

Matt724

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jan 19, 2009
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Los Angeles, CA
I want to use this as a background because they're way cheaper than the aquarium ones. why is that?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Exo-Terra-Repti...ultDomain_0?hash=item5884b31b62#ht_2828wt_762

326109127_o.jpg
 
I don't see why not. But if it were me I would find out what they are made of and if they were sealed...don't want them leaching anything nasty into the water.
 
Looks like it's made of polystyrene, which is a commonly used plastic. It's also a commonly made foam, which may cause it to float. You might be able to coat it in concrete or epoxy to seal it if that's the case.
 
yep i have one of those there like styrofoam almost. mine came with my leopard gecko's tank

i cnat see it leaching anything into the water except perhaps the colouring used to give it that yellow colour
 
With anything not meant for aquarium use, the manufacturer may not take into consideration certain chemicals being used in the manufacturing that could be potentially hazardous.

This is made for pets, so i would assume that it will be okay as far as chemicals are concerned. It's hard to say how it will react when immersed in water for long periods of time. The coloring might fade or wash/peel off completely.
 
yea, i sent a message to the seller with this question, but he hasn't responded yet. i'll let you guys know what he says when he replies so that we can all get these for our mini tanks! cheap, easy background. And, slapnutz, yea I'm pretty sure it will float, but i was already planning on siliconing it down.
 
The ideal would be to get one, immerse it in water for a while before letting fish near it and see if the colour runs and test the water for toxins. But is a bit of a waste buying to then find out that! who's the manufacturer? could you get info from them direct?
 
He finally responded!!! This is what he has to say: "Hi,
The backgrounds are safe to use in aquariums. They are made of polystyrene-like styrofoam so they will float.
Thanks, Barb

- timholliday"

Word for word from my email. So I guess once i get another tank I'm going to test it out. also if anyone else tests it before me, please let me know your results!
 
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