Do PVC terrariums need silicone?

[Mr. Misha]

Hey guys,

I bought a used Animal Plastic T-12 cage today (got it for a steal on CL) but noticed that the previous owner has not siliconed the inside of it. Does anyone know if I would need to do that or is that an optional thing?

Also, if anyone can recommend reptile-safe silicone, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Raven01]

Hey guys,

I bought a used Animal Plastic T-12 cage today (got it for a steal on CL) but noticed that the previous owner has not siliconed the inside of it. Does anyone know if I would need to do that or is that an optional thing?

Also, if anyone can recommend reptile-safe silicone, it would be greatly appreciated.

Why would you silicone it? I don't use Animal Plastics myself but, most X-PVC enclosures are thermo-formed and chemically welded. With a decent chemical weld you shouldn't need to silicone even to make it water tight.

[Mr. Misha]

I figured i'd seal it for better humidity and make it semi water resistant.

That's why I'm asking. Not sure if they should be sealed or not.

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[The Serpent Merchant]

Why would you silicone it? I don't use Animal Plastics myself but, most X-PVC enclosures are thermo-formed and chemically welded. With a decent chemical weld you shouldn't need to silicone even to make it water tight.

AP cages aren't chemical welded. They do in fact need to be siliconed to be water tight.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I figured i'd seal it for better humidity and make it semi water resistant.

That's why I'm asking. Not sure if they should be sealed or not.

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It does, at least the joints where the bottom and the sides meet. Otherwise urine or a spilled water dish will make a big mess. I would advise you use a black or clear aquarium grade sealant.

[Mr. Misha]

AP cages aren't chemical welded. They do in fact need to be siliconed to be water tight.

Any specific silicone you would recommend that's available at Lowes or Home Depot?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Any specific silicone you would recommend that's available at Lowes or Home Depot?

I would get some from a pet store or aquarium shop. If you do get it at a hardware store make sure that it doesn't have anything to kill mold/fungus as these chemicals aren't good to have in the cage.

[Mr. Misha]

I would get some from a pet store or aquarium shop. If you do get it at a hardware store make sure that it doesn't have anything to kill mold/fungus as these chemicals aren't good to have in the cage.

Sounds good. I appreciate the info as always.

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[Raven01]

Any specific silicone you would recommend that's available at Lowes or Home Depot?

Well, I learn something new every day still. As much as people rave about Animal Plastics products I would have expected higher build quality/better manufacturing processes.
Most pet stores carry aquarium grade silicone and would be both the easiest and most expensive place to find what you need.
However, After a bit of digging I turned up a 3 pack of aquarium grade (100% silicone with no mould/mildew inhibitors) at the local hardware store for around $12. It was Weathershield brand and specifies that it is aquarium grade on each tube.

[dgring]

Any high modular silicone without fungacide (mould resistant or fungus resistant)