Do PVC terrariums need silicone?

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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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Originally Posted by Raven01

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.

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

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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.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

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

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

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Originally Posted by Misha

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

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.

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Sounds good. I appreciate the info as always.

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Originally Posted by Misha

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

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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.

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