Attaching Cage Decor

[Bjorgly]

I was just wondering if I could use a hot glue gun to attach things like cork bark and fake plants to the side of an aquarium for an arboreal. Or do I have to use aquarium silicon? I do not want it to be permanant if I can help it.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[pelo]

Hot glue and or aquarium silicone are both fine.Aquarium silicone will be easier to remove though if needed.Just make sure to let silcone "thoroughly"(24 hrs) dry/cure before introducing the spider..peace..

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by pelo
Aquarium silicone will be easier to remove though if needed.

How can anyone say that silicone is easier to remove than hotglue? High temp hotglue is just a soft plastic that peels off of glass, smooth metal, or other plastic very cleanly. I generally need to involve a razor blade & elbow grease to completely remove aquarium sealant (which is not kosher with a petpal).

 

[arachnopunks]

We have to agree with Code. Silicone sealant would be a bad idea for the petpal. Hot glue is the way to go and it will still peel off easily from the petpal.

 

[pelo]

Originally posted by Code Monkey
I generally need to involve a razor blade & elbow grease to completely remove aquarium sealant (which is not kosher with a petpal).

>>how much are you applying...lol..I use a little "tiny" dab here and there to hold decor.When removing it just pops off the glass or plastic,remaining adhered to the decor.A little dab will hold quite well.I've never had to use a razor blade & elbow grease unless a "large/excessive" amount is used..then yes..it can be hard to remove....peace..

 

[arachnopunks]

Well when your talking about affixing something to the side of an enclosure a considerable amount would have to be used depending on the size and weight of the object. Then one would have a petpal out of comission until the sealant was cured, whereas, hot glue works just as effective, not toxic, and cure within minutes. Sealant bonds all to well to plastic, How little did you use and what was the size of the object you affixed?

Aquarium sealant and silicone are one in the same if anyone is wondering the difference.

 

[Bjorgly]

I would be attaching decor to glass, not petpals or plastic if I caused any misunderstanding.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[pelo]

Originally posted by arachnopunks
How little did you use and what was the size of the object you affixed?

Largest peices of decor I've attached are corkbark to back of aquariums..2 peices roughly 15"x8" for large aboreals.I used 6 small dabs..3 on each side..That's all it needs.You have to give a good tug for it to come off and when it does the silicone will be on the corkbark..not the glass.I like the holding strength of the silicone better than hot glue.It's stronger and will last longer also...peace..

 

[arachnopunks]

yeah a small amount on glass would work. when you say you likr the holding strength better are you using low temp glue because hig temp glue works great especially for lightweight cork bark and plastic plants.

 

[atavuss]

IME if you want to get cork bark slabs or big pieces to stay put aquarium silicone is stronger and it gives you more set up time to position the cork bark. hot glue is ok for smaller and lighter items. be sure and let the silicone cure until there is no noticable smell.
Ed