Silicone smell in enclosure?

[raggamuffin415]

Just put together an enclosure for my p. Regalis in an exo terra 18x12x12. Used a lot of cork board for backing and moss to fill in cracks. I used the DAP all adhesive silicone that is aquarium safe, but because of the weight and size had to use almost 3 tubes total. No silicone is exposed for contact with my T and it's been several days now but there's still a distinct smell from the silicone. Someone told me it's just vinegar from silicone and can't do harm. When I was assembling and silicone was wet though the vapors definitely were nauseating to me. Is the tank safe to use? Any way to get rid of smell? Would hate to have to get rid of enclosure as I spent lot of time and cash to make it pretty sweet. Can post pics if necessary... Thanks!

Regalis is not in there yet... Waiting for replies before I rehouse btw.

 

[Blue Jaye]

Hello , I would wait till the vinegar smell is completely gone before you put your T in . Let it air out completely . Vinegar can be harmful to Ts . Post a pic if you can .

 

[raggamuffin415]

Thanks blue, this is Gabe by the way lol. Will the smell eventually go away? It's dissipated some but still there somewhat. Doesn't seem like it'll ever go away for good... And don't want to put Rufus in there if it's damaging to him/her. I'll post pics in the afternoon when I get home. And it was at the eb vivarium that I was told not to worry about the smell

 

[raggamuffin415]

Hope this helps... too bad I cant post a sample of the smell haha.

Anybody else have this problem or is familiar with this product??

 

[paassatt]

How big is the spider that's going in there?

 

[skippydude]

You went a little thick on that stuff, it may take several days to dry completely. Next go around remember a little is a lot with silicone, a couple drops will hold pounds of decorations.

I wouldn't put the T in until the smell is gone.

 

[raggamuffin415]

The regalis is 4" and unsexed so far. I started lightly with the glue but wasn't finding it easy to spread or quick to dry. The largest piece of cork board was really giving me a tough time because of its concave shape so that's why I smothered the sides there... Damn I hope this doesn't render the tank useless!!

 

[Ellenantula]

Is your weather agreeable enough to put the enclosure outside for a week or so?
Anything outside that could damage/infest it?
Outside ozone can reduce/remove odors faster, even chemical odors.

 

[Squidies]

Can't say I have much experience with this, but I'd imagine that if you keep the enclosure open and exposed, eventually it will air out and would be safe to use. You may want to try opening up the enclosure and using an electric fan to dry it out, which will probably take awhile if you used a lot of the sealant like you said. If you're as concerned about it as you seem, I'd keep the fan on it long after the smell has gone away as well. Just because you can't smell it anymore doesn't mean there isn't any residual fumes.

 

[raggamuffin415]

The weather in the BayArea is so so right now... I have a gusty old garage I can set it in. I would be concerned about an infestation though. Not sure what kinda critters are in my garage but it's dusty and old. I will let it air out for a few weeks indoors for now and hopefully it'll be better. Definitely will let it air out for a while even after the smell has dissipated. Thanks again guys! Next time will be using less or different adhesive for sure!

 

[skippydude]

I use hot glue, it's non toxic and dries instantly

 

[raggamuffin415]

That's what I've used for smaller pieces of bark... and what I used for the smaller vine and plant stuff. Figured I'd try something new and stronger bonding.

 

[klawfran3]

I use hot glue, it's non toxic and dries instantly

I've always had an aversion to that, since I kept fish longer than spiders and it's not safe for aquariums. Is it really non-toxic though? My whole life would be a million times easier.

 

[The Snark]

The vinegar, acetic acid, odor will remain for some time, probably a couple of weeks, partly because you used it on porous or permeable material that absorbed the vapors and partly because you used enough to plug a leak on the Queen Mary. Eventually it will go away. Keeping the material warm and well ventilated will accelerate the dispersal.