Back What's new
By:
Filters
Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Polystyrene

J

joeri

Guest
I've seen it being used to make backgrounds in aquaria and terraria. I've seen great constructions with it, but still, I wonder

1st: is it 100% save (I mean non toxic, especially the painting part)
2nd: how well does it handle water? Does water damage a construction in time?
3th: I've seen it being used in a tropical frog setup and it looked great, but I was wondering if newts wouldn't damage it.

I wonder about these damaging especially as I don't want a tank stuffed with tiny white balls
sad.gif


Does anyone have experience with this material?
Other things I should keep in mind when dealing with this material? Maybe like how it affects temperatures as it is often used for isolation.

thank you in advance
 
A

alan

Guest
1) I've used expanded polystyrene on and off for years, above and below water and never seen any evidence of toxicity.

2) Lasts for years/decades without decay (scary).

3) You can "consolidate" and texture the surface using a hand-held gas blow torch (be very careful when doing this because you are deliberately melting the material).
 
C

clarence

Guest
some polystyrenes are made of very large pellets, and some are solid near-through.

but the question I've always had is, what paints to use, so as to be both waterproof and critter safe?
 
J

joeri

Guest
Can anybody answer the question above. I've only found vague info on the net.
And it was not always clear if the background was used for an aquarium or a dry terrarium.

Alan, what kind of paint did you use? Did you varnish it? Or did you put some other protective layer on it?
 
P

penthea

New member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Location
Stamford (Lincs)
Ive used polystyrene in my set up for ages, I use the back panels that come with exo terra terrariums ! They are easy to cut ! I gave mine a very thin smearing of fish tank sealant just to make sure and dropped small stones on, they look great and cause no harm ! (mines been in water for over a year)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Top