Tank-safe 'glue'? Suggestions needed

Rava

Rava

Betta Babe
Dec 26, 2002
223
0
16
CA
I've been looking for an ornament to go in my 5 gallon tank, and I need it to be in a "natural" color(s) to go with the natural decor` of the tank. I saw these things on Ebay and really loved them. But with shipping the cost is more than I wanted to pay...

So what I'm wondering is... We just had our bathroom re-done, and we have tons of shower tile lying around. Would it be possible to create something like the above with shower tile, and what would you use to hold it together that's aquarium-safe? Is shower tile aquarium safe, does anyone know? I'd create something with less sharp edges (and none if I can help it).

Suggestions? Ideas? Thanks much! :)
 
Yep, it will dpend on what the material is--but marble should be safe. You can hold them together with epoxy--they sell aquarium epoxy, or you can use 100% silicone sealant as well.
 
True marble should not raise your PH, MArble is a metamorphic rock and should have no effect. Shower tile is fired ceramic, this leaves a lot of possibilities. The ceramic itself is fine, the glaze is questionable. I would guess that shower tile is glazed with something that won't break down in water, but I don't really know. Most glazes have some metals in them so if it does break down it would be bad. next is the issue of whether or not you can clean all of the grout , adhesive, and household cleaners off of the old tiles, both grout and tile adhesive would cause problems. Household cleaner can cAuse problems especially anti-mildew agents. So in reality it wouldn't be worth it to try old tiles IMO.

As far as glues, clear silicone (100% pure) is the glue used to build glass tanks, 2 part epoxy's work well, and some folks suggest super glue.
HTH
Dave
 
IMO, epoxy works alright. I used it to make a similar "cave" out of leftover slate and tile. Just make sure to bond it well and not leave any holes. I did this to one part and after i lifted it up it fell off. I went to a tile store and got leftovers for free. Saves you a few dollars. As for the aquarium apoxy, its quite pricey. $28 if i remember correctly, the regular epoxy i bought was $3.
 
go check out your local landscaping store, from what i hear you can get all kinds of slate and stuff for cheap, and then build your own little cave thingie. have used and recommend the clear silicone for gluing just because since tanks are made out of it, i know for sure it is 100% safe for the fish.
 
Ooooh! Thank you everyone!

So I'll slash the shower tile idea, just in case. Looks like I need to go find some leftover marble/slate/tile. Wonder if the flooring store by my dad's office would have any... I know they'd give it to me free. :)

Spartan- thanks especially! I like inexpensive projects. :D

Thanks so much for your quick, informative answers! I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished project so you can see how I made out. :) Really excited!
 
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