Sealent for Rigid High-Density Polyethylene

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

im making quite a few cages out of HDPE because its cheap and fire extinguishing, im going to make them out of 1/4" HDPE, its the thickness all my freinds use and it works great (light and sturdy) what sealant should i use? do you think the stuf they use for glass terrariums u buy at stores would work? and what do they use? and if i put it together with screws do u think it would crack?
thanks,
Reed

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

glass aquariums are put together with silicone. other than that i don't know what else to reccommend!

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

thanks, ill use that when i make the cresteds all glass enclosures

glass aquariums are put together with silicone. other than that i don't know what else to reccommend!

[Loren]

I've never worked with the stuff Reed, but what I would recommend, besides more research, is to make a small sample cage, or at least a cage section, and experiment with it. Then, when you make them, if possible, try to make one and put it in use for a bit to see how it works- if you can have the patience (which can be tough).
Screwing 1/4 inch stuff without cracking sounds tough. can you possibly get some 1/2" x 1/2" hdpe (or similar) in lengths, and put it in the seams to run your screws into, through the 1/4' panels? It would be easier to seal, and give it rigidity. And predrill everything.
I know I learn little tricks every time I build a rack system, and I'm glad they all didnt turn out like the first one, although it does work.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

ok ill make a baby cage for the ones that ill be getting from don and test it out, most of the people i know who have these type of cages used 1/4" so ill try silicon sealant and see how it holds up to pressure and humidity

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

whats a plastic welder somewhere said to use that

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

oh and it said it cant be cemented does that mean no silicon?

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

ok so if i made the bottom 1/2" and the sides still 1/4" i could use screws, i could try the silicon first, i can always take if off right? thanks,
Reed

[stonyloam]

Silicone should work. Just rough up the mating surfaces a little. Buy it at the hardware store in caulking gun tubes, should be a lot less expensive.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

ok thanks if it works it saves me $80

Silicone should work. Just rough up the mating surfaces a little. Buy it at the hardware store in caulking gun tubes, should be a lot less expensive.