Is epoxy paint really as safe as we think? (posts copied from a thread in "Snakes")

[foxfish@hotmail.co.uk]

I have been using epoxy for over 25 years primarily as a glue but also for coating various submerged objects like wood, polystyrene, tree roots polyurethane foam etc.
I worked on a commercial & tourist attraction "koi farm" for many years & we used epoxy to make many decorative back drops in the glass fronted display tanks.
I am not a scientist & I cant say we never had any fish deaths but personally I would not concern myself about using epoxy in a viv or fish tank.
However epoxy is not the easiest product to use, you need ideal conditions & accurate mixing to get good results.
For the back drops I make, I normally use polyurethane products to coat the foam, G4* is my favorite. I also use polyester products like fiberglass resin & gell coats. Polyester mixed with a catalyst is very fast curring - 10 mins to 10 hours depending on amounts of catalyst so you get very quick results.
Epoxy is great for coating polystyrene because unlike many other coating it will not melt the polystyrene foam.

*G4 Pond Seal is a moisture-cured polyurethane, which forms a non-porous seal G4 uses the moisture in the air and substrate to cure or harden; it can be applied onto slightly damp substrates. However, it is important that the substrate is sufficiently dry to be porous so as to enable the first coat of G4 to bond and obtain a mechanical grip.
G4 can be applied in poor weather conditions, high humidity and at temperatures down to
0°C.
G4 seals out lime.
G4 is available in standard (browny translucent) — Mid Green — Black.*

[LadyParvati]

Hmm . . . I was thinking of just epoxy in general, so not thinking it through quite enough--I'll try to find out more.

At any rate, this bit of info came up on another forum to which I belong:

"Make sure the marine sealant or epoxy is aquarium safe. Much of the marine products used for boats have dangerous levels of VOC's. Combine that with a small enclosure and eventual nervous system and brain damage can occur."

The guy who said the above was only talking about snake enclosures, not enclosures for wet purposes, so I would guess it could be worse for wet usage, as the water could leach out the VOCs.

I'll get back to you on the epoxy being used for vivaria.

Sandy

[Paradox676]

I'm really interested in what you have found out. I just finished the first of 2 Vivs for my Rainbow boas. I want to add a water feature inside the cage and have been looking for something to waterproof the inside of the cages. It doesn't have to hold water, I’m going to make a plexi glass pond for that, but it does need to take the high humidity that I need. I only have Lowes and Home Depot near me and no one there has been any help. Everything I've found online about epoxy sealants doesn’t look promising. I know that I might be looking in the wrong areas but I’m at a loss. The cage is 4x2x2. 1/2in plywood and 3/4 Melamine floor. I'm just looking for those who have more experience than I. What should I use to seal the inside of the cage? I have pics if anyone is interested. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[viva la viv]

been a long time since I posted here. The viv that I built is running great with no problems It was coated with 2 part tub and tile epoxy from klenks.
So far no fish or reptile has been harmed. I definetly would use it again make sure you have lots ventilation, it is powerfull and you'll get loopy. let it cure then seal the corners with fish tank silicon. let cure, wash, rinse, decorate and enjoy.

[Paradox676]

By any chance do you remember the brand? I'll need to compare it with whats around here. I've never heard of Klinks so i might have to shop around. Did you apply it with a paint brush and roller or some other way.

[viva la viv]

the name on the box is..Klenks swiss formula epoxy enamel for tub and tile..
Then on the cans themselves it will say swing paints, part A and B.
Also check out Nu-luster 55, It is a type of urathane that one coat is equal to 55 coats of the best urath. or varnish you can buy, so they say.
you could also try marine epoxy but it is pricey

[Paradox676]

Its taken me awhile to get back to my projects. But I think i finally found the stuff you were talking about. I'm going to email the company and find out if they can ship here. It's not avaliable locally so i'll have order it. I just wanted to make sure it was the same stuff you were talking about.

Swing Paints Swiss Formula Epoxy

Again thanks for the help Viva.