 04/03/2010, 04:52 PM | #3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 3,696 | It should be just fine as far as toxicity. Polyurethane is a reactive (with oxygen) finish that crosslinks as it cures, and these finishes are generally quite non-toxic when cured. I finish any wood toys I make for my son (who may chew on them) with polyurethane. Let it cure for as long as you can stand though. I personally would give it at least two weeks, at 70 degree F with good ventilation. Your biggest problem however is going to be the ability of poly to withstand the seawater. Most polyurethanes will break down with prolonged contact with salt water (ie, flake apart). Not necessarily a toxicity issue but it may not last more than a month or two. West System or MAAS epoxies will be a longer lasting solution, but you can probably also use fiberglass resin (cheaper). Fiberglass resin may also, in time, wear though. __________________ The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins -- Søren Kierkegaard Current Tank Info: ghetto grad school reef.....11g rimless tank, 36X9X9, lit by Cree and Rebels scobbled together. Stocked mostly with free stuff I got from panhandling my fellow reefers. |
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FAQs
Is polyurethane foam reef safe? ›
Yes it is, it's what great stuff is made of and that has been used for years to make fake rocks and backgrounds, I would make sure no other chemicals are present that might be toxic but polyurethane is fine one cured.
Is urethane aquarium safe? ›DO NOT USE. Metal powders, Mold Max silicone, OOMOO silicone, VytaFlex urethane, ReoFlex urethane, PMC urethane, FlexFoam-iT!, Soma Foama.
Is expanding foam aquarium safe? ›This practice of foaming is somewhat popular in Europe, and it's also used in the construction of public aquariums and Koi ponds. While it is usually done on planted freshwater tanks, there have also been several aquarists that have used the foam in reef tanks and reported no ill effects.
What are the disadvantages of polyurethane foam? ›Exposure to chemicals commonly found in most polyurethane foam products may cause serious or fatal respiratory disease. These chemicals are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system.
What are the issues with polyurethane foam? ›But polyurethane is made from petroleum chemicals that can emit VOCs—harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems. Some polyurethane mattresses are worse than others in terms of VOC emissions, so if you're going this route, shop around and ask if the foam has been tested for VOCs.
Can I use polyurethane foam in an aquarium? ›For the construction of aquariums and terrariums, we need to use products that do not absorb any moisture and that can be coated. Fomicom foams are watertight, meaning that mildew formation is excluded. In addition, it is possible to paint the PU foam to provide the underwater setting a realistic finish.
What kind of foam is safe for aquarium? ›Styrofoam works just fine. I've probably got just as much foam as water in my planted aquarium.
What is the lifespan of urethane? ›For example, under normal wear and tear, a durability of more than 50 years can be expected for polyurethane insulation systems for buildings, more than 25 years for polyurethane used for insulation of refrigerators or more than 20 years for the application of polyurethane in vehicle bumpers.
Is Gorilla filler safe for aquariums? ›Once it has cured, original Gorilla Glue is 100% waterproof and safe for aquatic life, which I must assume is what you were asking about. The company that manufactures the glue has stated publicly on their website that it is safe for aquarium life forms once it has cured.
Can expanding foam be submerged in water? ›Homes with open cell spray foam don't have to replace the foam when it gets wet, or even after it has been submerged. This might come as a surprise because there is a common misconception that all open cell spray foams absorb water like a sponge and retain it, but that's not the case.
Is polyurethane foam toxic to cats? ›
EFFECT OF TOXICITY
Polyurethane foam or adhesives can expand in the gut leading to blockage. Contact with skin or fur usually causes only mild irritation and inflammation.
Polyurethanes in their natural state are usually considered to be biochemically inert and will not pose a threat to the environment or pose problems for consumer use. However, additives are often used in the manufacturing of polyurethanes, many of which can be harmful.
Is polyurethane foam environmentally friendly? ›Polyurethanes are affordable and safe materials, and they are also sustainable. They preserve the Earth's natural resources by reducing the need for energy.
Is polyethylene safe for reef tank? ›Moving along down our list in the table, the next ones are the polyethylenes. These are pretty safe. Yes, there are some things that they can leach, but that doesn't mean that they actually do, and it also doesn't mean that they leach these things in amounts that would bother our livestock.