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Thread: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

  1. #1
    ejh805
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    Default Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    I looked around and haven't been able to find anything specific to my question, so I hope someone in here can help me out.

    A local pet store had 40 gallon breeder-type Zilla Critter Keepers for sale for like, $75. So I thought "WOW that's a great deal!" and picked one up while I was buying feeder mice for my ball python.

    In the next several months, I'll be gathering all the necessary supplies for a Pixie frog. Stupid me didn't realize that in teeny tiny letters on a sticker on this particular tank reads "Do not fill with water", or something to that effect. I don't want to do a return and exchange because it's just really really inconvenient. Do you think that I'd be able to put maybe 3-4 inches of water in 1/3rd of the tank if I use aquarium sealant to reinforce where the glass meets on that one side?

    I've read other places that the glass and sealant isn't strong enough to withstand the pressure of being full or half full of water, but didn't find anything specifying whether or not it could handle the relatively small area of water that I want to put in.

    Thanks in advance!!
    -Emily

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  3. #2

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    You should be fine with that low amount of water. I have had my 40b filled halfway on a water test and saw no signs of distress in the tank.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  4. #3
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    That's great, Bill

    In your opinion, do you think I will still need to line where the glass meets with extra aquarium sealant? Or would it be fine how it is?

  5. #4

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    I wouldn't reseal it. For a couple reasons, one is that resealing a tank is a sticky, smelly, pain in the butt. And not in a fun only on saturday nights way.....lol another is that you can't just put new silicone over the existing stuff. Silicone will stick to darned near everything EXCEPT previously cured silicone. Go figure. You would need to remove the old stuff and run new beads. Don't worry about the disclaimer that the sealant they use is not designed to be submerged, that is a cover their but disclaimer because their tank is cheaper than an aquatic tank of the same size and invariably some moron would buy it as a fish tank and flood their house, then sue Zilla. They do use 100% silicone, so it is safe. Post some pics of the build if you can, i want to pick up a pixie and would like to see how others set up for them.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  6. #5
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Haha buttstuff lol.

    Anyways, that is very good to know! Will save me a lot of extra trouble and aquarium sealant.
    I'll post pics as soon as I get things set up

  7. #6
    Kira Hudson
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    i have my fbt in a zilla and it has never leaked

  8. #7
    Super Moderator flybyferns's Avatar
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    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Hi Emily,
    Bill is right ! You do not have to worry about adding some water to it ( a few inches is fine)
    If you call Zilla, they will tell you the same thing.
    They say this because they do not want people to use it as and aquarium ( for fish) .

    You can even drill the sides. Not the bottom...... if I recall correctly -the bottom is tempered glass.
    Lynn
    Current Collection
    Dendrobates leucomelas - standard morph
    Dendrobates auratus “Costa Rican Green Black"
    Dendrobates auratus "Pena Blanca"
    Dendrobates tinctorius “New River”
    Dendrobates tinctorius "Green Sipaliwini"
    Dendrobates tinctorius “Powder Blue"
    Dendrobates tinctorius "French Guiana Dwarf Cobalt"

    Phyllobates terribilis “Mint”
    Phyllobates terribilis "Orange"
    Phyllobates bicolor "Uraba"

    Oophaga pumilio "Black Jeans"
    Oophaga pumilio "Isla Popa"
    Oophaga pumilio "Bastimentos"
    Oophaga pumilio “Mimbitimbi”
    Oophaga pumilio "Rio Colubre"
    Oophaga pumilio "Red Frog Beach”
    Oophaga pumilio "Rio Branco"
    Oophaga pumilio “Valle del Rey”
    Oophaga pumilio "BriBri"
    Oophaga pumilio "El Dorado"
    Oophaga pumilio "Cristobal"
    Oophaga pumilio "Rambala"

    Oophaga “Vicentei” (blue)

    Oophaga sylvatica "Paru"
    Oophaga sylvatica "Pata Blanca"
    Oophaga histrionica “Redhead”
    Oophaga histrionica "Blue"
    Oophaga lehmanni "Red"
    Oophaga histrionica "Tado"

    Ranitomeya variabilis "Southern"
    Ranitomeya imitator "Varadero"
    Ranitomeya sirensis "Lower Ucayali"
    Ranitomeya vanzolinii

    http://www.fernsfrogs.com
    https://www.facebook.com/ferns.frogs

  9. #8
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    I got some glass cut today and I'm wondering how to best use the aquarium sealant, preferably from someone who has done it before.

    All the store had was window pane thickness (1/8th inch) so I got 4, and I used something to "glue" them together and they are currently setting. This means 1/2 inch thickness, 17.5 inches long, and 5 inches tall. Placing it inside, it's long enough to hold itself up but not so tight that it puts a lot of pressure on the aquarium walls.

    Anyways, I know that silicone won't adhere well to silicone, so how do I seal up the edges of the divider where it comes into contact with the sealant already in the tank?

    Any and all advise is appreciated.

    Thanks
    Emily

  10. #9

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Run the bead in the tank first, then place the glass in position. Clean the seams with either your finger or a caulking tool. Don't worry where the silicone overlaps, that little bit will hold. There's not as much pressure on those seams as there would be with a full tank.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  11. #10
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Thanks, Bill.

    Another question. I accidentally bought type II silicone sealant instead of type I.
    I've been searching google and some places are saying that it's still safe to use and others are calling it a death trap.
    Of course, the only info I've found regarding this have been saltwater aquarium forums which are considerable more delicate than what I'll be using it for.
    The kind I bought was GE Clear Waterproof 100% Silicone II. I'm pretty irritated that I accidentally got the wrong kind, but would like to still use it if I find out it's possible.

    Anyone had experience with this?

    EDIT: It is GE II for Window/Door/Attic/Basement, so it does not contain "Bioseal" like the Kitchen/Bathroom product does.

  12. #11

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    ge silicone II is perfectly safe. in fact, i always buy II, i think it has less odor. a word of caution for the future, there are ge silicone I and II versions that are "mold and mildew resistant", or something like that. best to stay away from them, the mold and mildew inhibitors are toxic to fish (which is probably what the reefers were talking about), and i would guess it is toxic to frogs as well. i personally would not take the chance. i only use the brown and the clear. as long as it says 100% silicone, you're good.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  13. This member thanks deranged chipmunk for this post:


  14. #12
    ejh805
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    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Name:  IMG_1508.jpg
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    Thanks again Bill
    This is a picture of the stuff I purchased. Just in case.

  15. #13

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    you're good. and you're welcome emily....good luck....i'm about to do some siliconing after i finish typing this. weird typing with one glove on.....lol
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  16. #14
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Okay, so I got my silicone all sealed up

    Now, here are a couple of pictures of the enclosure thusfar. Will the reptile hide log thingy be safe to put into the water as a sort of ladder?
    Name:  IMG_1509.jpg
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Size:  97.4 KBName:  IMG_1510.jpg
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  17. #15

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Yup. It's animal safe. Might have to silicone or weigh it down though. It"s gonna float.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  18. #16
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Quote Originally Posted by deranged chipmunk View Post
    Yup. It's animal safe. Might have to silicone or weigh it down though. It"s gonna float.
    I think I will silicone some of the river stones to the base of it so I can remove it easily if ever needed.
    Thanks

  19. #17

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    there ya go. did you water test is yet? or did you just silicone it today?
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  20. #18
    ejh805
    Guest

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Bill

    I actually siliconed it late last night, but it's still got that ammonia smell. I think I'm gonna wait for that to go away before I put water in it.
    Pretty sure I got everything though I'm pretty excited. This is my first time doing anything DIY like this.

  21. #19
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    Lookin good! I can't wait to see it when it is done!


  22. #20

    Default Re: Putting water in a "Zilla Critter Keeper"

    good idea. let it cure another 24 hours or so. and you're doing a great job for your first time, i am impressed
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  23. This member thanks deranged chipmunk for this post:


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