toxic/non toxic materials question

[AbranV]

Friends,

I'm currently in the middle of my PCF vivarium build and I have some material questions for everyone if you don't mind.
I'm concerned about toxicity or potential leaching of toxins over time. Below is a list of stuff that I've been curious about, any help would be appreciated.

1. Plaster of Paris
2. Sculpy/polymer clay
3. Regular air dry clay
4. HDPE plastic(melted down milk jugs)

Other thoughts I've had while shopping around

Silk plants from dept. store and craft stores
Moss, sand, rocks etc. from dept stores and craft stores

"Organic" bark dust or bark nuggets from HomeDepot
Any types of wood? I'm a furniture builder and wood artist by trade, and have plenty of good looking scraps that I can use to make some cool pieces.

Thanks again for any help

[deranged chipmunk]

Not sure about plaster of Paris, but i don't see it going the long haul as far as durability.

Sculpy is fine. I have used it in my tanks before.

Air dry clay is safe, but it cracks and falls apart if it's not kept moist.

Melted plastics are bad. They release toxins. There's a thread about that around here somewhere.

Silk plants are fine as long as there is no metal showing through for the frogs to hurt themselves on.

Sand and rocks will be fine since they are inert materials. Just stay away from things like limestone that will alter water chemistry.

The dehydrated and dyed mosses from craft stores are a nono. Better off with live moss.

Bark nuggets? As in mulch?

Most hardwoods are safe. Personally, I prefer oak and birch. But manzanita is my wood of choice. Others prefer ghost wood and some mopani.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

You would obviously want to avoid any exotic hardwoods that are oily, like cocobolo. Even though they would encounter it in the wild, in a closed environment like a Viv, the oil could pose issues.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[AbranV]

Bill,

Thank you very much for sharing all of your knowledge. I think you've commented on all of my crazy questions since I've joined this forum. Your willingness to help is greatly appreciated!

[deranged chipmunk]

Hey, it's my pleasure. Always happy to help when I can


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Kara W]

Hi I am new to the forum! I'm not sure how to make my own question so I'm going to piggyback on yours! I'm currently in the process of creating a new terrarium for my froggy friends out of an old curio cabinet. I have everything sealed with aquarium silicone and mod podge to be sure no harsh chemicals get through, however I created my waterfall using a pretty small amount of duct tape..some of the tape is exposed, and the rest is firmly in place under the rocks and "pond and stone" "great stuff". Its not going to come off easily, so I'm really hoping I didn't screw up..basically all I need to know is, is the duct tape toxic to my whites tree frogs or will they be safe? I've got two 13 yr olds and two 6 yr olds.. I've had them more than half of my life and am not willing to put them in any danger..All answers appreciated!!! Thank you!!