Polystyrene in terratiums

[Elsha]

I'm making a waterfall with rocks and silicone, but want to use polystyrene as internal support for the structure.

All the research I've done says that polystyrene is safe for frogs, but what about burnt polystyrene?

I know that during the burning process, polystyrene releases toxic gas's through black smoke, but I'm wondering if what's left of the polystyrene would still be safe?

I ask this because I've seen photos online (My 50cm paludarium-like tank mini journal) of someone making a 3D background with polystyrene and burning the surface to shape the landscape. I'm thinking of using this process to stop the polystyrene from breaking off into little pieces my frogs could swallow - as you can see in the link, it leaves a nice smooth surface.

Anyone know?

Thanks

[kevinp]

actually unless sealed polystyrene isn't safe for your frogs. endocrine disrupter. you can use it as a support , but seal it completely with silicone or other sealer. an excellent choice for sealing grout is dry-lok natural.

[Bolisnide]

Wow, this is actually pretty cool. I've never seen this method before. I would think it IS safe, as long as the polystyrene has had plenty of time to off gas before putting your frogs in. And of course cleaned well. I have styrene in my vivarium, purchased from exo-terra.
By the way, Kevinp, polystyrene is actually a type of of plastic, not grout... it is used to make many different types of products, including styrofoam. As far is it being and endocrine disrupter, that is true. I think it is still debatable if it will effect our frog(s). Wouldn't it need to be in the water, and the frog soaking in it for any to absorbed? I don't know, but it's an interesting conversation to have for sure.

[kevinp]

yes i know its a plastic lol. i coved it with grout to make rock and seal it with dry-lok. the poly-styrene can also be seal with silicone before grouting. the dry-lok won't adhere directly to the polystyrene. don't know how long to off gas..would just seal it completely

[kevinp]

Wow, this is actually pretty cool. I've never seen this method before. I would think it IS safe, as long as the polystyrene has had plenty of time to off gas before putting your frogs in. And of course cleaned well. I have styrene in my vivarium, purchased from exo-terra.
By the way, Kevinp, polystyrene is actually a type of of plastic, not grout... it is used to make many different types of products, including styrofoam. As far is it being and endocrine disrupter, that is true. I think it is still debatable if it will effect our frog(s). Wouldn't it need to be in the water, and the frog soaking in it for any to absorbed? I don't know, but it's an interesting conversation to have for sure.

probably has to be in contact, but if it gives off gases in a small enclosure the effects could be more concentrated. many don't realize that polystyrene is porus also. i go by if it's is a potential problem why endanger the animal when it can esily be sealed ? i used the sheets of it to make a water feature in my crabs viv. after shaping it , i sealed it completely in silicone..then grouted over ity and sealed the grout cuz it has it's own issues.

[Bolisnide]

probably has to be in contact, but if it gives off gases in a small enclosure the effects could be more concentrated. many don't realize that polystyrene is porus also. i go by if it's is a potential problem why endanger the animal when it can esily be sealed ? i used the sheets of it to make a water feature in my crabs viv. after shaping it , i sealed it completely in silicone..then grouted over ity and sealed the grout cuz it has it's own issues.

Hey, I didn't mean to be rude...
but many people use styrofoam in their enclosures without any ill effects and their frogs live many years. You're right that if there is potential of harm, probably best not to use it. I guess I would have to agree with kevinp, don't do it. I just re-read the original post, and it will be used for a waterfall? So sealing with silicone, or grout then drylok is probably the safest way to go.

[kevinp]

no offense taken. everyone i know who uses it seals it up good. i even sealed the side that comes in contact with the dirt just in case. once sealed i don't imagine it causing a problem. i have it in with crabs, not frogs, but who knows anything about crab endocrine systems? lol. so i sealed it up good.

[Elsha]

Thanks for your thoughts on this subject. I'll steer away from this idea then and use something else!

[kevinp]

hi, i wasn't trying to disuade you from using it, just wanted you to be careful and seal it good. many use it with no problems, it's generally sealed well with something. silicone mixed with coco fiber and or fernwood fiber works well.

[J Teezy]

i used polysterene with no problems. I carve it, grout it, paint it, seal it.