How do you seal closed chamber joints?

[cmeye11]

Our leopard tortoise has outgrown its first closed chamber and in am in the process of building a new one. The plywood joints will be screwed together, but is it okay to seal the plywood joints with silicon? If not, how has everybody sealed there closed chambers? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I would use a construction adhesive that says that it's non toxic once cured. Silicone would work. Just wipe away any extra that squirts out and then paint over it all with a sealer or a liner like a shower curtain or some pond material.
Wood that is not sealed will hold moisture and mold and other things.

 

[tortdad]

GE make a silicone that works great. I want to say it silicone #2. If you go back and look at Toms old threads for building a nite box he lists it in there.

 

[cmeye11]

Guys, thanks for the feedback. I can get the GE #2 silicon at my local hardware store.

 

[cmeye11]

I would use a construction adhesive that says that it's non toxic once cured. Silicone would work. Just wipe away any extra that squirts out and then paint over it all with a sealer or a liner like a shower curtain or some pond material.
Wood that is not sealed will hold moisture and mold and other things.

Yeah, I definitely plan on sealing it. I will most likely paint it.

 

[Tom]

If you use GE silicone, only use Silicone I. It is plain and pure with no additives.

However, I wouldn't recommend it. Paint can't stick to it, and over time it can come unstuck from the wood.

I simply use a thick coat of primer that I really work into all the cracks and joints, then do the same with two coats of paint or Drylok.

 

[Ramsey]

I use GE#1 in my enclosures.

I've read numerous reports that GE#1 is the go-to for fish aquarium enthusiasts due to the absence of additives.