Different Grades of Silicon for Tanks???

[Mulla]

Hi all

I've been thinking about getting a bigger tank so I can keep more fishes.

Now I've been shopping around various different LFSs. One particular place told me that tanks can have 3 different silicons for sealing. "Industrial", "Plumbing" and "Aquarium" grade. He said that "Aquairum" grade is weaker and can split over time. I should keep and eye out and ask for "Industrial", "Plumbing" grades.

I've brought this up with other LFSs and they don't seemed to know what I'm on about :mad: . Anyone of you heard of this??


Thanks for clearing up the confusion.

[Tim Bo]

I have had a similar discussion at an LFS a few years ago. I decided to stick to the aquarium graded silicone. For the most part, the different silicone types are safe polymers with virtually no toxic effects in most environments and can resist extremes of weather though I didn't have the desire to try this out with an indrustrial silicone - many use aquarium rated silicone sealants and have their tanks up and running for years. I would dread having used another type only to discover that I might risk having to have to do it over again! Ofcourse, plumbing and ind. silicones often require more durable and resistant polymers and I guess some of them may be stronger. (I have also been told not to use Silicone Caulking from a general hardware store). So as far as I know, chances are that water-resistant polymers are safe to use though I don't necessarily advise it...

[Tim Bo]

If you do decide to use it, make sure it contains a long-lasting waterproof seal.

[OrionGirl]

Actually, the biggest problem with many silicone products made for other uses is they contain chemicals that inhibit algae and mildew formation. This means that unknown toxins may leach into your tank-bad news, potential fatal for fish and plants.

Obviously, if you're talking about a commercial product, like All-Glass or such, then this is not a concern, since they presumably won't use a sealant that's toxic to it's intended occupants. However, I've never heard of a difference in sealants between manufacturers. If you check out Oceanic's webpage, they never mention that, and if it were a big selling point, I assure you they would be identifying it up front.

[Mulla]

Tim Bo I suppose you were right in saying that aquairum grade silicon would last just as long otherwise we would see much more complaints in this forum judging by the amount of time some of you have kept fishes for.

OrionGirl I'm not going to be building the tank myself but it was just brought up to me at one LFS when I was shopping around for a new tank. Your advice made a lot of sense, "If it's a big deal everyone would be advertising it."

Thanks all for your replies and being patient with a newbie :o