GE Silicone II for tank sealing

andyjh

AC Members
Feb 18, 2009
574
3
18
Massachusetts
Huge potential problem here. Just resealed a tank using GE Silicone II (black), having read that I'd be ok as long as the cartridge says 100% silicone. (which it does). No listings of any biocides, mildewcides etc. on the cartridge. Was speaking to someone this morning who told me that they DO contain such mildewcides, but they're just NOT printing it on the label. I called GE sealant telephone number and lady I spoke to said that indeed it DOES have the mildewcide in it, but the marketing department doesn't advertise it as such. I'm ready to stock my tank and now in fear I'm gonna kill 'em all before I even get started. Any advice?
 
i have heard of some people using II instead of I and their fish have been fine. If you are trying to make this a planted tank then i believe you won't be able to do it. But if you want only a fish tank with fake plants you should be alright. Just do a 50% water change weekly for a while to make sure that any of the leeched chemicals will be pulled out of the water so that they can't reach toxic levels.
 
Wow, never heard that before, but aren't the GE I and II generally used in the hobby?. I would think if all these people, including myself have used it with no casualties, it would be considered safe. I used the clear GE I myself tho so couldn't speak to the black type.
 
I use GE I I'm pretty sure...the back panel doesn't say anything about mold resistance. That's the one you want.
 
I have always used GE I with no problems. It's the type that is regularly suggested for use with aquariums.
 
I do not know what the actual real life tests have proven regarding the use of II but i do hear that it has a mildacide in it. To think about mildacides/biocides/antimicrobials...the active ingredient of Head and Shoulders is Zinc Pyritheon(sp?) and guess what? It doesnt kill us, it just prevents dandruf(sp?) and cleans our hair.

So how bad can it be? how much can leach out? Does it kill plants? Can we cycle a tank that uses II instead of I?

BTW: mildacide.
 
Does it say for doors and windows?


Yes, the one I used says for doors/windows/attic/basement

and Coach, not sure where your coming up with mildacide?.....merriam-webster online shows it as "mildewcide" That being said, I hope you're right about it not killing us.....OR fish!
 
Yes, the one I used says for doors/windows/attic/basement

and Coach, not sure where your coming up with mildacide?.....merriam-webster online shows it as "mildewcide" That being said, I hope you're right about it not killing us.....OR fish!
Those are generally, from what I have read and been told, the ones that need to be avoided because where they are intended for use they must use the 'cides in them.
 
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