The quest for suitable and strong aqua silicone

CWO4GUNNER

CWO4GUNNER

USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Apr 18, 2009
4,270
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Bullhead AZ
cwo4gunnerguscgretired.blogspot.com
Surprisingly in a forms searches I conducted I couldn't really find anything her at AC on what store bought silicone sealant can be used, so here is the my concern.

As I was about to start a big DIY aquarium sealing project I come to discover that the "GE Ultra Premium Waterproof & Printable Silicone II" I have been used this past year to secure rocks to my fake plants that the fish have been sucking on occasionally maybe poisonous.

So the big question since it hasn't apparently killed any fish yet do I go ahead and use this Ultra bonding silicone to secure glass aquarium panels that bonds rocks together so well and hasn't killed my fish "Yet" or do I go with labeled aquarium silicone made by GE but sold under the name brands for aquarium use at 3x price?
SilicomII004.jpg
 
if it was me and after all the time and effort repairing that huge tank i would spend the extra money and get the aquarium silicone.
 
I use proper aquarium silicone, the diy shop near me sells it for £5 which is a third of the price any lfs around here sells it for.
 
I used GE Silicone I to reseal the 160, works like a charm, I was told to watchout for the bio-Seal stuff. But by accident I used Silicone II On my terrarium,(supposedly all II has Bio-Seal) And no ill effects on my fauna, but then again they aren't aquatic. Many say that the II(encompassing Bio-Seal) Is safe if it is cured for an extra length of time.
 
On top of the concern for safe silicone is the strongest silicone as there is apparently different aquarium silicons rated for different size aquariums. Like for example this product which seems reasonable and has excellent data sheet and MDS sheet info. But with all the great claims like super clear and super bonding, supposedly It cant use on aquariums larger than 100 gallons. More fly ointment:silly:
http://www.hitechglazing.com/product/42730/40344

This one sell for only $12 a case of 30 but takes 7-14 days to cure and can only be used on 30 gallon aquariums or smaller.
http://www.intropc.com/item-27118-clear-aquarium-silicone-sealant-99as.html
 
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Well Like I said, the GE I is holding all 160 gallons in the tank at this moment, so I don't think there's a concern in it's strength. And with a little masking tape, you can create a clean, visually appealing seal.
 
GE I
 
I wonder if its just marketing but I had a hard time finding "All Glass Silicone Factory Sealant" as most the 10oz is sold out and on back order at most discount online aquarium stores. That is kind of a good sign right or just marketing LOL? Anyone here think that a big 10oz gun tube will not be enough for a 225 gallon bottom and 1 end panel, plus a complete inside reseal? Found it at Big Al's for $8.50 in the 10oz size in clear. Ant reason why I should use black instead of clear? Maybe Ill buy just one All Glass and one Walmart GE I for $3 as backup using the All Glass first. I'm a brave man but Im intimidated by the work ahead and feeling much less hurt if it fails to hold using "All Glass Aquarium factory silicone" then GE that states its not approved for EPA or aquariums.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...glass+sealant+10&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=0
 
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GE II NO, GE I YES :D

GE II contains a anti mold and mildew additive that can prove to be very toxic and deadly. GE I is 100% pure silicone, which is the same dang thing that is sold in the "special" aquarium tubes for 10 times the price. THE EXACT SAME THING, lol. It is all about marketing and getting your money. The tubes that say "not recommended for aquarium use" is more about liability - the silicone works, but the company has no control over how the consumer applies the product and does not want to be held liable for failure. DAP 100% silicone works well also, and actually used to have aquariums listed as one of it's uses - until they realized they could sell "aquarium" silicone in smaller tubes and jack up the price :)

Not only that, but a 10.1 oz tube of GE I applied with a gun is a HECK of a lot easier than using one of those little tubes. Just tape off the edges, run your silicone, spread it in the seam, and peel off the tape before it sets. You have about 5 minutes to work each section before it skins. Easy as pie.

Kristina
 
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