Silicon Precautions???

ScottT1980 · 11-29-2003, 12:58 PM

Hey guys, I have decided to turn a 30 gallon tank into a new refugium to get rid of my unsightly rubbermaid fuge. I need to make baffles and I forgot what I need to look for as far as aquarium safe silicon.

It is much cheaper and I can get more "bang for my buck" if I use the big tubes at the hardware store vs. the tubes at the LFS. I remember seeing a thread on some site regarding the issue but I can't seem to find it. Ccan someone help me out?

Thanks
Scott T.

mkpaulson · 11-29-2003, 01:16 PM

check this one out http://www.reefaquariumguide.com/for...hlight=silicon

11-29-2003, 01:33 PM

Easy. If you want the Home Depot cheapo stuff it's GE Silicone I (often called silicone rubber, sometimes called 100% silicone) Windows and Doors. Just make sure it is not mildew resistant. I will warn you that silicone II also reads "100% silicone" but it isn't good to use.

Most of the debate that goes on about which one to use has to do with mildew additives. People seem to think that only II has additive when if fact both I and II can have additives but they can both have none, as well. The problem with II is that, although it is a stronger bond out of water, under water it falls apart, esp. holding glass to acrylic.

Silicone I smells like vinegar when it's curing, II smells like ammonia. If you aren't sure if you got the right stuff, squirt a bit out and smell it.

HTH

ScottT1980 · 11-29-2003, 02:35 PM

Thanks guys...

Exactly what I needed to know!

Take er easy
Scott T.

essmaker · 11-29-2003, 03:38 PM

I also bought mine from Home Depot. I don't think it was the GE Silicone, but it said right on the package that it was safe for aquarium use. (A lot cheaper than the LFS)

mredman · 11-29-2003, 11:08 PM

Call Dow Corning - they have lots of silicon since their breast implant settlements!

11-29-2003, 12:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
ScottT1980 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,484 View Gallery Karma Komment	Silicon Precautions??? Hey guys, I have decided to turn a 30 gallon tank into a new refugium to get rid of my unsightly rubbermaid fuge. I need to make baffles and I forgot what I need to look for as far as aquarium safe silicon. It is much cheaper and I can get more "bang for my buck" if I use the big tubes at the hardware store vs. the tubes at the LFS. I remember seeing a thread on some site regarding the issue but I can't seem to find it. Ccan someone help me out? Thanks Scott T.

11-29-2003, 01:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
mkpaulson Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: port republic,va Posts: 750 View Gallery Karma Komment	check this one out http://www.reefaquariumguide.com/for...hlight=silicon __________________ Mark

11-29-2003, 02:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
ScottT1980 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,484 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thanks guys... Exactly what I needed to know! Take er easy Scott T. __________________ My Tank

11-29-2003, 03:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
essmaker Midas Blenny Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 110 View Gallery Karma Komment	I also bought mine from Home Depot. I don't think it was the GE Silicone, but it said right on the package that it was safe for aquarium use. (A lot cheaper than the LFS) __________________ ~~There was once an empty spot in the living room, and now....

11-29-2003, 01:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
jupiter Posts: n/a View Gallery	Easy. If you want the Home Depot cheapo stuff it's GE Silicone I (often called silicone rubber, sometimes called 100% silicone) Windows and Doors. Just make sure it is not mildew resistant. I will warn you that silicone II also reads "100% silicone" but it isn't good to use. Most of the debate that goes on about which one to use has to do with mildew additives. People seem to think that only II has additive when if fact both I and II can have additives but they can both have none, as well. The problem with II is that, although it is a stronger bond out of water, under water it falls apart, esp. holding glass to acrylic. Silicone I smells like vinegar when it's curing, II smells like ammonia. If you aren't sure if you got the right stuff, squirt a bit out and smell it. HTH

11-29-2003, 11:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
mredman Limpet Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 149 View Gallery Karma Komment	Call Dow Corning - they have lots of silicon since their breast implant settlements!

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