The Best Silicone?

[y2kbombsu]

I am replacing some glass in my aquarium (Marine!) What is the best silicone for the job? :?:

 

[eddie]

anything that cures with acedic acid & has no fungas inhibitors added IMO

you can find it at the paint section at walmart

GE II is fine I think

 

[eddie]

just checked what I have its DAP from walmart
GE II may be better (dont remember)

 

[IcantTHINKofONE]

The guy who made my tank used C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. "Clear Aquarium Silicone Sealant." He sold me a tube at what he pays for it ($15) for a DIY project I was doing. It's kind of expensive stuff and it may be even more that $15 if you don't get it wholesale. 'sposed to be really good stuff.

 

[eddie]

the stuff at walmart is like $3.50 and works fine (in my experiance)FWIW

 

[ChrisRD]

GE II says on the tube that it's not to be used with aquariums. I'd stay away from that one. GE I would work.

 

[eddie]

the DAP I have says safe for food contac and cures with acedic acid

I think lots that say not for aquariums are still really ok long as you know what to look for thats to limit liabilitys(I heard/read)if its 100% silicon rubber & cures with acedic acid and has no funicides its ok(to my knowlege)

there was a long informitive thread at RC about it were some tank builders chimed in a while back

 

[-JB]

Why not buy the silcone that All-glass makes. It's the same stuff used on their tanks and you don't have to worry about a mistake with the wrong brand. It only cost like $7 at my LFS, small price if you are using it to seal your tank.

 

[IcantTHINKofONE]

y2k, if you truly want quality as you posted in your original post, I suggest you do some research or find out where you can get a trial tube of the stuff I mentioned a few posts up. It's stronger than even the all-glass stuff.

 

[MattM]

Our recommendation is GE Silicone I. It's the same as the AGA stuff. GE Silicone II is not recommended for aquariums because it does not perform well when subjected to continuous immersion.

 

[dizzy]

I always thought that the 100% clear silicone was safe. I just got off the phone with the DAP technical support 1-888-Dap-tips and he said it is not recommended for aquarium use. His reasons ran from underwater weakness to possible toxicity and he seemed like he didn't know the product. Our Lowe's ran everyone else out of business and only carries the DAP (Dow Corning) brand. DAP does have a web site www.dap.com and they do package a 2.5oz package for aquarium use. I guess it is all in the class and type, but I would not suggest using it any longer. I think Matt is correct about the GE type I, but you might want to call GE to be sure. If it doesn't say safe for aquariums it may not be.

 

[MattM]

If it doesn't say safe for aquariums it may not be.

It used to, I can't only assume they changed the labelling to prevent lawsuits where the aquarium failed.

Old Labelling:

Silicone I: "For use on blah, blah, blah, aquariums."
Silicone II: "For use on blah, blah, blah."

Current Labelling:

Silicone I: "For use on blah, blah, blah."
Silicone II: "For use on blah, blah, blah. Not for use on aquariums."