blainep Posted August 21, 2006 Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 The question is.... What is a good, inexpensive aquarium sealer ? I have searched this and a couple of other forums, gone shopping in pet and hardware stores etc. The only answer I have come up with is that everyone has a different opinion. I have some used 15 and 20 gallon tanks that I would like to start using. The plan was to peel out the old silicone and reseal the tanks in the hope of preventing any leaks that could occur at the worst possible time. The cost of sealant made for aquarium use is almost as expensive as buying new tanks. I found, searching posts that some people are using GE silicone 1 to reseal tanks, others using similar products. On the tube for GE silicone 1, it states 'not recommended for use in aquariums'. Canadian Tire Mastercraft silicone says on one line 'Not suitable for marine use' then 2 lines down in bold print 'Excellent for use in aquariums'. :boxed: Anyone who has any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Blaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toirtis Posted August 21, 2006 Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 Most local tank builders use (as does Riverfront) GE 1200 series silicone for both construction and repair of fresh and SW tanks. Edit: Runs about $6/tube, and comes in black (also aquarium-safe) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a1foxes Posted August 21, 2006 Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 I found a GE Silicone 1 in Home Depot, a big tube cost me $5.99. I read every label of every tube they had, it was the only one that did not say "not for use in aquarium". According to the sales guy and others I spoke to about it, if it werent ok for them and they didnt label it as such, lawsuit city.... Its better than 11.99 or 12.99 elsewhere and it works just fine. The question is.... What is a good, inexpensive aquarium sealer ? I have searched this and a couple of other forums, gone shopping in pet and hardware stores etc. The only answer I have come up with is that everyone has a different opinion. I have some used 15 and 20 gallon tanks that I would like to start using. The plan was to peel out the old silicone and reseal the tanks in the hope of preventing any leaks that could occur at the worst possible time. The cost of sealant made for aquarium use is almost as expensive as buying new tanks. I found, searching posts that some people are using GE silicone 1 to reseal tanks, others using similar products. On the tube for GE silicone 1, it states 'not recommended for use in aquariums'. Canadian Tire Mastercraft silicone says on one line 'Not suitable for marine use' then 2 lines down in bold print 'Excellent for use in aquariums'. :boxed: Anyone who has any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Blaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blainep Posted August 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 Most local tank builders use (as does Riverfront) GE 1200 series silicone for both construction and repair of fresh and SW tanks.Edit: Runs about $6/tube, and comes in black (also aquarium-safe) Does Riverfront sell the GE 1200 series silicone ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blainep Posted August 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 I found a GE Silicone 1 in Home Depot, a big tube cost me $5.99. I read every labelof every tube they had, it was the only one that did not say "not for use in aquarium". According to the sales guy and others I spoke to about it, if it werent ok for them and they didnt label it as such, lawsuit city.... Its better than 11.99 or 12.99 elsewhere and it works just fine. The question is.... What is a good, inexpensive aquarium sealer ? I have searched this and a couple of other forums, gone shopping in pet and hardware stores etc. The only answer I have come up with is that everyone has a different opinion. I have some used 15 and 20 gallon tanks that I would like to start using. The plan was to peel out the old silicone and reseal the tanks in the hope of preventing any leaks that could occur at the worst possible time. The cost of sealant made for aquarium use is almost as expensive as buying new tanks. I found, searching posts that some people are using GE silicone 1 to reseal tanks, others using similar products. On the tube for GE silicone 1, it states 'not recommended for use in aquariums'. Canadian Tire Mastercraft silicone says on one line 'Not suitable for marine use' then 2 lines down in bold print 'Excellent for use in aquariums'. :boxed: Anyone who has any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Blaine I went back to Home Depot, and you are right, GE silicone 1 dosen't say 'not for aquarium use'. I picked up a couple of tubes and I think I'll use it for any non structural repairs. I have 2 tanks that I am replacing panes of glass (making 2 tanks out of 4 broken tanks). If I can find it, I'use the GE 1200 series silicone for them. If I can't find it, then I'll go with what I've got. Next is to find and assemble strong enough shelving to set all the tanks on and set up a sump for them. Blaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmguy Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 i use dow corning 786 says on itr safe for food contact never lost a fish yet.....aroun 4.99 a tube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toirtis Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 Does Riverfront sell the GE 1200 series silicone ? Not generally, but if we had an extra tube, perhaps. We buy it here: http://www.crlaurence.ca/general/locations...es/calgary.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vapor Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 'Not suitable for marine use' then 2 lines down in bold print 'Excellent for use in aquariums'. Only a geuss, but I think they mean marine as in don't patch a hole in your boat with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blainep Posted August 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 'Not suitable for marine use' then 2 lines down in bold print 'Excellent for use in aquariums'. Only a geuss, but I think they mean marine as in don't patch a hole in your boat with it. Ya, I figured that's what was meant, just found it interesting. Kinda sounds like 'Don't use it in water .... Ok use it in water' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunl Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 I resealed a 75 with GE Silicone I last Thanksgiving, and no issues with it. I've seen emails from GE reps basically stating the above, that due to legal reasons they won;t state in writing that it is safe to use in aquariums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthyosporidium Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 If anyone deals with Hagen, They used to carry tubes of it. I remember having to ask the sales rep for it as it was not in the catalogue. Worth checking into. Baisically, any silicone that uses an acetic based curing agent should be fine. READ THE INGREDIENTS. If there is any mention of CYANO-this and ALKYLO_that, DO NOT USE. Also, when you do find a silicone that works (GE 1200 is great, check glass shops, they might also have acess to it.) make sure that you prep the surface with a thin coat of vinegar after you have cleaned it thoroughly. It helps bond the silicone to the surface moer positively. I am a purchaser, so I have easy access to it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmguy Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 isopropynal alcohol cleans really well too. it evaporates quickly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blainep Posted August 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 isopropynal alcohol cleans really well too. it evaporates quickly I've read also using acetone ( nail polish remover ) works well to clean bonding surfaces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthyosporidium Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 I don't know if I would use acetone. I know that it would be residual, but I have no idea what kind of effect it might have on the silicone. And to take a chance on your fish to me is not worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blainep Posted August 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 make sure that you prep the surface with a thin coat of vinegar after you have cleaned it thoroughly. It helps bond the silicone to the surface moer positively. I was thinking today, maybe what I'll do is fill a rubbermaid tub with vinegar and water to soak and finish cleaning the pieces of glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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