Aquarium Sealant - Not your typical question.

[BZOFIQ]

So, I am aware of the fact that the aquarium silicone is not supposed to have any additives etc but recently I siliconed around the tub with a 100% silicone that essentially didn't have any smell.

Let me preface my question with a little TMI statement: I gag when I smell vinegar and barf if I stay in the room with that smell.

That said, I need to glue in a dozen or so baffles into my new 6ft sump within next few months and was wondering (taking into consideration advancements in technology) if there are aquarium sealants that do not have that dreaded vinegar smell.

Please help! This is a serious question.

 

[cracker]

Nor sure about that, Perhaps outside on a breezy day ? Are you using glass.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Nor sure about that, Perhaps outside on a breezy day ? Are you using glass.

Yes, all glass.

 

[cracker]

Don't know how to avoid the fumes . Perhaps a handy Friend could help you ? The strong vinegar smell would only last a few hours maybe ?

 

[JoshH]

A respirator with chemical cartridges will seriously put a dent into the smell of it but short of a huge fan and doing it outside I'm not sure what else to suggest.

 

[Billdogg]

Either do it outside like suggested, or hyperventilate for a couple minutes, then take in a big breath, hold it, and work really fast!

hth!

 

[Erica-Renee]

I never really pay attention to the smell, But i do suggest you do it outside in ventilated area

 

[BZOFIQ]

A respirator with chemical cartridges will seriously put a dent into the smell of it but short of a huge fan and doing it outside I'm not sure what else to suggest.

I do that when necessary, but the slightest smell of vinegar turns me inside out.

 

[BZOFIQ]

, But i do suggest you do it outside in ventilated area

Yep, that's a given

 

[BZOFIQ]

Either do it outside like suggested, or hyperventilate for a couple minutes, then take in a big breath, hold it, and work really fast!

hth!

LOL, I dont think there is anything quick about 10 plus baffles; with OCD it takes even longer to make sure everything is as humanely perfect as possible.

 

[BZOFIQ]

@Tankme USA

Is there no sealant out there that doesn't have the vinegar smell; I dont care about other smells.

 

[joe berkman]

What about a marine sealant like 3m 5200, use the fast cure and I don't know about out gassing but it's a urethane instead of silicone

 

[Katrina71]

Try Carmex in the little jar. Rub some above your lip and inside your nostrils. A couple of minutes before you work. Wear a mask. Maybe not 100%, but should work for you.

 

[BZOFIQ]

What about a marine sealant like 3m 5200, use the fast cure and I don't know about out gassing but it's a urethane instead of silicone

According to their website it doesn't form a permanent bond with glass. There is even a negative review that states that guy was trying to glue glass into metal frames and it was leaking. Probably not an option.

 

[Tankme USA]

@Tankme USA

Is there no sealant out there that doesn't have the vinegar smell; I dont care about other smells.

Dow Corning , not recommended for aquariums.

 

[lapin]

You can look at the MSDS or now SDS for the product. It should say what is in the silicone that evaporates when it cures. Unless the EPA OSHA or Calif makes them change how the product is manufactured, I think you will find they all have basicly the same tried and true ingredients. I have not found one that does not release fumes that will work for a structural aquarium adhesive. I must state I have not been looking. Good Luck with your search.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I found a few from different manufacturers but anything safe for underwater exposure / aquarium use will have the dreaded !VINEGAR! smell.

Respirator to the rescue I guess, perhaps different cartridges with activated charcoal will do the job.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Dow Corning , not recommended for aquariums.

Thanks. I figured if a tank manufacturer is not aware of a product there probably isn't one.

 

[ca1ore]

There are broadly two different kinds of silicone routinely available - acetoxy cure and neutral cure. Former has that vinegar smell when curing, latter does not (ammonia cure if memory serves). Former is most commonly seen as GE1, latter GE2. Acetoxy cure is better on glass; neutral cure better on plastics. Both are reef-safe as long as adequate cure time is observed (I give at least a week). AFAIK, all the aquarium manufacturers use acetoxy cure for their structural joins.