Can I use Clear RTV Silicone?

[Titleist1964]

The JBJ comes with 2 small holes towards the bottom of the AIO false wall. I've read where some plug the holes. Can I use the RTV Silicone?
Thanks

 

[JPM San Diego]

ONLY use silicone that specifically states on the label that it is safe to use in aquariums.

 

[JPM San Diego]

Do it right the first time with aquarium silicone

I was lazy and cheap by trying to save a few bucks. I used GE silicone for a sump build. Let it cure for just over a week and hooked it up. 2 hours later everything was dead. Including most of the rock... BIG mistake. I rebuilt the sump using aqueon. I only let it sit for 5 days and hooked it up...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Balthazar]

Use only 100% silicone, no mold resistant or any other type.Ran my tank for 15 years with no issue.
Let it cure completely before filling.
To play it safe use aquarium silicone as suggested.
If its wet already one could use a small amount of Cyanoacrylate(super glue) to glue a piece of matching or close to it material,if you had to. The only issue is removing it later on if needed.
Or put a large enough suction cup to cover the holes if they are not that big.

 

[JonezNReef]

Silicone 1 never silicone 2

 

[Titleist1964]

Thanks guys, looks like I won't be using that.

 

[Balthazar]

Some info here

 

[Matt1997]

What terrible info from people you can tell read something and just pass it on. RTV momentive 108 and 103 are both aquarium safe and arguably the best silicone you can use for building and sealing an aquarium. That or SCS1200 silicone. In comparison to either of these all GE products and “aquarium safe” marineland/perfecto silicones are crap.

Here’s a few tanks assembled with scs1200. They were up and running for 7 years before both were sold.

700 gallons 6x6x30”
300 gallons 6x3x30”

 

[Matt1997]

ONLY use silicone that specifically states on the label that it is safe to use in aquariums.

If I recall SCS1200 does not specifically say for aquarium use. Call every aquarium manufacturer you know and ask what they use to assemble and seal a tank I bet it’s scs1200 or RTV momentive.

 

[Titleist1964]

Thank you. I only have the Permatex RTV sealant, so IDK if there's a difference.

 

[Titleist1964]

 

[Balthazar]

What terrible info from people you can tell read something and just pass it on. RTV momentive 108 and 103 are both aquarium safe and arguably the best silicone you can use for building and sealing an aquarium. That or SCS1200 silicone. In comparison to either of these all GE products and “aquarium safe” marineland/perfecto silicones are crap.

Here’s a few tanks assembled with scs1200. They were up and running for 7 years before both were sold.

700 gallons 6x6x30”
300 gallons 6x3x30”

Nice work, thanks for the info.
The op just needs to plug up the bottom intakes on the false wall of his aio.
What terrible info are you referring to?

 

[Matt1997]

108 and 103 are the only two I know of that are aquarium safe.

 

[Matt1997]

Nice work, thanks for the info.
The op just needs to plug up the bottom intakes on the false wall of his aio.
What terrible info are you referring to?

Those saying to only use silicones that explicitly say for aquarium use. These silicones tend to be very weak and are often significantly overpriced. The small tube of Marineland silicone sells for roughly the same price as a full sized tube of scs1200.

those recommending crappy GE silicone acting like it’s the only/best option when it is far from.

 

[Titleist1964]

So, I', still a little confused/concerned wither or not this product is safe to fill the two holes. Or maybe a JBJ owner can tell me why theyre there?

 

[Matt1997]

The holes are there in order to stop the pump/heater chamber from running dry if the water level ever falls below the overflow weir. It’s a safety feature.

if it is not one of the RTV silicones mentioned above then I would not recommend.

 

[Titleist1964]

The holes are there in order to stop the pump/heater chamber from running dry if the water level ever falls below the overflow weir. It’s a safety feature.

if it is not one of the RTV silicones mentioned above then I would not recommend.

I wasn't sure about the one in my photo, I've also read where some plug the holes and others don't. So confusing being new lol.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

All of my AIOs, I just used a little superglue gel and a small piece of a zip tie.

Use the piece of zip tie to smear a glob over the hole and call it a day. It is not like there is much pressure on it, so a little super glue does the job.

 

[nereefpat]

For what it's worth, RTV just means 'room temperature vulcanizing.' That just means that it's silicone rubber that cures at room temperature. All aquarium silicone is going to be RTV.

People are scared to use stuff that isn't labeled for aquarium use. Most (all?) silicone would be safe after it's cured. I have seen people report deaths in their tanks after using various brands of silicone, but it's also usually a case where they didn't wait long enough for it to cure.

If you want to play it safe, that's understandable.