Can I use this silicone for sump baffles?

[kevyg]

I read in a few places ge 100% silicone 1 is safe for use, but I wanted to get an opinion that isn't from 2012 and earlier.

 

[bobman]

Yep will work great. Enjoy your sump build. Remember to cut the baffles a hair smaller to make sure they fit. Not to small just like a 1/32" smaller than the tank

 

[Reelfish]

I've used it for years. with frags as well

 

[KMench]

+1 Works just fine

 

[Patrick Fulton]

works just fine. glass to glass is best, but even if its class to acrylic, it'll hold fine as long as it isn't under any net pressure.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I've used it for years. with frags as well

You use silicone for frag plugs or to attach to the rock? How would you compare that to super glue gel? Sorry to hijack, but the OP’s question seemed answered. Thanks.

 

[Fin]

If you read the last line of the instructions, it reads "Not for use below the waterline or in Aquariums." That is pretty specific and would be a deal killer for me.

 

[kevyg]

You use silicone for frag plugs or to attach to the rock? How would you compare that to super glue gel? Sorry to hijack, but the OP’s question seemed answered. Thanks.

Lol, no problem, the question popped into my head too, thanks for asking it [emoji106]

 

[kevyg]

Yep will work great. Enjoy your sump build. Remember to cut the baffles a hair smaller to make sure they fit. Not to small just like a 1/32" smaller than the tank

Thanks for the tip on cutting.

 

[kevyg]

works just fine. glass to glass is best, but even if its class to acrylic, it'll hold fine as long as it isn't under any net pressure.

I planned on doing glass to glass. The local shop here is a small town mentality and i can get pieces cut for next to nothing.

 

[kevyg]

If you read the last line of the instructions, it reads "Not for use below the waterline or in Aquariums." That is pretty specific and would be a deal killer for me.

Any comments on this little tid bit ?

 

[Potatohead]

Any comments on this little tid bit ?

That mysteriously appeared on the bottle a few years ago. People suspect it was solely because they found out people were using it in that manner and they put it there for liability reasons. Many people still use it with success.

 

[Fin]

Aquarium safe silicone can be had at PetCo or PetSmart in small tubes, suitable for this kind of job. For building sumps and small tanks, I use the Momentive RTV 103 or 108. You will likely have to get Momentive online, or at a Grainger's, if you have one close to you.

 

[bobman]

GE dont want the liability for people using it for aquariums. That was not its intended purpose. However most tank builders use it, I have used it with no issues. A little peek on this forum will show countless people on here using it on their currently running systems. You must let it cure thoroughly. It says in those directions allow 12 hours but always give it 24 hours to be safe. Also take into account the colder weather we have right now that will effect cure times greatly.

 

[kevyg]

GE dont want the liability for people using it for aquariums. That was not its intended purpose. However most tank builders use it, I have used it with no issues. A little peek on this forum will show countless people on here using it on their currently running systems. You must let it cure thoroughly. It says in those directions allow 12 hours but always give it 24 hours to be safe. Also take into account the colder weather we have right now that will effect cure times greatly.

Thanks, that's what I was wanting to know.

 

[kevyg]

GE dont want the liability for people using it for aquariums. That was not its intended purpose. However most tank builders use it, I have used it with no issues. A little peek on this forum will show countless people on here using it on their currently running systems. You must let it cure thoroughly. It says in those directions allow 12 hours but always give it 24 hours to be safe. Also take into account the colder weather we have right now that will effect cure times greatly.

Makes sense, I would do the same in their position.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I have successfully used GE Silicone I for a number of projects,
and more recently, for plastic (acrylic) to glass applications, a special GE Silicone for plastics (found in HD in the Acrylic sheet department)

The critical thing with any Silicone is to let it cure completely (2 - 3 days) before exposing to water. Curing Silicone give off ammonia.

 

[McAllyn]

To be honest, the DAP aquarium silicon at Home Depot is only $4 and is more than enough to do a sump. I used GE and nuked my entire 125 4 years ago and after the fact read the very fine print that said “mold inhibitor”. I’ll happily spend the extra $2 from now on.

 

[Cory]

Siliconing baffles is hard to do becaise you have to inject it from the sides. Leave a decent gap.

Also silicone shouldnt have any mildew or mold agents in it. Otherwise its safe.

Some are ammonia cure which is toxic to fish, and others are sort of an acetate which is safe. Its not really aceric acid but smells like it.

 

[redfishbluefish]

To be honest, the DAP aquarium silicon at Home Depot is only $4 and is more than enough to do a sump. I used GE and nuked my entire 125 4 years ago and after the fact read the very fine print that said “mold inhibitor”. I’ll happily spend the extra $2 from now on.

You must have used Bath and Kitchen silicone. Plain old GE Silicone I has no moldicides.