Silicone Discoloration

[udsmkh]

My 120 is a little over 3 weeks old. I started its cycle using uncured LR (140lbs). A few days ago I noticed some discoloration on the silicone in my sump. It is maroonish-pink and bright green. (See photo) Is this cyano or something else? My sump has no lighting. I have been doing 50% WC weekly right after lightly brushing the LR to remove the die-off. Sorry for the poor pic.

 

[robbrouse]

Will it rub off? What type of silicon did you use?

 

[udsmkh]

I used aquarium safe silicone from Lowes. I haven't tried to rub it off yet. I will when I get home from work. What am I looking for when I try to remove it?

 

[robbrouse]

it almost looks like red algae. if it stringy then that's what it is..

This Amazon.com: Marineland 31010 Silicone Caulker, 10.3 oz, (304)ml: Pet Supplies is what I have always used. Cost a lot more but not like you need 20 tubes..

 

[udsmkh]

I tried to rub some off and it is stuck on there pretty good. I could not remove it with my finger.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[robbrouse]

Is it red or pink.. Is it any where else in the tank? It might be nothing to worry about... Try a tooth brush and see if it comes off.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I used a silicone from Lowes on a sump baffle once; the GE windows and doors type that's apparently aquarium safe, and after a few months of use it turned screaming yellow. Everything in the aquarium looked awesome but it spooked me so I cut it out and used actual black aquarium silicone from LFS. With that said I built a display aquarium with the same silicone years back and it never discolored, although it was freshwater. Not sure why it turns colors in salt.

 

[Scribe]

Did you treat any disease or fungus. I treated something years ago and it turned my silicone pink on a 10 gallon.

 

[.Marshall]

My DIY sump had the silicone turn that same color of pink on me, it slowly went away. Though I cannot say it will not do long term damage as I replaced it a couple months later with a custom acrylic sump. In the end none of my SPS seemed affected by the "pink silicone".