Silicone for sump/refugium

[Dana]

I dunno man, I just read the back of the gr silicone 1 and it says not for use below water line or aquariums. I just finished my project with it. Should have used the **** aqueon.

 

[Reefing Madness]

No, no worries. The silicone is a bonding agent. It will bond the glass together. And if im not mistaken it says fully water proof.

 

[Dana]

Ok thanks. Yes it's 100% silicone and fully waterproof. Maybe it's just something they have to put on there for legal reasons

 

[Dana]

Upon reading, I guess silicone l used to say "safe for aquariums" but was changed later on for legal reasons. Also it appears ge manufactures silicone for many aquarium suppliers. I guess you just pay more for a tube with a picture of a fish on it lol

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Joker79]

So, the verdict on GE II is?

 

[cparka23]

The reason why it is "mold-free" is that it contains a mold inhibitor. It looks like 5-10% petroleum distillates according to the MSDS. They aren't the heavy, super hazardous kinds and are only present as a small percentage of the weight, but you probably don't want them in the tank in the first place. The Momentive RTV silicones or DAP silicones for aquariums do not list this in their MSDS from what I've seen. I've read many threads where people declare "as long as it says 100% silicone, it's safe." This is an example why that is not true.

That being said, you will probably find people who have used it with success. On the 0 (no hazardous effects) - 4 (death) scale, it is rated as a 1 (irritation). Still, invertebrates are typically more sensitive to substances than we are. There's no sense in risking it, IMO.

 

[Reefing Madness]

So, the verdict on GE II is?

If your tank has been sitting for a bit (longer than a week), I'd say go ahead and use it, your safe now.

 

[Joker79]

If your tank has been sitting for a bit (longer than a week), I'd say go ahead and use it, your safe now.

It's been sitting for about a month!!! Lol. I just drilled my 3" holes for my glass-holes overflow yesterday. .
Thanks reefer!!!!

 

[Loki]

I would think your safe as well. I used the same on my frag tank and after a week didn't have a problem. It's still up and going

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[tidus10]

Shop GE 9.8 oz Clear Silicone Window and Door Caulk at Lowes.com this is the stuff i used, worked out well so far

 

[tidus10]

my understanding is as long as its truly 100% silicone and you let it cure fully then it shouldnt have the ability to leach anything into your tank.

 

[savannah_99]

DO NOT USE GE SILICONE II. Only use GE Silicone I if you want to use a silicone you can get at HD/Lowe's.

+1 on this only GE I...... the GE II has the rust inhibitor in it..