Silicone new tank

[Abraham]

Hey guys, I'm above to start a new project doing myself the tank sump etc. I'm mainly concerned about the silicone. How thin should be the gap to the unions? it's a 170x60x60 12mm templed glass. I know it's bad leave a thin layer of silicon as well a big one. Is there any standard? I was thinking to joint with 2-3mm joint of silicone.

Obviously since is a big tank I will add reinforcements eurobrace type.

I'm reading you're comments.

Thanks

 

[dankaqua]

I've seen DIY tanks with the silicon as thin as a couple millimeters. I think the point is that the silicon will bind to the glass, so the thickness can be quite narrow.

If there is a standard, no one is following it here...

I've done DIY silicon using blue (painters tape) to make very clean edges. You need to be sure the silicone is very thin where it meets the tape and you may have to cut it with a razor blade.

I've also smoothed the seams using a piece of plastic (from a water bottle) cut to about the size of a spoon. Run inside the seam (cleaning off any buildup) a couple times for a nice finish.

And best to wear nitrile gloves (imo)!

Lastly, you probably want to have one pane of glass which is not tempered and pre-drill your overflow box holes before you glue it up.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I appky a moderate bead and i dont use silicone but rather aquarium sealant

 

[Abraham]

I've seen DIY tanks with the silicon as thin as a couple millimeters. I think the point is that the silicon will bind to the glass, so the thickness can be quite narrow.

If there is a standard, no one is following it here...

I've done DIY silicon using blue (painters tape) to make very clean edges. You need to be sure the silicone is very thin where it meets the tape and you may have to cut it with a razor blade.

I've also smoothed the seams using a piece of plastic (from a water bottle) cut to about the size of a spoon. Run inside the seam (cleaning off any buildup) a couple times for a nice finish.

And best to wear nitrile gloves (imo)!

Lastly, you probably want to have one pane of glass which is not tempered and pre-drill your overflow box holes before you glue it up.

Thanks for the tips. I will do the painters tape for a clean silicone.

The glass will come already drilled and Tempered after drilled from factory.

 

[Abraham]

I appky a moderate bead and i dont use silicone but rather aquarium sealant

How is working the aquarium sealant?

 

[vetteguy53081]

How is working the aquarium sealant?

it withstands temperatures, algae and medication. Its specifically made for aquarium construction

 

[dankaqua]

This thread covers it pretty thoroughly:

Is GE Silicone II safe for my aquarium??

I'm almost done with my 40breeder setup and need to silicone the overflow. I picked up some GE Silicone II from Home Depot... It is 100% silicone and doesn't say anything about any mold inhibitors.. I'm pretty sure i've used the same stuff on my aquariums before, but I never noticed the part...

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