[Dempsey]

Hello all,

I should have asked this question before I sealed the tank a few days ago. I seen that 100% GE Silicone II with no anti mold or fungus agents are safe to use on tanks. Now I only see that people are using GE Silicone I. What does everyone think? Should I be safe? It is 100%.

Thanks again,

 

[sewingalot]

I don't know if this will help, but I went to this site: http://www.caulkyourhome.com/waterproof.php Everyone that was a II, had mold-free seals when you clicked on the details. By the way, it's a GE site.

 

[Dempsey]

So I shouldn't have used this stuff?

 

[sewingalot]

Well, according to this MSDS sheet, it contains dibutyltin compounds. Of course, this is also found in PVC, which we use in tanks commonly. Unfortunately, I have no real answer other than to say you can try it out with pond snails and see how everything goes.

 

[kid creole]

So I shouldn't have used this stuff?

Well, this is a bone of contention among hobbyists, so this isn't an easy yes or no question. Personally, I doubt that whatever makes the silicone mildew resistant isn't water soluble. If it was, you would think the mildew resistance of these silicone would be washed away by rain.

The more important thing is that there are better silicones altogether for putting together a tank.

 

[Dempsey]

Thanks guys. I don't know what to do. Maybe just redo it? Have you heard of anyone using this stuff before? On the package it doesn't say anything about anti molding. I will have to think long and hard on this one.....

 

[sewingalot]

Try to call the company. A lot of times, they will help you out on this.

 

[Dempsey]

Thank you! I didn't even think about calling them! Thanks allot guys! You always help me out!

 

[Dempsey]

Well, Of course, they are closed. Sunday..... I don't want to wait any longer, and since I have this down to a science now, I am just going to reseal it again. This time with Marineland Aquarium Sealant. I just ran to the LFS and piced it up. If I would have known it was only $10, I would have done this from the begining. Should have done this in the first place.... Well, I hope other have learned from my mistakes. I will update the Journal w/pics once I am done. Hmmm Who wants the over under on me getting the whole thing done in less then 2 hours? :hihi:

 

[sewingalot]

Well, it's been nearly two hours. Results?

 

[Dempsey]

Under 2! Finished!:wink: Woo Hoo!!! I didn't tape all of the bottom but from what the eye can see, when the substrate is in, it's perfect!

 

[Dempsey]

I am getting good at this! haha:tongue:

 

[sewingalot]

That is some nice silicone! I never had it look that good when I tried. Are you going to let it cure longer than 48 hours?

 

[Dempsey]

Wife is pissed again..... The living room smells like vinegar. I told her it will only smell for a few hours. Would you rather the smell for a little bit, or 75 gallons of water on the hardwood floors..

 

[Dempsey]

Thank you! Doing it 3 time in under a month, you learn from your mistakes. Over 48 hours?? I know I should, I really do. The tube of silicone said to wait 48 hours before filling..... I am so impatient! I waited a week with this last seal I did and never filled it. I had every intention on filling it today. Then the doubt rolled in last night about the kind of silicone I used. Maybe I will wait until Wednesday. I really don't want to do this again. I now have my drop checker, and other things that I have been waiting for. So now I am super siked! But..... I will wait 72 hours....:icon_frow

 

[Dempsey]

Here is a close up of one seal.

 

[sewingalot]

Yeah, the vinegar smell is overwhelming at times. I cut up an onion to help with the smell. 72 hours isn't so bad. It'll give you an extra day to help prevent the flaky problem you had before. How big is that tank?

 

[sewingalot]

Here is a close up of one seal.

That seal looks better than my factory built tank. :eek5:

 

[Dempsey]

An onion, huh? I will try that. It's a 75 gallon. About the seal..... This is my 3rd time doing this in less then a month. I'm getting good. haha I look at it this way, Now I can help people who need advice here when it comes to sealing! Put it on thick and use a plastic spoon to slowing push it in while slowly going down each seam. It keeps the bubbles out. Thank you!

 

[sewingalot]

I am jealous. I want a 75! A plastic spoon, huh? We need to redo the tub, I'm going to try that. Keep us informed on the progress! :thumbsup: