Silicone Safe For Use With Tank?

[nortonmad213]

hi, so i'm looking at making a chute for an overflow out of perspex, to make this i've found a tube of silicone glue from the range called "docrafts, stick it, silicone glue." 
just wondering if it was safe for use for this purpose,
if so what would the proper curing time be etc.
thanks in advance.

 

[attibones]

If it is 100% silicon, yes, it will be fine. Typical curing is 48 hours.

 

[nortonmad213]

thanks for the quick reply, 
it doesn't say on the bottle or the packet, so can i assume that it isn't 100%

 

[attibones]

Hmm... Research on the Internet seems inconclusive. Are you able to make a dash to the store for some definitely appropriate silicone? Usually it's fairly cheap. I wouldn't risk it, unless someone else can confirm that it is safe to use.

 

[zoopkamol]

even if it says 100% silicone...its not safe unless it also says safe to use in aquariums.
 
i made mistake a long time ago ...and cost me all of my cichlids... not worth risk if doesnt say safe for aquarium use.

 

[attibones]

Really? That's interesting. I had read from a variety of different places (mostly just people from here, lol) who say that it has to be 100%... Does the unlabeled for aquarium use leech some sort of toxin? Quite curious here...

 

[KirkyArcher]

Would hot melt glue applied via an appropriate applicator not be a more suitable for your requirements? Usually silicon sealers/glues that are labeled with mould/mildew resistant qualities are the ones to avoid for aquariums even the food safe types that have these additives will be harmful to the contents of your tank

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
All good advice.... Unless you have had confirmation from the manufacturer that the product is aquarium safe then I personally wouldn't use it...
 
Aquarium safe silicone has no additives whatsoever. A tube on Ebay (for a caulking gun) is around £5 see: http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HA6-Marine-silicone-aquarium-water-fish-tank-RTV-translucent-clear-top-quality-/320862461913?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4ab4e49fd9
 
Bodge99.

 

[nortonmad213]

thanks for all the information i'm glad i asked the question now, 
bodge99, have you used this silicone before? 
would you recommend it?
thanks

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
Yes, I've rebuilt several tanks with HA6... Good stuff!
 
Bodge99

 

[nortonmad213]

brilliant thanks, is all the instructions on it? 
like curing time, and such like that?

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
I just leave any rebuilt tank untouched until the acetic acid smell (given off whilst curing) has dissipated. I think 48 hrs should be more than sufficient for your purposes...
 
If memory serves... all of the info that you require is written on the tube.
 
Good luck!
 
Bodge99

 

[nortonmad213]

brilliant thanks for your help, 
i've ordered it and am now waiting on delivery
i'll update when ive got progress.
thanks again.

 

[ian_m]

Most silicone won't bond to Perspex or in fact most plastics. Silicone is the wrong glue to use for this type of job.

 

[nortonmad213]

i recieved it yesterday and on the side of the tube it says that it is safe and suitable for use with perspex.