Silicone

[TammyLiz]

I have an empty tank I was thinking about setting up tomorrow. I used it in high school and it has been stored in my in-laws basement for years. When I kept fish before, I didn't know about the cycle thing and I never tested for nitrifying bacteria because I just didn't know. Nobody and no fish store employee ever told me about it. Anyway, the question is about the silicone on the tank, because I got it used and my dad resealed it for me. I remember going to the hardware store and buying silicone that said "100% silicone" as the only ingredient. There was no mention of anti bacterial or anti algae anywhere on the tube. But when my dad put it on, it was blue. I had forgotten about this until I looked at it ready to set it up now. I kept tetras in it before and didn't notice any problems but like I said I never did any tests so I can't be sure. Long story, I know, but blue silicone? Should I do the big job of removing it all and replacing it? Anyone know if the dyes are harmful?

 

[kramers]

I don't see why you couldn't use it as long as its completely cured before adding any thing into it( fumes etc. ). The coloration is sometimes, if I'm not mistaken used to denote it's applications Ex. red is generally used for high temperature apps. The sealant in my tank is black so it just make the corners look dark whereas the blue will be alot more visible. As for the dyes when its fully cured, I've never noticed any sort of leeching. But to be on the safe side make sure it doesn't leak and do frequent tests before adding anything in.

 

[onemisterchristian]

How big is the tank? Would it be really arduous to reseal it? Because personally, if the silicone is aquarium safe it would say it on there. I have never seen blue silicone used in aquariums before, which leads me to believe it may not be safe. And even if you did test the water you wouldn't know what chemicals to test for. I'd say reseal it just to be safe. I wouldn't risk it with my fish.

 

[Phoenixfish]

I have never seen blue silicone used in aquariums before, which leads me to believe it may not be safe.

yep ditto only black

 

[onemisterchristian]

no there's also clear aquarium safe silicone

 

[Phoenixfish]

ooo ill have a look next time (not that i need it,)

 

[TammyLiz]

The tank is 24x12x16 in, 60x31x40 cm.
I am so torn on what to do. Even though I am not certain it is safe, I feel like it is most likely fine. Just in case, and mostly because it looks bad, I might just reseal it anyways. Thanks for the comments. They do help me sort my thoughts out.

Tammy

 

[Phoenixfish]

tho i did little your welcome