Aquarium Glue

[noncentric]

Originally Posted by QTOFFER

GE Silicone-II clear silicone adhesive is aquarium safe. You can get it at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Make sure it says 100% silicone, and is clear.
All-Glass makes silicone adhesive too. You can get it at any lfs, but it's much more expensive than the GE product.

Hhmmm, I thought it was Silicone I (Window & Door)...that's what I researched a while back and read several aquarium approvals of this product. I used it to do something similar, with PVC pipe and regular gravel. No problems at all, but let it cure/dry for 3 days.

The tube says that it's not safe for aquariums, but apparently that is only on tubes manufactured in the past year or so - and was only done for legal reasons.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/aqrepfaq3.htm
GE Silicone I has been aquarium safe to date, but II is not.

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/palud...ludarium3.html
After looking up different silicones on the web I found that GE silicone I #012a is suitable for aquarium use.

http://www.aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms...le.php?aid=107
"GE Silicone I" is a brand known to be aquarium safe.

http://www.gesealants.com/sealants/d...n/aquarium.htm
The Silicone II product line releases ammonia as the by-product of cure. The ammonia can change the pH of the water in the aquarium having a negative impact on the marine life.

[DeFeKt]

just make sure it says "acetic cure" or "aquarium safe" on the label somewhere.
had a friend just lose a tankful of fish because he used standard silicone, so beware

[QTOFFER]

Thanks for your info, noncentric. I'd hate to steer anyone toward the wrong product. I thought that 100% clear silicone (which silicone II is) was the important thing to look for.

So, what is the difference between GE Silicone I and II? In any case, GE does not recommend the use of any of their consumer products in aquariums - I guess they don't want the liability bother.

As far as the curing byproducts are concerned (acetic acid or ammonia), wouldn't this become a non-issue once the product was fully cured?

[richiestang_78]

I would think so, I probably will just buy the brand from All-Glass to be safe. Its only about a buck more so better safe then sorry.

[BillD]

Originally Posted by QTOFFER

Thanks for your info, noncentric. I'd hate to steer anyone toward the wrong product. I thought that 100% clear silicone (which silicone II is) was the important thing to look for.

So, what is the difference between GE Silicone I and II? In any case, GE does not recommend the use of any of their consumer products in aquariums - I guess they don't want the liability bother.

As far as the curing byproducts are concerned (acetic acid or ammonia), wouldn't this become a non-issue once the product was fully cured?

You seem to know the answer already. Acetic acid type (SiliconeI) is the preferred one. It is important to get the window and door one. Never use anything that says "tub and tile" or "Kitchens and baths", as those ones generally contain a mildewcide. Paying extra to see AGA written on the side of a tube of GE Silicone I, is ok if you have lots of money. Around here, it is 3 times the price.

[noncentric]

Originally Posted by BillD

You seem to know the answer already. Acetic acid type (SiliconeI) is the preferred one. It is important to get the window and door one. Never use anything that says "tub and tile" or "Kitchens and baths", as those ones generally contain a mildewcide. Paying extra to see AGA written on the side of a tube of GE Silicone I, is ok if you have lots of money. Around here, it is 3 times the price.

Yep, what BillD said. I think I is also more water-resistant than II, but that's not as important as the other issues.

It does say "not safe for aquariums" on it now, but I've used it liberally (and I know of others that have too) without any tank problems. The fact that is 'used to' say okay for aquariums helped sway that decision. I just didn't want to pay $9 for fewer ounces than the $4 tube of Silicone I.