Aquarium Glue

[richiestang_78]

I plan on getting some either Dwarf or Ram Cichlids for one of my tank. I plan on cutting some ceremic plant pots in half to give the fish some places to hide however I want to make them blend more with my dark substrate by attaching some of the substrate itself to the outside. How would I go about doing this and what should I use?

[brant]

You could aply a thin smeared layer of aquarium safe silicone sealent(RTV) and then roll the pots in sand or small gravel that is similar to your substrate or just use some of your substrate take out a couple handfulls rinse it dry it and roll the pots in that.

[richiestang_78]

Alright thanks. At bigalsonline.com I saw something called Mr. Sticky's Underwater Glue, wouldnt this work? IS there any concerns I should have anout using a regular ceramic pot in the tank? I probably will get them from liek Home Depot or something.

[brant]

Yeah that will work but it sets fast and is much harder to clean up after words and is more expencive than the silicone. With the silicone you can spred and smooth it with your hands. And cleanup is easy just wash your hands and other stuff you use in rubbing alchohal before it drys. The silicone also stays worckable alot longer than the epoxy. Epoxy 5-10 min workabilty if that. silicone 30-40 min workability.

[richiestang_78]

Hey can I use any silicone or does it have to be aquarium safe? I mean isnt silicone, silicone? I already have some silicone for a calk gun and would rather use that instead of having to buy new.

[brant]

Not all silicone is the same this I have come to learn via the automobile world some silicones use a vulcanizing agent that leaches gasses into its enviroment that can be potentialy harmful to life in your aqaurium. And in the auto world some silicones will acually cause oxegen sensors to fail or deteriate rather rapidly. so to be on the safe side I would stick to silicones that accualy state on the tube that it is aquarium safe. Any others and you could put all your fish in danger.

[QTOFFER]

I've sone this with PVC pipe. Your flowerpots will come out awesome. Be sure to post some pics.

You can't use any silicone that contains color or antifungal chemicals.
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.

[rich311k]

I have a tube of all-glass silicone I bought at PETCO. It was 3 - 4 dollars the amount that I use it. It will last quite some time.

[richiestang_78]

Alright thanks, I guess ill pick up a little bottle of it then.

[Zagz]

One other thing, wait at least 24-48 hours before re-adding the pots to the tank to allow the silicone to fully dry. Definately aquarium safe silicone is a must.