spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
It cures different in Canada, eh?
Must be the air.It cures different in Canada, eh?
As far as misinforming people, I think not, I've been dealing with silicones for over 20 years and have never had a problem when I used the correct silicone for the correct application. I went to the manufacturer for it because it is what they use and is specifically designed for bonding and sealing glass aquariums which can handle the stress of all the water. Most importantly no matter what is said if you don't install the silicone properly it doesn't matter if you wait 24 hrs or 24 days it's still going to leak.
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Boy you don't give up do you. You are probably correct and they more than likely outsource it with strict specifications/requirements which must be met as does the company I work for with some of their equipment. It's a common practice and doesn't mean if DOW makes silicone for 10 different companies that they are all exactly the same formula. IMO I would spend the extra money (It's not a wallet buster by any means and isn't the area worth skimping on, If you want to really save money build a sump, reef lighting, canopies, stands, or repairing a broken tank etc where you will really see and feel the savings not the couple of bucks on tube of silicone.) just buy the silicone specifically for aquarium use and use it, you'll sleep better I know I do.I'm curious as to the "specially designed for bonding and sealing glass aquariums" part. Is this on the label (I have not seen Perfecto brand silicone)? Since most silicones are rebranded GE or Dow silicones, regardless of what the label says ( I would be willing to bet that neither AGA or Perfecto manufacture silicone), it is a safe bet that they are pretty much the same in terms of cure. I have yet to use any silicone that doesn't still have a strong vinegar smell after 24 hours. It would be safe to say also that it would be possible, or even likely that the bead could be much thicker than 5mm (1/5"). The layer between bonded sections is in fact thinner and would cure more quickly than the bead. So, I would never advise anyone to wait only 24 hours, especially since I have no idea how thick a bead they have put on. This is where I have a problem, with making general statements. GE Silicone I for windows and doors says not suitable for aquariums on it. This is not because it is toxic, but rather to negate liability. It also says not to be used below water, or in marine applications. The tubes I use also say this, but in addition say "ideal for aquariums". Sounds like a contradiction in terms, except that the vast majority of silicone is not used for aquariums, but in the construction trades as a caulk. This was it's original purpose. A local stumbled onto the idea of using it to stick 5 pieces of glass together to make an aquarium, back in the late 50s. He and 2 others went on to found Crystal Aquarium.
I have to agree that if the silicone is not applied correctly, cure time will not be an issue. I have not used GE I because I have been able to get the house brands for less. The first tank I built back in the mid 60s was done with Dow silicone. It is still in use today with the original silicone bonding it together.
As far as curing time being different in Canada, I can't say, as all the silicone I have used comes from the US.
Yay! I figured out the avatar! I was in the wrong place (profile picture) DUH.You have to reduce the size of the avatar quite a bit otherwise it wont be accepted, your file is probably to large.