GOBY Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 Hey all, I am setting up my 100 gallon frag and refugium tank and want to re-silicone the corners before I fill it, is GE #1 the strongest and best to use? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 One thing I can tell you is that prep work is very important, and will give you the best hold. Clean the glass surfaces to be joined with either naptha, or mild acetic acid solution (vinegar water). This will help clean the surfaces of any traces of oils, providing a much better seal. I have always been sure that all surfaces are completely dry, the allow at least the recommended curing time before refilling the tank. The original silicone aquarium sealer was made by Dow Corning (at one time, they used to have a guarantee on their product package). I have had no problems with this, or other brands , such as DAP, or GE #1. I can't really say what brand is better, but you may consider talking to these people about sealers. http://www.fullredguppy.com/silicone.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salty Pickle Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 All you need to know about silicone http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthbound Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Rtv103 or 108 silicone if you want black or clear. Prep work is paramount for a successful seal. I use razor blades to cut out the old silicone and scrape as much as I can off the glass just make sure to not cut into the silicone between the panes of glass. When I have as much off as I can get with razor blades I switch to acetone and superfine steel wool to scrub any residue left. I then tape my lines for the seams, give any exposed areas a wipe down with rubbing alcohol let it dry and then lay my bead of silicone. Then immediately smooth with finger, caulk square or back of a spoon in a pinch then pull your tape and let cure for at least a week. Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimusprime3605 Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 +1 on the steel wool! Gets it crystal. Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBY Posted March 20, 2016 Author Share Posted March 20, 2016 Awesome info guys thank you very much!!! Im going to get the RTV momentive from granger on Monday but its going to be hard to wait a week.... :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBY Posted March 20, 2016 Author Share Posted March 20, 2016 I have Lacquer thinner instead of acetate can i use that to clean up or will it break down the silicone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I have Lacquer thinner instead of acetate can i use that to clean up or will it break down the silicone? I really don't know. Naptha is liquid lighter fluid., like Ronson. It is fairly inexpensive. A little white or apple cider vinegar added to some water, also works very well. I have repaired Hex tanks, using it for a cleaner. Hex tanks require a very strong bond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthbound Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Lacquer thinner would probably work just need a solvent that leaves zero residue after it evaporates I know lacquer thinner is basically just acetone with some other stuff added to control evaporation time and such. Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBY Posted March 20, 2016 Author Share Posted March 20, 2016 okay used the lacquer thinner and worked great all clean ready for new silicone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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