Aquarium silicone-what is it and where do you get it?

Koresample · #1 02-26-2009, 04:30 AM

I just got some plexi and made some mods to my refugium project. The silicone i bought from Home depot said 'not for aquariums' on the back (lucky i read this just before i was about to crack the tube. What do you use, and where can you buy it from?

Tangman · #2 02-26-2009, 04:38 AM

First off, when you say plexi, I assume you mean plexiglass and silicone doesn't stick to plexiglass, you should be using weldon16

Palster · #3 02-26-2009, 05:00 AM

You can however get aquarium safe Silicone in the big tube at Home Hardware.

Ron99 · #4 02-26-2009, 05:37 AM

You can buy 100% silicone at Home Depot. I think it is the GE branded one (GE I or GE II). just make sure it says 100% silicone and that it is not one with any anti-mold or mildew agents in it.

Tangman · #5 02-26-2009, 01:44 PM

If you are putting a plexiglass baffle in a glass tank for a sump, use silicone I, any brand , I usually use GE, just don't use the mildew resistant stuff.
Just as Ron99 said

e46er · #6 02-26-2009, 01:46 PM

Rona has rona brand which is safe says so on it

brizzo · #7 02-26-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koresample

I just got some plexi and made some mods to my refugium project. The silicone i bought from Home depot said 'not for aquariums' on the back (lucky i read this just before i was about to crack the tube. What do you use, and where can you buy it from?

Purple seahorse here in kelowna sells GE 1200 construction silicone.

But like Tangman said, you cannot use silicone for 'glueing' acrylic/plexi. It needs to be chemically welded.

If you can post some pics of what you have in mind, I might be able to help you with it.

whatcaneyedo · #8 02-27-2009, 12:46 AM

For plexi or acrylic I use Weld-On #16 from a plastics supplies place in town. For glass I use the smaller hobby size tubes of 'aquarium safe' silicone sold at Home Hardware. Heres a picture of a large size tube, so just look for the smaller ones that look like tooth paste toobs and have the same colors and text.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...r/P1040709.jpg

Koresample · #9 02-27-2009, 08:51 PM

For those wanting it, Home Depot no longer stocks it, but you can get it from Home Hardware, their house brand called Weather Shield Silicone Caulking. White tube, teal lettering 'Safe for Aquariums' in big letters on the tube!

Tangman · #10 02-27-2009, 11:24 PM

just like whatcaneyedo's picture

But still not for use for bonding plexiglass to plexiglass,
will hold plexiglass baffle in a glass sump if you use it on both sides