building 100 gal. glass aquarium

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by reeferdude, Sep 12, 2008.

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  1. reeferdude

    reeferdude Fire Shrimp

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    i'm starting a 100 gallon build project, and was wandering if it would be okay to use just any brand of silicone as long as it was 100% silicone?
    i was going to order some of the aquarium brand stuff, but thought that it was all probably the same stuff just made by different companies and way over priced because it said aquarium on it.....does anybody have any experience or thoughts about using a 100% silicone brand from lets say lowes or home depot ?????
     
    reeferdude, Sep 12, 2008
    reeferdude, Sep 12, 2008
    #1

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  2. Crabby Jim

    Crabby Jim Sea Dragon

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    I think 100% silicone once cured should be inert in the tank.
     
    Crabby Jim, Sep 12, 2008
    Crabby Jim, Sep 12, 2008
    #2
  3. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    I believe this to be correct. Be sure to steer clear of additives, too. :)
     
    ReefSparky, Sep 12, 2008
    ReefSparky, Sep 12, 2008
    #3
  4. norman.stormin

    norman.stormin Plankton

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    Make sure to get silicone that does NOT have any antifungal agents, etc in it.

    The "Type I" silicone manufactured by GE and sold in the bath section at Home Depot and Lowes is 100% pure silicone, without any antifungals or mold killers. It will be in a blue and silver tube.

    Actually, it can be kinda hard (but not impossible) to find sometimes since most people want to use silicone caulking in showers etc, and they don't want any mildew or mold to grow.

    Cheers! :beer:

    Norman
     
    norman.stormin, Sep 12, 2008
    norman.stormin, Sep 12, 2008
    #4
  5. C24

    C24 Astrea Snail

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    I would use the aquarium silicone to be safe. JMO
     
    C24, Sep 12, 2008
    C24, Sep 12, 2008
    #5
  6. Bunner

    Bunner Bubble Tip Anemone

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    +1 on the aquarium silicone....dont risk the unknown!
     
    Bunner, Sep 13, 2008
    Bunner, Sep 13, 2008
    #6

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  7. shipbear

    shipbear Bubble Tip Anemone

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    aquarium silicone ONLY !!!

    Use aquarium silicone ONLY !!!!!

    A friend just made me a custom 55 Gal Tank..
    He used 100% silicone.....
    I had it on the back porch, water testing it...
    We were watching as the top center brace let go.....
    It cracked the bottom of the tank ..??
    We never could get that tank right, We worked and worked on it...

    Then we found out about aquarium 100% silicone....

    We built another 55 Gal tank with it, no problems....

    Took the old tank apart recut the glass . used aquarium silicone.. And made me
    a 25 Gal Sump tank..

    We had friends that owned a glass store that sold us the big tubes at there cost.. $3.00..
    On line it's around 8 bucks.. Where you get your glass should give you a break in $$.. Even if they have to order it, We bought it by the case..

    Good Luck, Larry

    Remember to use ALOT of braceing across the top center.. !!!!
     
    shipbear, Sep 16, 2008
    shipbear, Sep 16, 2008
    #7