farrk

Hey guys! I'm just your average lurker here, but I came out of hiding cuz I made a mistake that one of you could possibly help me with.

So.. I used GE Silicone II, the mildew resistant kind, in the underwater portion of my paludarium. I would very much like ot keep the tank the way that it is currently, because it's going to be a pain to tear it up to replace the silicone. Is there any alternative that would clear up the 'mildew resistance' toxin?

I've poked around a bit and I'm hearing all kinds of stuff. Some people are saying that GE I and GE II are the same, others are saying that GE type II can be used in aquariums, etc.. There was one thing that said that I could soak the aquarium for a few weeks, and that would leech the toxins out. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks

ianryeng

I cannot say from experience but if it were me I would probably soak the tank in fresh water (maybe even RO for a few days) to leech out any toxins that could potentially be present (I honestly have no idea what makes it mold resistant if anything)

After giving it a chance to get at least some of the potential toxins out it would probably be a good idea to get a tube of aquarium silicone and apply a thin layer over top to seal it.

Anyone else have idea's? This is just what I would do so take it with a grain of salt.

Good luck!

-Ian

medicTHREE

No. The entire point of these additives is to resist the mold that moisture brings. Moisture will not bring them out. Sorry.

Silicone does not stick well to dry silicone, either.

mindnova

Is the silicone paintable, I agree with medicthree's statement but soaking in warm water for a few weeks could'nt hurt. Set up a old heater to keep the water about a 90 degrees. Then let dry for a couple weeks before painting.

Wait after doing all of the above it might be eaiser just to redo it.

Well good luck with whatever you do to it.

medicTHREE

Soaking in warm water for a few weeks won't help, either.

Think of it this way... You loose ten bucks and two hours of your time, or all your fish?

ricoishere

Silicone GE II should not be used in aquariums, the chemicals might leach. there's a smal chance, but still there. Silicone I is safe, as long as you give it a chance to cure, 48 hrs or best. You might be OK though.

farrk

awww boooooo

I guess it's time to tear down and start over then. I had random (integral) parts of the tank coated with BioSeal silicone


thx for the replies guys! I'll post some pictures of the new finished tank once i get it done

default user

You need to make sure it's 100% silicon with no mold/mildew inhibitors. I use GE I 100% clear for window and doors. It will say not to use on aquariums on the back but that it more of a legality then anything.

Olskule

Years ago, GE Silicon I used to say on the back that it was recommended for aquariums, and aquarium manufacturers used to advertise that their tanks were made with GE Silicon I, as well. I suspect you are correct in that the aquarium recomendation on the package is not still there only due to liability issues with people who don't follow directions and wait a couple of days (or more). Or it could be by agreement with name-brand aquarium product companies who buy the GE silicon directly and rebadge it under their name, then double or triple the price for being "safe" for aquariums. If I recall correctly, now the use for aquariums is simply omitted from the package details, and not a warning against, but I could be mistaken. Either way, I've always used it, I've built many aquariums with it without ever having a problem, and I doubt they changed the formula without changing the name/designation "Silicone I".

Oh, and it is generally not paintable, because the paint doesn't stick well.

Crazyness

I agree with the others. Spend the time and redo it. Its either now or later.