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Good aquarium silicone


Midas

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I'm trying to track down a good aquarium silicone to reseal a 2nd hand 6 foot tank.

Warren has previously mentioned that he recommends Fosroc RTV silicone, but I haven't been able to find any of this brand around yet, any ideas on where to look? He also does not recommend Dow Corning brand silicone.

I have used the Selleys window and glass silicone on small tanks before but not sure whether to trust it on a big tank.

Had a look around and some other commonly available brands out there are Ados and Bostic.

The manufacturers also seem to make a series of different silicones and it is not always aparent whether the different types they make are suitable for aquariums.

Any thoughts or experiences?

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Hi Midas,

I use Silaflex RTV Professional Range on my tanks.

No as clear as the stuff I used to use in latter years, but seems to work ok, but haven't tried it on a six footer yet... but who knows.. :)

Now where can I find some 9mm plate glass he he.

Bill (Pegasus)

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Silaflex RTV is manufactured by Fosroc.

I'm trying a new product on my big tank (well one I haven't used before).

Its made by Ramset. Its a glass sealant that has a permanent underwater rating. Yet to see if it is any good cause its still curing. Check out my Big Tank thread on Thursday 25/10/2002 to see if it was any good!

Even the Silaflex does not have a permanent underwater rating. However, I've got an 8' tank thats 20 years old and still holding together using this product!

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Good to hear it's a reliable product Warren. I was a bit skeptic, but saw it was for aquariums so thought I would try it.

Just a little tip for those sealing tanks.

To prevent the sealer going hard inside the nozzle, use the piece you cut off the end of the nozzel to block the hole up (pointed end first) . Fits perfectly and saves using other forms of plugs. Might be obvious, but not to some :):)

Regards,

Bill (Pegasus)

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Hi Midas,

I've used Selleys ( window n glass) to build from scratch my 5 footer a couple of yrs ago. I've also used it to patch up an 8 footer more recently. no problems ever since.....both 10 mm thick glass.

might b a good idea to consult the professionals as goldie suggested:D

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I use the Selleys and another one (can't think of the name at the moment), and never had any probs. I have also used the dow corning one, but only for sealing up a divider. I was just wondering what the problems were with using it. The only reason I bought the stuff was because they were out of the regular one I use. Is it supposed to be weaker than the rest?

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Don't exactly know the complaints about Dow Corning, but I do know they were the originators of the first true aquarium silicone that became available in the early sixties. It came in tubes much like toothpase size and cost the earth at the time, but others followed in quick succession.

The Silaflex RTV cartridges cost me $13:55, which I find is pretty good value for the amount of tanks you can seal.

Great to see you on the forum again Joey :)

Regards,

Bill (Pegasus)

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ended up getting some from the local glazier here. Its made by Rhodia, and called Rhodorsil V60. Says its high performance glazing silicone. Architectural grade and high strength. Also says it can be used on potable water tanks so mustn't be too bad. The glazers have used it for tanks before so hopefully goes ok.

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  • 6 months later...

Silaflex RTV is what I used for my 700 ltr tank. Cost about $11.00ea+gst.

Can be purchased from: Mitre 10, Placemakers, Building Depot, Master Trade, Mico Plumbing (cheapest i've found) as well as most glass places.

Beware of sealent with 'mould inhibiters' which is really a slow release leaching poison.

Good luck and use heaps! :)

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Thanks for your replys

I got things sorted in the end and got some Silaflex RTV from Placemakers (about 3 or 4 tubes in the end) and fixed up the tank. Double butted the tank all the way around the bottom too with 10mm glass.

Its been full for the last six months and seems to be sweet so far.

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