Aquarium Sealant?

[The Saltwater Kid]

Is there a difference between aquarium sealant and the regular waterproof sealant you can pick up at Wal-mart or Home depot? They both say 100% silicon on the outside, I just don't know if silicon is silicon or there is a different chemical makeup for the aquarium sealant vs. the hardware stuff?

 

[StevieD]

biggest thing to look for is if it has mold inhibitors in it...I just bought the actual aquarium silicone meant for aquariums, little more expensive but I enjoy the piece of mind knowing I didnt miss something on the label

 

[Cymonous]

And what he means by the mold inhibitors is to make sure the Silicon doesn't have it.

 

[uncleof6]

Just to clear the air: Mold inhibitors are not the problem, insufficiently cured silicone is the problem. With neutral cure silicones, the problem is apparent quicker. (the so called "mold inhibitors" don't exist, but the ones that claim it are neutral cure (ammonia odor) silicones.

There is no such thing as an Aquarium Sealant/Silicone. None of these products are made for that purpose. (They all say not for use underwater.) Some re-packagers, choose to relabel certain products to say "Aquarium............"

100% silicone, is not equal. There are many different formulations, for many different applications. Some are household (consumer) grade sealants, others are industrial grade adhesives. There is a world of difference between them.

What you look for is:

1-Part
Acetoxy cure (vinegar odor)
100% silicone (does not contain co-polymers such as acrylic)
FDA approved for food contact.
Appropriate for the application

There is no reliable information that ANY silicone, if properly cured, is harmful in an aquarium. That said, there is no sense tempting the fates, hence the FDA approval.

Places like HD and Wal-Mart carry consumer grade products, and most are junk for our purposes. (GE Silicone I included.) HD carries one product that is suitable, it is labeled by DAP (made by Dow Corning) and is "Household Sealant" or some words to that effect. The package is labeled with "Aquarium Safe" or words to that effect. This product is fine for sealing something, but not suitable for any structural use.

What specifically you need to pick up, and from where, depends on what you want to do with it.

 

[StevieD]

^ What he said

 

[sleepydoc]

Build reef supply carries aquarium safe silicone in clear and black. Never used it, so I can't vouch for the quality, but it's another source.

 

[ebonline]

I always use RTV 108 which I order from McMaster Carr and have never had any problems and cost is only a buck or so more than GE type 1 at HD.

 

[cubalz]

Even aquarium sealant needs to be fully cured before you add water. It releases voc's as it hardens and when fully cured is rendered harmless.

 

[kleen View]

Another thing that is important is to let it cure , at least 2 weeks before you put water through it..