Black or clear silicone for custom tank

[edsbeaker]

So, after much debate, I finally decided on a 48 X 24 X 24 starphire tank from Great Lakes Aquariums. They offer black silicone as an option. I'm assuming there must be an advantage if black is being offered, so can someone enlighten me as to the pros and cons, if any?

Thanks

 

[pgr11]

It just looks super clean. Love the black look over clear

 

[Spirofucci]

It's totally personal preferance. I like black as well, but those ultra clean rimless tanks with a perfect almost invisible seam of silocone is the shizz!

 

[Cstaricansrfer1]

I read somewhere that some medications/additives will stain clear silicone over time, but cannot tell you any specifics.

Aesthetically speaking, I have always liked the look of black silicone better.

 

[edsbeaker]

It's totally personal preferance. I like black as well, but those ultra clean rimless tanks with a perfect almost invisible seam of silocone is the shizz!

I am not going rimless, I like the waves from my tunze's too much, and the two don't mix well. :lmao: But I know what you mean about the super clean look.

 

[Clownin Aroun]

I read somewhere that some medications/additives will stain clear silicone over time, but cannot tell you any specifics.

Aesthetically speaking, I have always liked the look of black silicone better.

Yes I have seen this in my current tank. The clear is now yellowish instead!

Needless to say on my new tank being built now I am having black used!!!

BLACK is much cleaner/sleeker looking for sure

 

[calbert0]

So, after much debate, I finally decided on a 48 X 24 X 24 starphire tank from Great Lakes Aquariums. They offer black silicone as an option. I'm assuming there must be an advantage if black is being offered, so can someone enlighten me as to the pros and cons, if any?

Thanks

Good Choice on the Tank manufacturer.

 

[edsbeaker]

Good Choice on the Tank manufacturer.

They seem to have a positive following, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Best is they are close enough to me, 5 hr drive, OK not that close, but it will save a bunch on shipping.

 

[kreef82]

black looks much cleaner.

 

[d2mini]

What about ADA tanks where you don't even see any silicone at all!?

 

[jbraslins]

Nice. I ordered 48x30x18 rimless from them as well. should be here next week! Can't wait. I went with black silicone and straphire too.

 

[whodeydan76]

My 93 gal cube has black...but its not rimless. It has black trim top and bottom. I am just in the process of cycling it tho so I'm not sure I LOVE a cube yet lol.

 

[Ambition]

My tank has black silicone. IMO, it looks modern and sleek. That just happens to be the theme I am trying to get with the tank and stand.

 

[edsbeaker]

What about ADA tanks where you don't even see any silicone at all!?

I don't WANT to get a second mortgage on my house. :fun4:


Black it is, everyone. Thanks for the help!

 

[edsbeaker]

Nice. I ordered 48x30x18 rimless from them as well. should be here next week! Can't wait. I went with black silicone and straphire too.

How long did it take from ordering to when you will get it next week?

 

[GrampaDon]

Also own a GreatLakesAquarium. Also went with black ,and glad I did. And yea it was a bit of drive for me as well.

 

[Wmich2008]

I just bought a 60 cube from Great lakes with black silicone and it looks really slick. Just make sure to double check all plumbing before you leave, I thought I checked and they forgot to put the nut on the bulkhead. I drove 2 hours until I noticed :headwally:

 

[jbraslins]

How long did it take from ordering to when you will get it next week?

Ordered on Dec 26th. Was told it would ship 1st or 2nd week of February. Talked to them Feb 1st, they confirmed it will ship between Feb 11th and 15th.

 

[sweet ride]

I have clear on my current tank and I love it, system has been running for about 3 years now and the silicone is just as clear and clean as when i fist got it.

on a side note I also love the look of the black silicone on the elos tank!

 

[acabgd]

I am not going rimless, I like the waves from my tunze's too much, and the two don't mix well. :lmao: But I know what you mean about the super clean look.

I have Tunzes as well (connected to a 7096 controller) and a braceless and rimless tank out of 10mm Starphire glass. No problems there. Black silicone.