Black Silicone vs. Clear Silicone in custom Rimless??

[cthedaytrader]

I am thinking about upgrading to a custom rimless and have the option of clear or black silicone, and can't decide.

I am sure the poll will lead to black silicone winning based on appearance, but I would also like to hear from people that have used each and how they feel long term.

Such as the strength of black vs. clear, I have read contrasting threads as to which is stronger.

I have read black can discolor, and turn yellow or brown, while clear will discolor over time and show coraline algae growth.

I also have read that long term a nice black bead can become jagged from cleanings, which is more noticable than clear silicone.

So I would like to hear how happy people are with their choice over time.

Thanks!!

 

[Galantra]

I always had clear silicone on my past tanks but going with black provides more of a diffrent look

 

[FishyBiz]

I have a rimless with black silicone and like it a lot.
That being said the next one I get will be clear. To me..... the reason we go rimless is to make the illusion that the water is almost suspended or as if there is no glass holding it back. The black silicone creates a hard line that draws the eyes attention to it.
Does that make sense to anyone? :wave:

 

[GQuinn]

To me..... the reason we go rimless is to make the illusion that the water is almost suspended or as if there is no glass holding it back. The black silicone creates a hard line that draws the eyes attention to it.

+1
I like clear on rimless tanks.

Gary

 

[nikon187]

But you can see algae buildup on the silicone with clear and black hides this.

 

[cet98]

To me..... the reason we go rimless is to make the illusion that the water is almost suspended or as if there is no glass holding it back. The black silicone creates a hard line that draws the eyes attention to it.

+1
I like clear on rimless tanks.

Gary

+10 Clear is the way for rimless...
Only tanks with black that look good to me are the Elos because the silicone lines are so thin...

 

[Av8bluewater]

I voted clear but I haven't seen either in person. As long as the clear stays clean. It does seem like black would be better if the clear is going to look nasty after a while.
I've been trying to make the same decision and am still undecided.

 

[cthedaytrader]

It's a dead heat so far 9 to 9 lol Is Black falling out of favor?

Does anyone have a clear rimless or black silcone rimless for a while that can commnent on how each looks long term?

 

[feel-os25at]

Hello,
All my aquaiums are made of black silicon, ultra violet rays penetrate less in the silicone
I think ????

 

[uhuru]

Clear is nice if the silicone is only used between the glass joints and not smeared along each side.

like this:

 

[acropora nut]

+ 1 for the Black

 

[cthedaytrader]

Clear is nice if the silicone is only used between the glass joints and not smeared along each side.

like this:

Can they build rimless with that little silicone? I would think that wouldnt be strong enough. Although it would look nice.

 

[Johnny C]

I had black on my Miracles tank and clear on my Oceanic rimless... it's a tough choice but IMO I like the clear more.

 

[uhuru]

Can they build rimless with that little silicone? I would think that wouldnt be strong enough. Although it would look nice.

Yes, Elos and ADA build their tanks this way and they are top of the line in the industry.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

I just built a 30 inch square cube. I like clear as I have a single rock structure centered that I believe black would act as a distraction to my center focal point(the rocks). But then again its all preference.

My glass silicone job is really messy. I wonder if that picture of the nice silicone job is safe? You know considering it has less sealent than the usual messy silicone job. Sand might act as sandpaper and reduce the thickness?

 

[uhuru]

I had black on my Miracles tank and clear on my Oceanic rimless... it's a tough choice but IMO I like the clear more.

Agreed. I have an Elos (black silicone) and ADA (clear) and I like the clear a little better, but wouldn't turn away from either one.

 

[Crowed]

Reef tank with clear silicone is 'weaker' than one with black.
In theory, same kind of clear silicone will always outperformed black because it dont have colors in it, so it will be more 'sticky'. But, in marine aquariums we have coralline what like to grow on glass, and, with time, will also start to grow under silicone. and, when we use black silicone, light cannot penetrate trough him so coralline algae cannot grow under it, at least, not so deep. So, in ours hobby, aquarium with black silicone is stronger than one with clear.

 

[Navyblue]

Does coralline grow under silicone that is bonded to the glass? I always have clear silicone and corallines going crazy on glass but I have never have them do that.

 

[cthedaytrader]

I know I have a standard AGA now with clear silicone, and it is opaque not really clear, I wouldnt say it is covered in algae but it definetly can't be cleaned.

and I thought ELOS uses black silicone whith a bit of stripe, not just between the glass.

 

[uhuru]

Does coralline grow under silicone that is bonded to the glass? I always have clear silicone and corallines going crazy on glass but I have never have them do that.

It doesn't sound possible unless the silicone is already weak and water is leaking into it. A well built tank should never have this problem.