silicon glue

[saltyguy]

Can I use 100% clear silicon on plastic buckets from Home Depot? I mean will it adhere to plastic? I want to make a seal so water doesn't come out. A bucket will be inside another bucket and I don't want the water to come in between.

 

[xanthurum]

I seriously dont think it will

 

[evolved]

No, it won't stick.

What exactly are you trying to achieve here? We might be able to offer an alternative solution.

 

[saltyguy]

Well I am building my own protien skimmer. I got alittle board with the hobby so I am making my own stand.sump.overflows and protien skimmer. For the skimmer I am useing 2 home depot buckets 1 as a tray (I cut it in half) they other as the bubble chamber. I am also using a 5gallon water jug. I cut the bottom off the jug and put the jug inside the bucket. I didn't want water to get out so I was going to seal it. I only want the jug for the top so I have decided to cut the top off then I wouldn't needyo worry about sealing it. You know what I mean Vern?

 

[brian cummings]

I believe that 5 gallon buckets are HDPE (high density polyethylene). That type of plastic is used for things like paint buckets, solvent containers, gas cans, etc, because it is chemically resistant. Most glues aren't going to bond to it. I know TAP makes a special structural glue for polyethylene, but you'd have to order it, and it involves heat "treating" (pretty simple with a propane torch) the plastic first. I have heard of other things that involve sandpapering and heating, I don't know how well they work, and what the local availability is of them. HDPE can be hot air welded (if you have the equipment).

 

[saltyguy]

That is good to know! I have thought it over and I don't think I will have to glue anything to the bucket now. I am going to cut off just the top of water jug because that's really all I need is that top part.