Silicone Problem

[downhillbiker]

After doing a little research GE Silicone 1 is recommended by many. Most people suggested anything that is 100% silicone and had no anti-mold characteristics, but GE Silicone 1 came up more than others as the recommended silicone.

So I went and bought some, fixed up my whole sump baffling with it. Then was reading the label to see how long it takes to dry and it said not to use on aquariums.

Here is the exact wording:
Not for surfaces that will exceed 400 degrees F, conditions where FDA compliance is necessary, or aquariums.

Is this because it isn't reef safe, or because they dont want to be liable for it being strong enough to hold an aquarium together. It says 100% silicone, and unlike other silicones I looked at today, it mentions nothing of preventing mold or mildew. Says "Standard Waterproof Caulk"

 

[Bambalam]

I think that's just GE's way of avoiding liability cases from aquarists.

 

[Nazrac]

many have used it including me with no problems. Thats what I used to put my overflows in with and nothing is dead yet. Did this about a year ago.

 

[scaryperson27]

This could be because GE sells blank tubes to AGA. GE cannot legally sell silicone for aquariums with their name on it. As long as it isn't paintable, is 100% silicone, smells kind of like vinegar when applying, doesn't have an anti mold, you should be good.

 

[downhillbiker]

So is the 24 hour cure time enough? One of the sites I used for research recommended 7-10 days, that seems like overkill.

 

[scaryperson27]

I usually wait until you stop smelling the Vinegar. That, and feeling the Silicone to see if it feels cured.

GlassCages recomends something like thirty days after the tank has been made.

 

[Nazrac]

i waited longer but i was building my stand so that took awhile I would wait at least 48 imho but yeah good and dry and no smell. Also depends on how thick it is.

 

[downhillbiker]

its pretty thick, i didnt want it going anywhere, that said, the tank isn't setup with anything live. it doesn't really smell now and it has only been about 12 hours. 24 good, or is the center still toxic?

 

[dave2184]

they dont want to be liable for it being strong enough to hold an aquarium together

Preaty much this, and I wait about 2-3 days.

 

[lmsmith]

Acetic cure (thats the one with the vinegar smell) silicone takes about 12 hrs per millimeter in room temp conditions with air flow to cure. It will actually hold water after about 1/2 hr in my experience, but it will last much longer if you let it cure properly - so 2 - 3 days for your average tank.

 

[downhillbiker]

sounds good lmsmith. i siliconed both sides of each baffle, so i would say its pretty thick. i guess i will leave it about 3 days. i guess adding a small fan to the sump would help.