Smelly Silicone

[a1.gaz]

I have recently put together a corner fish tank using black aquarium silicone. It's been 2weeks now since it was made and the smell from the silicone nearly knocks me out, it's so strong. Any idea if this smell will go once I fill with salt water and will it affect the fish?
Thanks in advance

 

[TigeBell]

What was the exact name of the silicon you used? There are a lot of types that range in curing time from 3 hours to 15 days.

 

[a1.gaz]

It's made by an English company called Hodgson Sealants. Is it safe to start to cycle the tank whilst it smells like that? Also because it's a 300 litre tank and I don't have an RO system is it ok to start the cycle using tap water?

 

[Mark426]

Normally.... if it smells...its NOT cured. I would wait. I also would contact the manufacturer and ask how long it takes to cure.

 

[scott3569]

would it be possible that the Op may have to redo the silicone due to bad batch, not reef safe ect.?? just kinda mentioning that even though it may sound like a pain might be the best thing you could do..that is if you have too..

 

[a1.gaz]

OH my god, just looked on the tube and it was out of date in 2012, could this be the reason it's still smelling? Is it not curing? If I wait long enough will it eventually go off cos I can't rebuild it it's took me weeks at work during dinner hours etc :-( :-( :-(

 

[nibor75]

It's made by an English company called Hodgson Sealants. Is it safe to start to cycle the tank whilst it smells like that? Also because it's a 300 litre tank and I don't have an RO system is it ok to start the cycle using tap water?

Which sealant, what is the product name on the tube?

I would wait for a source of pure water before starting the cycle.

 

[TigeBell]

i would wait for a source of pure water before starting the cycle.

+1

 

[uncleof6]

It's made by an English company called Hodgson Sealants. Is it safe to start to cycle the tank whilst it smells like that? Also because it's a 300 litre tank and I don't have an RO system is it ok to start the cycle using tap water?

If the silicone was expired it has NOT cured, and the tank is unsafe to use. The silicone will not cure at all. Do not water test the tank. Disassemble the tank, remove all the silicone, thoroughly clean the glass, and start over, using silicone that is not expired. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Tough pill to swallow, but it is the only way to correct the issue.

I know nothing about the sealant you used, however, you should be looking for Momentive RTV100 series silicones or SCS1200 series silicones. They are both industrial adhesives, and RTV100 series is mil-spec. Make sure you check the expiration dates BEFORE you use either of them. Miniimum cure time on them is two weeks.

 

[uncleof6]

would it be possible that the Op may have to redo the silicone due to bad batch, not reef safe ect.?? just kinda mentioning that even though it may sound like a pain might be the best thing you could do..that is if you have too..

Absolutely.

 

[uncleof6]

Normally.... if it smells...its NOT cured. I would wait. I also would contact the manufacturer and ask how long it takes to cure.

You are correct. However, in this case, the silicone is not going to cure. Expired silicone is a huge mess, and it all has to come out.

 

[scott3569]

wow, on one hand I am sort of sorry I brought it up, but on the other hand I am kinda glad I brought it up....If you lived close man I would help rebuild!!! I got time!

 

[EuroGTI]

Please don't fill that tank. It's not going to be pretty!! Expired silicone will not cure. It will be soft forever!!!
I bet the silicone is still soft and hasn't even begun to harden. Sorry for the bad news.

 

[a1.gaz]

Believe it or not I filled the tank outside to test it and it has been fine. The silicone feels rubbery and the bit hanging out the end of the tube has totally cured, I put a blade through it to test it, it just seems like the smell won't go away

 

[Mrramsey]

Your call man but its a bit like hanging from a cliff on a 10 year old rope. I'd rather take my chances on a new rope.

 

[TigeBell]

your call man but its a bit like hanging from a cliff on a 10 year old rope. I'd rather take my chances on a new rope.

+1

 

[Osteoicthyes]

The water may help to set it up. I regularly use acrylic water paint and mix it with silicone to make it cure in about 15 minutes.

 

[sleepydoc]

The water may help to set it up. I regularly use acrylic water paint and mix it with silicone to make it cure in about 15 minutes.

Depends, but probably not. The real question is what chemical changes occur in the silicone over time and how do they affect the curing and ultimate strength of the adhesive? That's something very few people know or are qualified to comment on. In general, the options are improved strength, equal strength and worse strength. Of these three, the third is the most likely case and not something I'd trust for my tank.

 

[Osteoicthyes]

Depends, but probably not. The real question is what chemical changes occur in the silicone over time and how do they affect the curing and ultimate strength of the adhesive? That's something very few people know or are qualified to comment on. In general, the options are improved strength, equal strength and worse strength. Of these three, the third is the most likely case and not something I'd trust for my tank.

That's why I said, may help......