Where can I find black silicon?

[raskal311]

where can I find black silicon? I know home depot has some but I'd like to get the stuff for building a glass tank.

 

[d1hotblaze]

i have some....i bought mine from tongs i think

 

[omeg]

They have them at home depot.

 

[omeg]

okay I saw the second part of your post: you can use any silicon to build the tank as long as it's 100% and doesn't contain the microban and/or antimold agents. Look for silicon I or silicon II from GE for example at home depot.

 

[raskal311]

great thanks, I'm going to call the lfs near my house to see if they can get me some from leemar. If not I'll go with the stuff from GE.

 

[omeg]

If it's a big tank, it's gonna cost you an arm and a leg from leemar. I got a caulk tube from HD for about 5 bucks, which is enough for a 20 gal (with a little big left over).

 

[raskal311]

I'll be building a 48" cube, depending on cost I may just go with acrylic. BTW when you put the tank together in what order did you silicon the panels?

 

[bassnman11]

You can get black in large tubes from Big Als. Caulking gun type.

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7251554#post7251554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raskal311
I'll be building a 48" cube, depending on cost I may just go with acrylic. BTW when you put the tank together in what order did you silicon the panels?

I used to be tank builder, I don't recommend you to build it. Not worth for the crash.

 

[d0cdave]

Get a wetsuit and a snorkel!

 

[raskal311]

crash or cost or cash? this isn't a show tank its a prop tank. I woudn't try to build any glass tank that would go in my house. But for something in the garage I don't mind trying.

 

[raskal311]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7252478#post7252478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by d0cdave
Get a wetsuit and a snorkel!

nah... the plan is to only build it 12-14" tall.

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

I said "crash" not cash. You can try for the 10g first to see what happen

 

[raskal311]

ohh please explain... is it that hard to put one together? I've built a few out of acrylic and so far seems to be very easy.

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

For acrylic, the weldon will dry very fast, but the silicon won't. You need to build the frame, top and bottom. I am not kidding.

 

[raskal311]

Do you mean the molding? If I build it like a leemar tank would I still need it? I've seen people use tape to keep the tank together before the silicon drys, wouldn't that work? I'll also be using 90degree clamps to keep the walls in place. btw I already have plastic molding that is 48" I could use if its needed.

Ohh and have you built a large tank before? When I order the panels should I compensate for the silicon? If so by how much? 1/8ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚, 1/16?

 

[omeg]

I've lay down bottom, then back then 2 sides then front.

silicone will take 24 - 48 hrs to cure. The glass must be cut very straight else the silicone joint will be weak in some areas. I bought the glass pre-cut from a glass shop.

Once you're done remember to fill it up and let it sit for a day or two with your equipment in it running. If you have a leak, it's gonna be a pita.

IMO, it's easier to buy a tank unless you need a specific shape. Costs about the same minus the work and wait and the second guessing if it'll hold up or not.

 

[818]

DUDE!!!! DO NOT USE SILICONE FOR ACRYLIC!!!!!! I learned the hard way.....I tried to build a frag tank cube bought 5 1/4 sheets of acrylic and braced all 4 corners with triangle reinforcments with WIndow and Door Silicone, that thing fell apart with about 45g of SW. If its glass Id go for it!!!!!

Best bet is to go with WELDON.

But If I were to try this again Id try and do a 10g instead.

 

[Bebo77]

lol re-read the 1st post sam....

 

[818]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7251554#post7251554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raskal311
I'll be building a 48" cube, depending on cost I may just go with acrylic. BTW when you put the tank together in what order did you silicon the panels?

Giving him a heads up