Equipment Review and Discussion :: GE Silicone 1

[Rafa2k]

For those of us out there that like all the DIY projects, here is a quick heads up/warning.

When re-sealing or building a new aquarium, NEVER use GE Silicone II as it has an additive to help prevent mold and this is poisonous to our little creatures. It is recommended that you use GE Silicone 1 because it is 100% silicone and does not contain any additives. However, be careful on which GE Silicone 1 you use. There are apparently 2 different versions and both look almost identical and both say 100% silicone.

-Use the GE Silicone 1 for Windows and Doors - this one has no additives
-DO NOT use GE Silicone 1 for Windows, Doors, Basements, and Attics - this one does have the anti mold additive even though it doesn't state it on the tube

Sadly, I learned this the hard way. After my test fish kept dying in my newly rebuilt 90g tank, I started to research the GE Silicone 1 that everyone recommends. I did not realize there were 2 versions of the Silicone 1 and a few fishies paid the price for my mistake. Looking at the MSDS for both I realized the difference.

I hope this helps.

[steve]

Good advice. If it also says for kitchens or bathrooms, that's another warning. I've also heard that any silicone intended specifically for outdoor use should also be avoided. When I researched into tank resealing, I was hung up between aquarium silicone and GE silicone I. In the end, I figured it wasn't worth the hassle and just got the aquarium stuff.

[VeipaCray]

Better yet is to just buy a tube of aquarium silicone from the pet store packaged by the aquarium manufacturers. It is a few dollars more per tube but the piece of mind is worth the additional cost.

[Rafa2k]

update: I just HAD to know, so I did a test.

I used some of the remaining GE Silicone I for W, D, A, & B on a plastic travel aquarium. Let it cure for a few days and poured some of the cycled water from my main tank into this travel tank. Added 1 Rosy Red Minnow, and after a few hours of it swimming around I realized what my original mistake was.

Originally, I used this same silicone but, *insert noob mistake here*, I did not cycle the water first. I just filled up the tank after leak testing it and added some minnows a couple hours later. I believe the chlorine content is what killed the fish, not the silicone.

Sorry everyone for misleading, but at least now we know for sure

[ignites]

update: I just HAD to know, so I did a test.

I used some of the remaining GE Silicone I for W, D, A, & B on a plastic travel aquarium. Let it cure for a few days and poured some of the cycled water from my main tank into this travel tank. Added 1 Rosy Red Minnow, and after a few hours of it swimming around I realized what my original mistake was.

Originally, I used this same silicone but, *insert noob mistake here*, I did not cycle the water first. I just filled up the tank after leak testing it and added some minnows a couple hours later. I believe the chlorine content is what killed the fish, not the silicone.

Sorry everyone for misleading, but at least now we know for sure

From my experiencing rosy red minnows are pretty immune to chlorine and pretty hardy (ive had them for years, I use to buy them in batches/keep them around for a few month in their own tank desperate from turtles till feeding time). I use to do their water change straght from the tap. The only thing was too cold water does kill them and my turtles get really happy cause they get a feast of dead fishes lol

[Rafa2k]

but 90 gallons of water is a lot of chlorine.