Is Silicone I from HD/Lowes safe for tank?

C

Curtis

I purchased a second hand tank, 150G.

When I went to fill it up to check, I noticed that the silicone between the back and the side was pretty sloppy. Looks like it had been repaired before.

I'm quite sure there is a slow leak near the bottom of the seam.

I want to redo the whole thing and clean it up.

Do I need to purchase the Aquatic Sealant that the LFS sell?
Or is the large tube of Silicone I from the home repair shop safe? (the stuff without the antifungal additives)

I saw one post that made reference to a Marine Sealant. Is that superior to either of the options above?

Thanks
Curtis
 
Most of the silicone at HD won't work. If it's a little thing the lfs silicone will work... if you have a whole job, maybe post on RC about which to use.
 
it must me 100% silicone - and MUST NOT contain the microbial stuff that fights mold and mildew growth.

HTH

Kathy
 
the best that i understand it and what i have to use is clear ge silicone 1 for doors and windows without the bio junk in it. I have read many post of people using it and it was ok but i am no expert.
 
Get the GE Silicone I Window and Door Sealant in clear at Wally World. It will have a strong vinegar smell when uncured so apply it in a well ventilated area. Don't get a big lung full of fumes or you will choke for about a week. Don't ask me how I know that! :roll:
 
Oh and wear a ventilator if doing a large job such as a 150g. Trust me, it will burn your nose pretty badly. you can get a cheap ventilator for about $25. Also make sure you remove all old silicone as silicone doesn't bond well with old silicone.
 
Thanks all.

The last posters have confirmed what I read on RC.

I should have purchased the respirator before I redid my shower a few weeks ago. That was a brutal stink!

Curtis
 
After removing all of the VISIBLE silicone, wet your finger with rubbling alcohol and lightly feel the area you have removed. More than likely, you will feel more that needs to be removed. Acetone on a rag will scrub off most of the old residue. A tip for the fumes, do it outside if possible and rig up a fan to blow into the tank while you seal it. That really helps.
 
When resealing a tank have all your equipment all set. have an outdoor workarea and a ventilator. Even if there's 50 mph winds, it wont keep the fumes out of your lungs. All 3; Silicone sealant, alcohol and Acetone will tear up your lungs and throat for a week or so. Have single edge razor blades, masking tape (I prefer the wider purple because I'm sloppy) Latex gloves, a bucket of water, rags or durable paper towels and a trash bag. You will also need about 10 hours of dry weather for the silicone to properly cure, though I recommend at least 72 hours.
I've resealed several tanks and after the 1st one, I made sure I had a respirator. The 4th tank I resealed was a fast job and it caused a seem to fail. Take your time and do it right. Silicone is less 15 bucks a tube anywhere you buy it, replacing a floor and livestock loss is MUCH more expensive.
 
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