WARNING: GE Silicone I and II probably no longer safe due to added mildew inhibitor

[deranged chipmunk]

i spent an hour reading labels on ge silicone today at home depot (Mrs. Chipmunk was less than thrilled over this), and could not find one thing that mentioned mildew inhibitors on the label. and yes, i know, they aren't going to advertise that, but then i went over the links in the original post. this is not an amphibian issue, but a REEF TANK issue. i found this quote within the thread that was linked in the first thread.

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve The mildew inhibitors are petroleum distillates. The only thing that will remove them is aspiration by a skimmer (basically "undissolving" them) and big water changes. They don't stick to carbon. The silicone may also be leaching ammonia if it didn't cure long enough. Add an ammonia absorbing pad. . GE didn't even list the petroleum distillates in their MSDS until recently as they were a trade secret.

so, after doing some research and talking to a few reefers who i know and respect a LOT, i have come to the conclusion that for a vivarium, ge silicone is indeed safe. now, if you are one of those people who wants to run an paludarium with an overkill protein skimmer in it, then i would only use aquarium sealant. also, if you are adding silicone to a waterfall, i would avoid it also, since the splashing of water somewhat duplicates a protein skimmer (but this is an extreme case).

as far as canadians and titebond 3, elmer's makes a waterproof wood glue that is almost identical to titebond 3.

[canadian frog]

wow bill, ive spent countless hours at lowes, home depot, bmr and home hardware (last 2 are Canadian hardware stores) looking and reading countless numbers of silicone tubes and glue bottles i'll try the elmers stuff, but for my waterfall aquarium silicon should be safe, thanks for the info back to viv construction, thanks again

[jarteta97]

I wouldn't go with silicone for a waterfall. Any sort of coco fiber etc. covering will eventually be washed off, and even if you aren't using a covering, the silicone would look dull and unappealing. I used Bill's suggestion of Drylok hydraulic cement tinted with acrylic paint. It won't wash off, and you can layer it dark to light for a more natural look. You can find more info about it, and other options from Bill in this thread:

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ion-101-a.html

[canadian frog]

im just looking at silicon to hold the slate rock in place them in covering in great stuff foam, any suggestions are great if you have a better idea im open to options, still in the very early stages of the build, my drawing has given me ideas but they keep changing as I run into small after thought problems, anybodys input would be great thanks josh

[deranged chipmunk]

start a thread on your build so we don't side track this one

[zimmerj]

This thread has me wanting to start my build over again.

Oh yeah, the Titebond, that dries clear?

[deranged chipmunk]

titebond dries yellow. but 2 part epoxy dries clear and it is completely inert after curing.

[canadian frog]

what brand of two part epoxy do you use

[deranged chipmunk]

I like loctite brand.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[zimmerj]

I was looking for a glue too and was recommended clear silicone. I'd rather use the glue.

[canadian frog]

any Loctite 2 part epoxy, or is there a specific one