Aquarium Adhesive
Aquarium Silicone Applications; Which Type of Silicone Should be Used
SILCONE BASICS:
Silicone rubber is a unique synthetic elastomer made from a cross-linked polymer which is reinforced with silica. Its characteristics are such that it provides a balance of mechanical and chemical properties useful for bonding glass aquariums (not acrylic).
The basic formula is: Me3SiO(SiMe2O)nSiMe3
RTV Silicones are the silicones commonly used for glass construction and is often sold in Home Improvement and Pet Stores (or online)
RTV Silicones consist of polydialkylsiloxane with terminal hydroxyl groups (groups made up of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom connected by a covalent bond), which are reacted with organosilicon (chemical compounds containing carbon silicon bonds) cross-linking agents. This operation is carried out in a moisture-free environment and results in the formation of a tetrafunctional structure (A chemical structure that possesses four highly reactive sites). Curing takes place when materials are exposed to moisture. Atmospheric moisture is sufficient to trigger the reaction, and thickness should be limited if only one side is exposed to the moisture source. Curing is also relatively slow, reliant on moisture ingress into the polymer which produces Acetic Acid vapors.
Different formulas and (combined with temperature and outside humidity) will affect cure time. Dow Corning and GE have proprietary formulas that cure at an even slow rate as compared to some cheaper formulas, especially used in construction where this is not an important factor.
100% RTV Silicone Rubber Sealant produces a flexible, durable weather resistant seal between similar and dissimilar materials; RTV Silicone provides excellent adhesion to tile, glass, porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, non-oily woods, plaster, painted surfaces, metal, many plastics, and rubber. It will withstand temperature extremes from -60°F. to +450°F. and is waterproof for freshwater or saltwater use.
You will note that plastic (which is made from oil) is not mentioned. RTV silicone is not useful for bonding acrylic aquariums and the oils within acrylic will eventually cause peeling away (lack of adhesion).
AQUARIUM APPLICATIONS:
RTV Silicones are useful in the construction of glass aquariums and sealing the joints in DIY wooden aquariums. Silicone is NOT useful for acrylic aquariums as it will peel away over time due to the inherent oils in plastics.
Not all silicone formulas are the same, as stated earlier, Dow Corning and GE produce a RTV silicone that cures at an even and slow rate necessary for aquariums. Why is this important? Too fast a cure will not allow proper surface adhesion especially in important seams. It is also hard to work with in building aquariums and the person needs to work very quickly (usually too quickly) for proper aquarium construction.
Also you want to purchase pure 100% RTV Silicone as many (including ones produced by Dow Corning) have other ingredients for different applications such as fiberglass.
A good example of a silicone you do NOT want to purchase is Dow Corning Marine Sealant which I have actually seen recommended for aquariums! This product is great for fiberglass hulls of boats however it lacks the proper strength for aquariums due to added ingredients that allow for adhesion to plastic.
SUMMARY:
Can you easily purchase the proper silicone at a Home Improvement Store? The answer is yes, just do not purchase anything other than 100% Pure Silicone (color does not matter) and I strongly recommend brand loyalty has there are good reasons behind GE and Dow Corning patents. To be safe, if you are unsure of the silicone you are buying, don not try and save a few bucks at the local hardware store when your local Pet Store or Aquarium Store have the correct product for maybe a few dollars more (unless an exploding aquarium in the middle of the night is your idea of excitement)
For my full article (including pictures):
CORRECT AQUARIUM SILICONE APPLICATIONS (What Silicone to use and what not to use)-
About the Author
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://aquarium-info.blogspot.com/2006/06/aquarium-information.html
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Round Aquarium Fish Tank Thermometer with Adhesive Back $3.97 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $2.89 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $2.89 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $2.89 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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12 TUBES SILICONES UNLIMITED 10.3 oz Aquarium Silicone Adhesive Sealant 5005 $60.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.99 |
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Holdfast Gray Epoxy Reef Aquarium Rock/Coral Adhesive 2 $17.95 |
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Holdfast Gray Epoxy Reef Aquarium Rock/Coral Adhesive $10.95 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $2.89 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $4.05 |
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Scott #3317-20 33-Cent Saltwater Aquarium Fish Self-Adhesive Strip – MNH $2.95 |
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2-U.S. FULL SELF ADHESIVE STAMP SHEETS # 3317-20 , AQUARIUM FISH (1999) $14.50 |
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Aquarium Background Mounting Adhesive Solution Seaview $8.50 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $2.89 |
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NEW Aquarium Sealant Dap Each Silicone Adhesive 00688 070798006881 $12.52 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $2.89 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.99 |
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New Liquid Crystal Aquarium Fish Tank Thermometer Strip self adhesive glass $3.00 |
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Round Aquarium Fish Tank Thermometer with Adhesive Back $3.77 |
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Round Aquarium Fish Tank Thermometer with Adhesive Back $4.06 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $4.07 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Round Aquarium Fish Tank Thermometer with Adhesive Back $7.36 |
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SILICONES UNLIMITED 10.3 oz Aquarium Silicone Adhesive Sealant 5005 $5.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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ADHESIVE SEALENT TUBE SILICONE RUBBER AQUARIUM FISH TANK GLASS FILLER BRAND NEW $5.29 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $4.22 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Dual Scale F/C Fish Tank Aquarium Flat Water Adhesive Thermometer Sticker New $2.79 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $3.96 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Stick on Self Adhesive Temperature Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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All Glass Aquarium Part Adhesive Handle $14.08 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $3.66 |
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For Fish Round Aquarium Thermometer with Adhesive $3.64 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Stick on Sticky Adhesive Temperature Thermometer $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Adhesive Stick on Thermometer °F/°C $1.00 |
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Dap 08641 Dow Corning Clear Silicone Sealant 10.1-Ounce $3.29 Dap 08641 10.1 fl oz; clear 100% silicone [PRICE is per TUBE]… |
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Loctite 908570 ,2.7-Ounce Tube Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant $2.75 3 oz. Silicone is the most universal means of sealing common household joints and cracks that are subject to direct water contact. This indoor/outdoor formula withstands temperature extremes and adheres to a wide variety of materials. It is also pH neutral for use in aquariums. Use it to bond and seal sinks, tubs, plumbing fixtures, windows, and siding…. |
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Dap 00688 Household Waterproof Adhesive Sealant, 100% Silicone, 2.8-Ounce Tube $3.25 Dap 00688 2.8 fl oz; clear [PRICE is per TUBE]… |
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Two Little Fishies Aquastik Aquastik 2Oz Grey… |
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HK Wireless Sensor Indoor Digital Large LCD Screen Aquarium Ambient thermometer Fish Tank Water Temperature KT-902 $7.39 Product feature BRAND NEW in original packing. For Salt Water / Marine Aquariums. Easy to use. Measure both water and indoor temperature. Large LCD display simultaneously showing aquarium & ambient temperature. Selectable temperature unit: ? or ?. With adhesive tape at back side for easy fixing on aquarium tank. Sensor at the back of the thermometer to measure water temperature from glass. Therefo… |
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RoomMates RMK1004BCS Under the Sea Peel and Stick Wall Border $7.71 Explore the wonders of the sea with this realistically-rendered and extremely colorful sea-life peel and stick border. Great for kids bedrooms but also fun for family bathrooms and educational for classrooms. You’ll almost want to get your scuba gear to look at these brightly-colored fish and dolphins. Check out the coordinated set of Under the Sea wall stickers for total immersion.¶¶Please note… |
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Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone- 3-Ounce $2.23 Permatex. General purpose, RTV indoor outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends, and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weatherstripping, and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surf… |
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Permatex 80855 #66 Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 11 oz. Cartridge $9.56 May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible…. |
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HDE® 2 x White LED Automotive light 2W $7.95 These adhesive LED lights wire directly into any pre-existing 12v power system. They are perfect for any automotive or underwater application. Their adhesive backing offers limitless possibilities as to where they can be mounted. Use them as back up or undercarriage lights…. |
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3M 08019 Clear Marine Grade Silicone Sealant Tube – 3 fl. oz. $7.49 Color – Clear. Remains flexible with excellent resistance to the marine environment. Adheres to bare and painted metal, fiberglass, glass, non-oily woods and many plastics and abraded rubbers. Ideal for head and galley sealing applications. Also excellent gasket adhesive and formed-in-place gasket material…. |