silicone

[rerdragon1977]

hello all, i have an old tank which i am not ready to part with. It is not leaking water but was built in 1994. The seams are realtively good and i was wondering can i add another bead of silicone over and existing seam or do i need to cut it all apart. Simply speaking... does silicone bond with silicone?

[cturner]

New silicone will not bond with old silicone. Your best bet to reseal it to make it last even longer is to cut out the old silicone with razor blades and when you think your done go over a couple more times with new razor blades. I have always found small pieces left behind by the worn out razors. Prep your seems with rubbing alcohol and silicone away! Good luck

[Ed13]

Nope, new silicone all the way! Scrape with razor blade, finish cleaning with acetone, then prep with alcohol;)

[Discus-n00b]

And for the record, a $.50 guitar pick works wonders for spreading the new silicone making it a nice seam.

Kinda looks busted here as this was my first seam, but once you get the hang of it...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/clemmatt/silicone3.jpg

[Greg Richardson]

Matt. Good trick. I also use sponge corners.

[Harriett]

Question, guys: when you are talking reseealing, you are NOT talking edge seams between glass plates [sides, bottom] right? Just silicone seams on the interior edges and angles? If the tank isn't leaking then just reseal these surfaces?
Thanks,
Harriett

[Ed13]

Matt. Good trick. I also use sponge corners.
True. I use plastic/disposable spoons, preferably those extras given at fast food joints:D

[rerdragon1977]

thanks a bunch for the replies, i guess i have some work to do this week :) Probabbly going to be a big job i assume for a 90

[rerdragon1977]

a buddy says he used his guitar pics? well im off to do some work, rock on!

[Greg Richardson]

Harriet. Yes, that's what I do if the only problem is not between the panes.

[Harriett]

THanks Greg
Harriett

[brady]

What type of silicone? GE, Dap, ect.? I know there are some that's not for aquarium use.
Jay

[Clawhammer]

Make sure the silicone is aquarium safe and you let that silicone cure for a week. I would avoid DAP.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?127880-Help!-Dead-Discus&highlight=

[brady]

Make sure the silicone is aquarium safe and you let that silicone cure for a week. I would avoid DAP.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?127880-Help!-Dead-Discus&highlight=
Thanks for the reply, but none of the caulking tubes ,ie, GE say aquarium safe.
Do you or anyone out there know of a specific type, brand that is?
Jay

[LJSmith]

Look for Food Grade Silicone. Home Depot has it. Wait a week anyways.

[Lido]

When you seal your tank make sure you give it 7-10 days before you run water.. wash it well and then give it a few days running before you put fish in. Silicone, even aquarium safe, can be toxic to fish if not cured.

[brady]

Look for Food Grade Silicone. Home Depot has it. Wait a week anyways.

Thanks Lucas. Appreciate it.
Jay