Buying a old tank

[Hank82]

GE #1 is the standard. Other brands work if they don't have anti-bacterial additives. GE #2 does have them. #1 does not.

Microscopic cleanliness is the key to a good bond, and don't move anything until it cures up solid.

High humidity = faster cure.

Wait so which one do I want?
GE #1 or #2? And is GE the brand?

 

[Ulu]

GE Silicone-I is the official name.
General Electric sells it thru Lowes, Ace, Home Depot etc.

Don't use Silicone-II

 

[Ulu]

This one. The tube design recently changed a little but it says Silicone 1.

 

[Lepisosteus]

“The standard is a stretch”. The standard for tank building is SCS1200 or momentive RTV100. Both of which are far superior to all other silicones (check MSDS sheets for numbers). For resealing a tank any 100% silicone with no mold or mildew inhibitors will do fine. A lot of them say “aquarium safe” on them as well. I used to use a fair bit of the home hardware brand aquarium safe silicone. 3 tubes for $7.95. Resealing a tank isn’t much. Lots of razors, bit of acetone or rubbing alcohol, painters tape and a lot of hand cramps

 

[Ulu]

LOL . . .well then let's say it's my standard.

It works fine & I've never used any other, because of availability.

 

[Hank82]

Should I also be adding some silicone to the sides as well for additional support since the seller filled the tank for couple of months without the brace?

And for the actual supports is it basically a “T” weld that I am doing?

 

[Hank82]

Sides meaning the tank sides, not braces

 

[Ulu]

If it holds water, I wouldn't add anything now but the brace. It lies flat, just under the lids, and you want a nice fit to the front and back.

New silicone won't stick well to old, so I wouldn't add any to the inside unless you scrape all the old silicone out and decontaminate with methanol or similar. It's a long process on a big tank, and you can screw it up.

 

[Hank82]

When should I be resealing a tank?
Any pictures will greatly help.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Should I also be adding some silicone to the sides as well for additional support since the seller filled the tank for couple of months without the brace?

And for the actual supports is it basically a “T” weld that I am doing?

When should I be resealing a tank?
Any pictures will greatly help.

If any silicone is actually missing or a lot is peeling off from the seams. Or if the tank is leaking from the seams.

If you can run your finger along the seams and the silicone stays in its place, and the tank doesnt leak, it is passable at least.