GE Silicone 1 Door/Window vs GE Silicone 2 Door/Window

[Red_Belly_Pacu]

Which one is safe for aquariums, GE silicone 1 or 2? I am hearing a lot of conflicting information since GE does not recommend it for aquarium use. I know it has to be the door and window type and 100 percent silicone.

I know I can buy the aquarium silicone at a LFS but I am exploring less costly options at this time.

 

[Deaths Sting]

GE 1

 

[packer43064]

^^^^
Agreed. The "II" has Bioseal. Don't even hassle with with it when you can but the "I" which doesn't have this for the same price.

 

[bud]

I use GE 1 and give it 24hr dry time before adding water with no troubles

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

I use the #1. I have 3 tanks in my house I resealed with it. If you build a tank or replace a panal I would wait at least a week before water testing. On a simple reseal wait 48 hours. Better to wait a little extra time than to rush it and have it leak a few days after filling.

 

[Toby_H]

You can check the label and find that GE I adheres to glass better than GE II...

The "Kitchen and Bath" versions of most silicones contain an ammonia based anti mold/mildew agent. The "Bioseal" in GE II is not ammonia based and is nothing like the "Kitchen and Bath" agent.

GE I & GE II use different curing agents. The curing agent in GEI is more harmful to humans when inhaled. It's not a big deal for hobbyists who use it on occasion, but it is a big deal to those who work with silicone professionally on a daily basis.

For this reason they made GE II, which is less harmful humans during the curing process. Both are "safe for potable use" as well as aquarium use once fully cured. There is a chemical in the GE II that is known to cause infertiability problems but GE II only contains trace elements and is not suspected to be an issue.

There is a very very comprehensive thread on this topic at www.dendroboard.com (Poison Dart Frog Forums) in their Construction folder.

 

[Red_Belly_Pacu]

 

[Newfe]

Heres what I use. I got it at Home Hardware, 3 tubes for $ 10.

 

[BadOleRoss]

GE1..............

 

[Clay]

GE1..............

Red Belly Pacu, I believe this is why you bumped this and put the popcorn emote... I am also wondering how this will turn out. Here goes:

GE specifically says that their consumer grade silicone is not purposed for aquarium use. This includes GE 1, GE 2, and every other one you see in the aisle. They go so far as to say "NOT FOR: aquariums."