I need to reseal a large tank and it has been a while since i have had to buy silicone. What are the recommended silicones to use now? Thank you
Silicone
- Thread starter Charney
- Start date
Two that I like are:
--GE SCS-1200 Construction Grade for large tank construction or resealing
--ASI Aquarium Sealant for tank construction or resealing under 24" tall
--GE SCS-1200 Construction Grade for large tank construction or resealing
--ASI Aquarium Sealant for tank construction or resealing under 24" tall
Hmmm! I'm sure there is a formula to estimate how many running feet of coverage you get, but I'm not sure. My reflex answer is, "more than you think you'll need". I'd rather have a tube left over than run and ounce short. I resealed a 150, 72"x20"x24" and I think it took three 10 oz tubes.
One word of caution. If you use the SCS-1200, it is super strong, but cures faster than you other silicones. Have every thing set up and ready to go, then get at it, smoothing the seam every so often as you go. Otherwise it may get too stiff to work out.
One word of caution. If you use the SCS-1200, it is super strong, but cures faster than you other silicones. Have every thing set up and ready to go, then get at it, smoothing the seam every so often as you go. Otherwise it may get too stiff to work out.
Scs1200 is an adhesive silicone, acetyl cure, extremely strong, very quick set. While it is no doubt a great choice for large glass tank construction it may not be the ideal choice for a novice to reseal a large tank.
For a reseal job, the tensile strength of the silicone may be the least important quality. You want a sealant that you will be able to work into every micro-nook and cranny of the seam--and not have to hurry doing it. Opt for a much more workable silicone sealant like GE silicone 1, DOW 732, 995, 999, or 795, momentive 103 or 108, or the ASI option above which I believe is just a rebranded version of one of those. Ive also been seeing a new brand called kraken that is guaranteed for use on aquariums that looks promising, but I haven't tried yet.
Most important thing with the reseal is that you completely remove every trace, smudge, sliver of old silicone before you lay in the new bead. It's amazing how one small spot of weak adhesion ruins an entire reseal job.
For a reseal job, the tensile strength of the silicone may be the least important quality. You want a sealant that you will be able to work into every micro-nook and cranny of the seam--and not have to hurry doing it. Opt for a much more workable silicone sealant like GE silicone 1, DOW 732, 995, 999, or 795, momentive 103 or 108, or the ASI option above which I believe is just a rebranded version of one of those. Ive also been seeing a new brand called kraken that is guaranteed for use on aquariums that looks promising, but I haven't tried yet.
Most important thing with the reseal is that you completely remove every trace, smudge, sliver of old silicone before you lay in the new bead. It's amazing how one small spot of weak adhesion ruins an entire reseal job.
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I recently resealed an 800g tank and used SCS1200. I couldn't recommend the product for my application and part of that has to do w/ curing time. My tank is roughly 120" x 48" x 32" IIRC and that equates to just shy of 40' of caulk. SCS1200 cures too quickly for that size job so once you've finished and go to remove your masking the caulk will have already begun to cure. That means that as you pull the masking away the caulk pulls away to some degree along w/ the tape. It doesn't happen everywhere but where it does happen you won't likely be able to tell.
It also has a very strong chemical burn sensation during the application process. If you're going to be stuck in the confines of a large tank w/ very little air circulation you're definitely going to dislike SCS1200 for multiple reasons.
It also has a very strong chemical burn sensation during the application process. If you're going to be stuck in the confines of a large tank w/ very little air circulation you're definitely going to dislike SCS1200 for multiple reasons.
thank you for the input. I am not truly using it as a reseal. I have to 12 x 4.5 x4 fiberglass tanks on the way. They are coming in panels and have a gasket which makes it water tight. I think as a n extra protection I am going to silcone the seams. I know silicone doesn't love acrlyci but I dont think it should matter here as it is not holding the tank together. just acting as an additional layer of protection. i will use one of the ones that does not cure as quickly
