Ok here's the story (short version). I bought a 170 gallon glass fish tank that needed the front and side panel replaced. So I replaced them. I wound up having to take it apart after I just glued in the new peaces, because the silicone in the seam was separating from the new glass as the water level rose. The new glass broke in the process. I was told the separation might have been caused by a thin invisible film of silicone that may have still been present during the instal. Now I'm going to replace them again. I was wondering if, I roughed up the sealing surface with some light sand paper, would the new silicone stick well enough the bond good... I don't want to have to take this thing apart again! I also need to know what type of silicone should I use for this project? I've asked alot of people about the silicone to use and no one can give me a straight answer! What should I use? I've heard ge rtv 108 is good to use. I am not resealing this tank! I am replacing the front and side glass panels, so I need some good strong silicone! The tank measures 72"Lx18"Wx30"T. This is a tall tank! What about some auto glass urethane? That stuff is super sting and made to bond resly well to glass! I could glue the panels in with that, and then seal it off with a good aquarium safe silicone, so there is no chance of poisoning my fish. What do you think?
Will silicone stick well to scuffed up glass?
- Thread starter pushrod
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I have heard good things about rtv108 but have never used it myself. Someone on here was recently complaining that it was too strong and they were having to break pieces of a sump to get them loose. Sounds like a pretty good endorsement to me. You might also call a company like glass cages and see what they use for their tanks. As far as the glass, you don't need to rough it up, you need to clean it real good. Use vinegar and water to clean the glass, a good razor blade or three.
I recently buillt a 72x30x30 tank and since I work at a commercial glass shop I was able to talk to an engineer at GE Silicones. He recommened using SCS1200 construction silicone, which I did use. He also recommeded using acetone to clean the area that will be joined together. I screwed up my first attempt at putting the tank together and had to razor blade the silicone off (not very much fun!). I lightly sanded the areas afterward just to be sure any residue was removed. I used acetone to clean the glass afterwards. If you do use acetone make sure to use a lint free cloth and whipe the area after cleaning with a dry lint free cloth to remove any residue the acetone may have left after evaporating. So far this has worked for me, the tank has been running for about a month with no leaks and my jardini seems happy. I hope this helps.