Messed up on Silicon

[abhisamuel]

Hey guys i set up my 30 gallon sump but used the wrong silicon in the sump. it avoids mould - but is 100% silicon.
GE ii 100% silicon for showers.
Can i cure the tank without having to change the complete sump and all the equipment?
please help.

 

[michaelkelley]

I do not think that you can cure the tank, but I am not sure about this as I have never tried this for me, just heard somewhere and they might be wrong.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by abhisamuel http:///t/396192/messed-up-on-silicon#post_3529402
Hey guys i set up my 30 gallon sump but used the wrong silicon in the sump. it avoids mould - but is 100% silicon.
GE ii 100% silicon for showers.
Can i cure the tank without having to change the complete sump and all the equipment?
please help.
If it's 100% silicone, how can they say it has any inhibitors to prevent mold? I would go read the ingredients on a fish safe tube of silicone, and compare it to what you used, if it's the same then you know for sure you can use it. (just take your tube of silicone to the pet store, and compare the labels)

 

[eric b 125]

I hate to say it but I would suggest you re-do the sump. It just isn't worth screwing the tank up over a $3 tube of silicone.

 

[2quills]

Last time I checked GE II wasn't made for showers. All 100% silicones are mildew risistant. Some of the kitchen and bath silicones have some extra anti microbial properties in them to help prevent mildew build up on the surface. But people have been using GE II for years without issue. The ones who seem to run into issues are those who rush the curring process which can tripple or quadrupal the time it takes to cure depending on how thick it's applied.
Give it at least a week and you should be good.

 

[abhisamuel]

I added the sump around 4 days after and my fish and shrimp died since then.
Can i just dry it off now and re use it instead of changing the whole sump?
Appreciate everyone's help.

 

[2quills]

Oh yeah, that's not the GE II for windows and doors (commonly used on baffles), that's the stuff for kitchens and bath's. Definitely re-do it. Not worth having any future headaches over. And if you are having to glob it on there heavy then definitely wait about a week although some would recommend waiting 2 weeks when using a neutral curing silicone like GE II for windows and doors. The RVT silicone's that are typically used for actual aquarium manufacturing utilize acids (vinegar smell) to cure a little quicker under most conditions But these too can leach into the tank if they are put into use on a live system too soon. I'm sure it's all relative to concentrations for each individual situation.

 

[abhisamuel]

thanks a lot for the help 2quills, i guess i'll just buy a ready made sump. been through too much hassle for this thing. i dont want to take any more chances now. started making my own salt water