Question regaurding DIY refuge

[mhenderson5581]

I have just completed a DIY refuge and I used an all purpose silicone from Wal-Mart. My two questions are, was this a bad choice. If so, what can I do to fix and what should I use to adheir the glass in place.

 

[sly]

Did the silicone advertise as "mildew resistant"? If so then you need to scrape it out and start over. Mildew resistant silicone will poison your tank. You should only use "aquarium grade" silicone. Even if the tube says "100% silicone", they are not the same. The difference is in how they cure. If the silicone is not "aquarium grade" then it will not cure properly under water and will release acid into the water as it cures. Sometimes it will never cure completely if left submerged. I can't really tell you if you are going to have problems or not...

 

[mhenderson5581]

okay, it did say mildew resistant. So will I have to change all the water in my tank since I have been running it for about a week now.

 

[sly]

I would highly recommend it. Mildew resistant silicone has an antifungal ingredient which is very harmful to aquariums.

 

[mhenderson5581]

Did someone say that it is ok to use LOCKTITE to glue in dividers.

 

[sly]

The only locktite I know of is that which is used to glue threads together. I don't know about its effectiveness or safety in an aquarium. The only things I would recommend as being safe are pvc cement, superglue and aquarium grade silicone.