Silicone! NOOOOO!!!

darkfish

darkfish

Member
Ok, no one ever told me that Silicone is toxic to fish. Now I have just learned this. Even the LFS that drilled my holes and sold me the bulkheads didnt say anything about using nontoxic silicone. I now have 4 bulkheads in my tank all siliconed in. The tank is full of water and I was planning to add sand and live rock this week. Does all the water have to come out and the bulkheads removed? This could be a nightmare.
 
marcb

marcb

Member
Originally Posted by Darkfish
http:///forum/post/2949266
Does all the water have to come out and the bulkheads removed? This could be a nightmare.
Hmmm, I would say yes, and yes.
There is aquarium safe silicone, but some of the regular stuff leeches toxic chemicals into the water. Which silicone did you use, there are some non-aquarium ones that are still ok.
 
darkfish

darkfish

Member
I used GE Silicone I 100% silicone. I think Silicone II would have been better. I did let it cure for a couple of weeks before adding water. I have read mixed opinions about this silicone in tanks online. Some say it is ok. Is it ok?
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
Originally Posted by Darkfish
http:///forum/post/2949282
actually, I may have lucked out! I have read online that GE Silicone I is safe.

You are fine. I have used GE Silicone I many times. Have no fear. GE Silicone II is toxic because of the mildew resistant additive, but type I is fine.
 
darkfish

darkfish

Member
I forgot that there was a little bit of silicone that I put on some egg crate in the sump. I only let it sit for a couple of hours. I think I will drain the sump to be safe.
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
"Todays blooper was brought you you by:
Depends, adult protective briefs. When life scares the ______ out of you: Depends.
and
Pfizer pharmaceuticals, preventing heart attacks one jaw-drop at a time."
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
Originally Posted by Darkfish
http:///forum/post/2949298
I forgot that there was a little bit of silicone that I put on some egg crate in the sump. I only let it sit for a couple of hours. I think I will drain the sump to be safe.
If I am understanding this correctly...you used some silicone then put it in, or added water after a couple of hours
? If this is correct I would dump the water and give the sump a good rinse. Let the silicone cure for a minimum of 24 hours. If you put it in water before...it can be toxic. Patience my friend
.
 
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