Silicone

[Calusa]

I was asking my dad the other day about the possibilities of dividing my 75 G. tank... seeing as I can't find any other real dividers made for the purpose being that big, I'm probably going to make one. So, I'd use plexiglass, and drill holes in it for water flow, put a T-bar at the bottom for extra stability [and keep the flounder from switching sides on me]. I also like the idea of gluing rockwork or driftwood to the back to give more of a depth effect... but I don't want to use aquarium silicone because then it's stuck there forever, and leaves a residue... and I'll probably end up using the tank for other things later in life [who knows! maybe even salt water!]. So I don't want to crap it up with silicone that can't be removed. So... my dad told me that theres a type of silicone that peels right off glass surfaces, and that that would be what I was looking for. I asked about it's toxicity, and he said that once it's dry, it doesn't matter... but I was wondering if anyone has used this type, or knows if different brands are toxic... that kind of thing =) thanks!

 

[cichlidmaster]

If the silicone has any type of mildew resistance chemicals in it, it does'nt matter if it's dry or not...

IT WILL LEACH THESE COMPOUNDS INTO THE WATER AND KILL YOUR FISH!!!!!!!!

I also wonder about the holding power of a silicone that peels away from glass that easily!!!

Don't think I would use it, but then, as always that's JMO!!!!!

CM

 

[Limpet]

I'm not really aware of the weak silicon you mentioned. But one alternative would be to silicon a suction cup to the item you want to add to the tank, then suction cup the item to the tank wall.

 

[wetwetwet]

That idea I like Telsa B)

 

[semper fi]

you can use white vinegar, which is an acid to get rid of the residue left from silicone. just make sure that you do not get it on the silicone that you do want to keep. it will weaken it. use in a well ventilated area as it is very stinky stuff.

you want to make sure that the silicone that you use is 100% silicone. like cm said it will leach into your tank. also the temporary silicones do not adhere properly to hold a seam. another method that you could use for a barrier in a tank or divider is a rock pile that is siliconed together. just make sure of the level of your tank when adding that much weight. an unlevel tank can twist and eventually break.

hth

maggie