Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what type of silicon do people use for homemade tanks and backrounds?

I bought this GE 100% silicon rubber sealant. its in a large culk type tube instead of the little tubes like small toothpaste.

anyways is this a safe brand if not what do i need?

Thats fine. Just be sure it doesnt include any fungusides, or other things that reduce mold.

M.N

For 100% safe silicone read that it says releases acetic acid when it cures. In other words when it cures it smells like white vinigar. This type is 100% safe. It comes in large plastic tubes that fit calking guns and is much cheaper than those little tubes you get at the pet shops.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at Arrow Frog Forum.

Ron Jung at RAINFOREST DESIGNS UNLTD.

In my area, all of the GE 100% Silicone contains mold inhibitors that could be detrimental. However, DAP brand silicone (sold at Menard's) has one type that is 100% silicone, no mold inhibitors, and is rated as food safe. That's the type that I use (yes, it comes in the caulking tubes for around $3 each).
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Only the silicone for the bathroom and kitchen has the mold inhibitors the kind for windows and doors doesn't.
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As of 12/27/03
1.2.3 Leucomelas (the 3 juveniles are the brightest orange I've seen there almost red, there not from my trio)
1.1.11 Green and Bronze Auratus
0.0.2 Imitators
0.0.1 Vents (more soon)
0.0.4 Nicaraguan Green and Black Auratus
0.0.3 Citronella Tincs
0.0.2 Powder Blue Tincs

That's not entirely true . . . it depends on the brand. You have to carefully read the label for each brand and each type(each brand probably has differing formulations for each geographical distribution area). Around here, some of the window and door applications contain mold inhibitors as well. Those are generally rated for a longer life application.

Just because it says 100% silicone doesn't mean it does not contain a mold/microbe inhibitor. I have often seen tubes that say 100% silicone, but when you read further, it says that it contains microban or some similar anti-fungal/microbial agent. A good rule is caveat emptor. Read the label carefully.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Homer I am talking about the ge clear window and door silicone II they sell here in all the homedepots and lowes.
-----
As of 12/27/03
1.2.3 Leucomelas (the 3 juveniles are the brightest orange I've seen there almost red, there not from my trio)
1.1.11 Green and Bronze Auratus
0.0.2 Imitators
0.0.1 Vents (more soon)
0.0.4 Nicaraguan Green and Black Auratus
0.0.3 Citronella Tincs
0.0.2 Powder Blue Tincs