Can I use normal household silicone sealant?

[piaalexa]

Hi,

So I have some normal household silicone sealant in my home, and wanted to know is it really necessary to go out and buy aquarium safe silicone? I notice the household one is identical except for containing a fungicide. Has anyone ever experienced fish or axolotls dying purely because of this fungicide? I am planning to make some little caves by glueing stands on pieces of slate. so it will be a miniscule amount that goes into the tank. If I used the household one and just let it air for a really long time (like over a week) would I not need to go and get marine silicone? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Skudo09]

I am not an expert on silicones in aquariums but personally I would not take the chance or use anything with a fungicide in it. I would look for aquarium safe silicone.

 

[auntiejude]

Sealant with fungicide is not supposed to be safe, but I don't think you'll get many people with personal experience of using it.

 

[Jonjey]

GE Silicone 1 Window and Door (Clear) is the best option as far as I know.

 

[RupertxGiles]

Find DAP brand if you can. Thats what i use for making my own aquarium decorations. The package has a little fish symbol on the front and says aquarium safe right on it.

 

[piaalexa]

Thanks, I have seen the aquarium safe silicone in hardware stores, just wanted to avoid buying it if I really had to since I have the household one already. It would be a tiny amount that I would use (like 4 coin sized blobs) to glue legs onto a piece of slate. Can't imagine after a long time of airing and curing that it would be harmful in a 100L tank. I have read very mixed views on the matter on forums, some people say it's fine, while others say hell no.

 

[RupertxGiles]

Seems to be mixed opinions but to be safe i would definitely go with one specifically labled safe for aquarium use. Mine was way more than enough for my project and i spent about 5 bucks on it

Thanks, I have seen the aquarium safe silicone in hardware stores, just wanted to avoid buying it if I really had to since I have the household one already. It would be a tiny amount that I would use (like 4 coin sized blobs) to glue legs onto a piece of slate. Can't imagine after a long time of airing and curing that it would be harmful in a 100L tank. I have read very mixed views on the matter on forums, some people say it's fine, while others say hell no.

 

[Cacique]

I think you'd be better off being safe than sorry and spending the bit of money on the aquarium silicone. I'm sure your critters matter to you and it would be very disappointing if they were to get hurt from the fungicide.

 

[piaalexa]

In the end I got the aquatic silicone and spent the weekend making their cool hiding place. I will post a pic once I have cleaned their tank and introduced the new cave

 

[piaalexa]

Hey so this was the cool little hiding spot I made for my axolotls using the aquarium friendly silicone. The photos show it before and after adding to their tank. The water cleared up a day after taking the photos :happy:

 

[Skudo09]

That looks really good

 

[HayleyK]

Looks good, well done. However some edges look rather sharp? Perhaps you may need to sand them down.

 

[piaalexa]

They're not as sharp as they look, but next time I give the tank a clean I'll check the edges out.