Black vs. Clear silicone?

Becca · Apr 6, 2014

Yesterday I made a big (sort of accidental) impulse buy - a large metaframe tank that needs to be resealed.

During the auction, the auctioneer noted that black silicone was available and someone else came up to me and mentioned that they had some black silicone at home.

Here's my question - is there a difference between black silicone and clear silicone?

Also, is there a specific type of silicone that would be best for a resealing job like this?

Becca · Apr 6, 2014

Also - would something like this be helpful in removing the heaps of old sealant from the tank -
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-American-Bath-Seal-Prep-Kit-with-Goo-Gone-1870/203315245

mchambers · Apr 6, 2014

Sort of accidental? You walked in to the auction and said to me, "Is that a metaframe tank?" We then discussed its merits and drawbacks.

Your purchase was entirely premeditated.

I hope you enjoy it!

I think black silicone should be fine, if you can find some without any antimicrobial and antifungal additives.

Andrewtfw · Apr 6, 2014

Becca said:
Here's my question - is there a difference between black silicone and clear silicone?

Also, is there a specific type of silicone that would be best for a resealing job like this?

Black silicone is a popular choice because clear silicone will become stained by certain meds and will also turn white or cloudy over time.

As for the specific type to use, I will leave that to others to answer.

cabinetmkr39 · Apr 6, 2014

I've Used GE 1 from lowes or Home Depot for years without
Any problems . Just a note to remember silicon will not stick to dried silicon
make sure you remove all the old. Goo Gone works well for that.

chriscoli · Apr 6, 2014

mchambers said:
Sort of accidental? You walked in to the auction and said to me, "Is that a metaframe tank?" We then discussed its merits and drawbacks.

Your purchase was entirely premeditated.

Hee Hee! Nice call-out!

frankoq · Apr 6, 2014

mchambers said:
Sort of accidental? You walked in to the auction and said to me, "Is that a metaframe tank?" We then discussed its merits and drawbacks.

Your purchase was entirely premeditated.

Busted!

cichlidaddicted · Apr 6, 2014

I also use ge silicone 1 but you can really use any brand as long as its labeled silicone 1, anything else is toxic.

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JasonC · Apr 6, 2014

mchambers said:
Sort of accidental? You walked in to the auction and said to me, "Is that a metaframe tank?" We then discussed its merits and drawbacks.

Your purchase was entirely premeditated.

Hey! Snitches get stitches!! The lady said it was "accidental"! ;P

Great buy though considering the 55gal metaframe went for over $100...

Jmty · Apr 6, 2014

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-American-Bath-Seal-Prep-Kit-with-Goo-Gone-1870/203315245
i got something similar to the one in pic. that works great to remove old silicone,it get between the glass and get all out sometimes just pull out where you can grab it and pull

worked for me instead of razor blades.

Becca · Apr 6, 2014

JasonC said:
Hey! Snitches get stitches!! The lady said it was "accidental"! ;P

Great buy though considering the 55gal metaframe went for over $100...

Exactly. It was accidental in that I did not think that my $35 bid was going to win it and I was nearly certain that I would not have the money to actually win it.

I seriously CAN'T believe I got that thing for $35 and I am super thankful that someone helped me get it home affordably, too.

Becca · Apr 6, 2014

Also, what is the best tactic for doing the silicone? I know that when you smooth it out you have to go continuously and that wet silicone won't stick to dry, but at some point there has to be a break... I mean, I can smooth the whole bottom out and one corner seam and then do the next 3 corner seams...

I know I need a "plan" because I only have so long to smooth everything once I've got the silicone in and I also know I'm going to have some trouble reaching the bottom of the tank.

I'd consider sitting in the tank if I wasn't worried about cracking the bottom, but I'm not exactly light.

cichlidaddicted · Apr 6, 2014

Applying the silicone to all the seems is a pretty quick process. If you do the bottom without lifting when you start the sides jist add a bit extra to the bottom corners. Wet silicone does stick to wet silicone so I'd do the bottom then the sides before smoothing any then once its all on start smoothing. Its an amazingly quick process and don't mess with it as it dries you will only mess it up. I always feel like I might be able to get it a little smoother or neater but its very counter productive to even try. The best thing to keep it neat is a good tape job. That part takes the longest after the removal of old silicone.

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Becca · Apr 6, 2014

I hear ya. I hate taping, and removing tape. It is my least favorite part of painting.

Localzoo · Apr 7, 2014

Becca said:
I hear ya. I hate taping, and removing tape. It is my least favorite part of painting.

Hey I have black silicone on one of my tanks weird never thought twice about color. 100% silicon no matter the brand just no additives as for resealing I can help prob Friday...dep on the wife (I know she's alway with me but an extra pair of hands to watch the kids rights)

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Becca · Apr 7, 2014

Localzoo said:
Hey I have black silicone on one of my tanks weird never thought twice about color. 100% silicon no matter the brand just no additives as for resealing I can help prob Friday...dep on the wife (I know she's alway with me but an extra pair of hands to watch the kids rights)

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I am not attempting this until the last week of June, when I'm off because day care is on vacation.

Localzoo · Apr 7, 2014

K just let me know if you need help and when.

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daninmd · Apr 16, 2014

if you want I have an old leaking 10g tank you can have for free for practice if you want. probably wouldn't hurt to practice on another tank as I am sure there will be a few things learned after doing it the first time. wouldn't have to re-scrape, etc and could nail it on your 55

Becca · Apr 16, 2014

daninmd said:
if you want I have an old leaking 10g tank you can have for free for practice if you want. probably wouldn't hurt to practice on another tank as I am sure there will be a few things learned after doing it the first time. wouldn't have to re-scrape, etc and could nail it on your 55

Wait, what would I nail to my 55?

I wouldn't mind a practice run - will you be at the May meeting?

Jeff721 · Apr 16, 2014

Becca said:
During the auction, the auctioneer noted that black silicone was available and someone else came up to me and mentioned that they had some black silicone at home.

I believe that was Matt Chambers who said that he had some while I was auctioneering. Goes by MChambers on here.

Black vs. Clear silicone?

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