Post by Carl on Dec 3, 2019 17:28:53 GMT -5
I thought it would be a good idea to update this article after someone who has used me in the past, once again used my help again to then go and purchase their silicone via Amazon instead of AAP just to save $1.50, and even then the product was clearance product that was old and inferior product (I guess my time helping many is not even worth $1.50)
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html
Excerpt:
Silicone rubber is a unique synthetic elastomer made from a cross-linked polymer which is reinforced with silica.
Its characteristics are such that it provides a balance of mechanical and chemical properties useful for bonding glass aquariums (not acrylic).
The basic formula is: Me3SiO(SiMe2O)nSiMe3
100% RTV Silicones (RTV= "Room Temperature Vulcanising") are the silicones commonly used for glass construction and is often sold in Home Improvement and Pet Stores (or Online).
Premium Silicone Resource that supports this FREE information page:
American Aquarium Products (AAP); 100% USDA Approved Silicone
PLEASE NOTE: AAP is the original and official seller of this product. Beware of clearance product sold via Amazon at a lower price, you likely will find a product that does not cure at the proper rate. We purchase directly from the manufacture, and even then the markup is only a $1.50 per container, so if someone is selling for less including shipping, you are indeed purchasing old clearance product, not to mention, harming the professional aquarium industry.
Reference: Buying Aquarium Products via Amazon (& Chewy, eBay)
RTV Silicones consist of polydialkylsiloxane with terminal hydroxyl groups (groups made up of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom connected by a covalent bond), which are reacted with organosilicon (chemical compounds containing carbon silicon bonds) cross-linking agents.
This operation is carried out in a moisture-free environment and results in the formation of a tetrafunctional structure (A chemical structure that possesses four highly reactive sites).
100% RTV Silicone Rubber Sealant produces a flexible, durable weather resistant seal between similar and dissimilar materials; 100% RTV Silicone provides excellent adhesion to tile, glass, porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, non-oily woods, plaster, painted surfaces, and metal.
It will withstand temperature extremes from -60°F. to +450°F. and is waterproof for freshwater or saltwater use.
HOWEVER, beware of silicones that advertise "Weather Proof", as even if these claim to be 100% silicone, these have additives you do not want in your aquarium to better resist UV rays (which is NOT a concern in our aquariums).
Carl
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html
Excerpt:
Silicone rubber is a unique synthetic elastomer made from a cross-linked polymer which is reinforced with silica.
Its characteristics are such that it provides a balance of mechanical and chemical properties useful for bonding glass aquariums (not acrylic).
The basic formula is: Me3SiO(SiMe2O)nSiMe3
100% RTV Silicones (RTV= "Room Temperature Vulcanising") are the silicones commonly used for glass construction and is often sold in Home Improvement and Pet Stores (or Online).
Premium Silicone Resource that supports this FREE information page:
American Aquarium Products (AAP); 100% USDA Approved Silicone
PLEASE NOTE: AAP is the original and official seller of this product. Beware of clearance product sold via Amazon at a lower price, you likely will find a product that does not cure at the proper rate. We purchase directly from the manufacture, and even then the markup is only a $1.50 per container, so if someone is selling for less including shipping, you are indeed purchasing old clearance product, not to mention, harming the professional aquarium industry.
Reference: Buying Aquarium Products via Amazon (& Chewy, eBay)
RTV Silicones consist of polydialkylsiloxane with terminal hydroxyl groups (groups made up of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom connected by a covalent bond), which are reacted with organosilicon (chemical compounds containing carbon silicon bonds) cross-linking agents.
This operation is carried out in a moisture-free environment and results in the formation of a tetrafunctional structure (A chemical structure that possesses four highly reactive sites).
100% RTV Silicone Rubber Sealant produces a flexible, durable weather resistant seal between similar and dissimilar materials; 100% RTV Silicone provides excellent adhesion to tile, glass, porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, non-oily woods, plaster, painted surfaces, and metal.
It will withstand temperature extremes from -60°F. to +450°F. and is waterproof for freshwater or saltwater use.
HOWEVER, beware of silicones that advertise "Weather Proof", as even if these claim to be 100% silicone, these have additives you do not want in your aquarium to better resist UV rays (which is NOT a concern in our aquariums).
Carl
