Post by Carl on Mar 26, 2022 10:56:57 GMT -5
Aquarium/Pond Answers has updated this must read article:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html
Here is a quote:
"Not all silicone formulas are the same, as stated earlier, Dow Corning, AAP, and GE produce a RTV silicone that cures at an even and slow rate necessary for aquariums. It is also noteworthy that most silicones labeled as 100% RTV, are still not food grade.
As an example, the popular silicone sold in hardware stores is GE012A (aka GE 1) which contains Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (aka D4). GE 1 or GE012A has D4 at 1-5% by weight.
Ever have one tank that nothing survives in? It probably had that 5% or worse of D4 (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane).
AAP/ASI Silicone has D4 @ .2% or less by weight.
Studies on D4 have shown extremely low quantities (we are talking µg / liter) can limit growth, reproduction, and decrease health in fish and it isn't good for us either. It also bioaccumulates. Once these silicones cure the risk is lessened, but D4 DOES still leach into water and even fatty tissues.
These hardware store 100% silicone (as well as most eBay and Amazon silicones if not authorized by AAP) contain D4 that is bad for your fish at low doses, although not immediately fatal at the levels leached into your aquarium. Just like you can drink water with high levels of lead or even arsenic for years and have no trouble, but eventually.
Yes there are many studies that show D4 leaches from silicone. None that we know of that involve aquariums though. Most studies are medical devices, implants, IV tubing, baby bottle nipples, water storage, etc. Guess aquariums aren't that much of a priority for toxicologists? But then you gotta follow the money.
Why gamble with cheap or clearance silicone to save a few dollars when your source should ONLY be AAP authorized aquarium silicone??"
Recommended resources:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumSilicone.html
www.ebay.com/itm/363747104949
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html
Here is a quote:
"Not all silicone formulas are the same, as stated earlier, Dow Corning, AAP, and GE produce a RTV silicone that cures at an even and slow rate necessary for aquariums. It is also noteworthy that most silicones labeled as 100% RTV, are still not food grade.
As an example, the popular silicone sold in hardware stores is GE012A (aka GE 1) which contains Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (aka D4). GE 1 or GE012A has D4 at 1-5% by weight.
Ever have one tank that nothing survives in? It probably had that 5% or worse of D4 (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane).
AAP/ASI Silicone has D4 @ .2% or less by weight.
Studies on D4 have shown extremely low quantities (we are talking µg / liter) can limit growth, reproduction, and decrease health in fish and it isn't good for us either. It also bioaccumulates. Once these silicones cure the risk is lessened, but D4 DOES still leach into water and even fatty tissues.
These hardware store 100% silicone (as well as most eBay and Amazon silicones if not authorized by AAP) contain D4 that is bad for your fish at low doses, although not immediately fatal at the levels leached into your aquarium. Just like you can drink water with high levels of lead or even arsenic for years and have no trouble, but eventually.
Yes there are many studies that show D4 leaches from silicone. None that we know of that involve aquariums though. Most studies are medical devices, implants, IV tubing, baby bottle nipples, water storage, etc. Guess aquariums aren't that much of a priority for toxicologists? But then you gotta follow the money.
Why gamble with cheap or clearance silicone to save a few dollars when your source should ONLY be AAP authorized aquarium silicone??"
Recommended resources:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumSilicone.html
www.ebay.com/itm/363747104949
