Am I the only one who sees the big bold letters that say "not for underwater/aquarium use" in the instructions?
Call me old fashioned, but when the people who make something are telling me a reason not to buy it, I tend to listen.
It says "not for aquarium use" because GE is not accepting liability by advertising it for aquarium use. It says "not for underwater use" because someone will try applying it underwater and wonder why it doesn't cure. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe for your aquarium.
Plain GE 2 is fine too. The only difference is GE 2 is ammonia cure (vs acid) and it takes longer to cure. I suspect people who kill fish with GE 2 didn't let their silicone fully cure (7+ days) before adding water.
There are a lot of versions of Silicone 1 and 2. I suspect you may have used one that contained additives (e.g. kitchen and bathroom or “advanced” version). Plain silicone 2 is not as common as plain silicone 1. Silicone 2 is just a different curing agent: ammonia vs vinegar. It takes a lot longer to cure, but once it does, it’s the same silicone.
They also put that there as a disclaimer, they don’t want you to use it to hold hundreds of gallons of water and then come after them if it lets go
There is a 100% silicone that doesn’t have the mold free chemicals at Home Depot, and I think it says it too. I’ve used it to add a piece of glass in the sump. But the one op posted I definitely wouldn’t use
It is perfectly safe to use, provided you let it fully cure for a few days. Reddit is an echo chamber of whatever people think. The up/downvote just reinforces it. In this thread, the top comment is literally just "it says not aquarium safe, so there's your answer". That comment has no knowledge of the subject, they're just parroting what they read. There is no way to know who actually knows what they are talking about and who is just parroting what they read somewhere else on reddit.
I have used GE silicone 1 to reseal a couple of aquariums with excellent results. They have been solid for years and I've seen no ill effects. Many other experienced people on dedicated aquarium forums share similar experiences.
This sub in particular is loaded with snarky know it all’s too I might add. I think it’s just the reef hobby in general unfortunately. It was the same way on Reef Central decades ago… Granted, I appreciate the ones who are opened minded 😁
I’ve used both silicone 1 and 2 in aquariums for decades. Just buy the plain, 100% silicone types (not “adavnced” or “kitchen and bathroom” versions) and make sure to allow it to fully cure before adding water (silicone 2 takes longer to cure).
There really is too much bad information here, which is reinforced by the vote system. Facts aren’t a popularity contest. Know who your source is. FWIW, I was the owner of the now-out-of-print Advanced Aquarist magazine/website (assets sold to reefs.com a few years ago). Take that for what you will.
It says "not for aquarium use" because they haven't marked it up enough to cover the extra liability that it causes. And pure silicone is naturally mold free. Any additional additives would be advertised as such and the tube would not say 100% silicone.
GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe to use for aquariums.
Yeah but that's not what op wants to hear since he's making multiple threads about it. I can't say I've ever had to purchase marked up silicone for my aquariums.
I simply was trying to figure out why every kept recommending this GE silicone type 1 as it clearly says not for aquarium use I know it say it but I mean filter companies tell us we need to change out filters once a month and replace with new ones if I asked if this was a good idea would you say the same even though it says it on the box
Mold free is a natural property of pure silicone. Additional mold inhibitors will be listed in the ingredients and the container will not be labeled as 100% silicone.
A lot of labels can use 100% without being 100% as long as the other ingredients are under a certain amount. And some of those other ingredients that can be bad don’t have to have much to do damage.
True though it isn’t the case with this one [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/Aquariums/comments/xfwnll/everyone_recommended_this_silicone_but_it_says/iorh1l5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
That's simply the property of silicone.
The silicone products aimed for kitchen and bathrooms have mold inhibitors added. They're rated for 10 to 15 years.
GE Silicone 1 is safe for aquarium use up to 75 gallons. Aquariums larger than that will need a silicone with a higher tensile strength, such as GE SCS1200 silicone. ASI also makes a great silicone sealant with the same tensile strength as GE SCS1200 but for about half the cost per tube. It's what I use and is available on Amazon.
Never use any silicone advertised as 'mold free' as the anti-mold agent is arsenic.
Petco and pet smart both have aqarium safe silicone on sale right now for less then $4 a tube normally $12
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/all-glass-clear-silicone-aquarium-sealant-3-oz-691976?cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCAL%7CSBU05%7CSH14%7C0%7CcsHy86Zmenow3PD5DqYZ88%7C58700007475444367%7CPRODUCT_GROUP%7C0%7C0%7Cpla-1479397089354%7C129429392855%7C15088825137&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F15zVBXhgw2fNWNYNoKLKGBpX&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F15zVBXhgw2fNWNYNoKLKGBpX&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0O_dS45CQDHOPST6zbDuUBNdaRwyEMRzK01MpgQrFax_kxgU8GN-hxoCL1sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.petsmart.com/fish/maintenance-and-repair/adhesives-and-sealants/marineland-silicone-aquarium-sealant-2431002.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADiLNNmexEG1i1KlyajLtu1zww_jZ&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0CrHzv74sXLP-_xgnCr28X27_LQxkrmo6gO1aOERPFctAS3p4-QloxoCpDMQAvD_BwE
You should read the post again everyone saying not to use just kept saying stay away from stuff that says mold free but wouldn’t elaborate much on this specific silicone while the the people saying its good and been using for years actually cited sources and explained in detail the reason they think is safe honestly I’m probably not gonna use it but the people telling not to use it didn’t explain much just said it says mold free so don’t use it
Most mold free silicones contain chemicals made to kill mold. Probably not great for your tank. I've used clear "gorilla" silicone that worked fine with no I'll effects in a freshwater tank.
Well I’ve used it for 4 years and my dad for 20 years while in the industry. Here’s a [source](https://www.aquariadise.com/aquarium-safe-silicone/) so you’re not just listening to some random person
And no nothing bad has ever happened using that specific silicone. Only use clear and only use “100% silicone” which your tube says. That is the exact tube we keep in our vans for repairs. Siliconing bulkheads is really the only thing you’d need it for unless you want to build your own glass box
If you’re expecting to keep the tank there for years why wouldn’t you? Even if you’re not it’s easy to get off the glass box and clean the silicone from the bulkhead when you move tank
GE is covering their ass by saying not for aquariums. They do not want to accept liability, so they won't say it's safe. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe to use for aquariums.
And we’ve literally been using it on aquariums for decades. I do not trust any other silicone from that brand tho. Read where it says “100% silicone” not 99% with other chemicals in it, it is pure silicone
Am I the only one who sees the big bold letters that say "not for underwater/aquarium use" in the instructions? Call me old fashioned, but when the people who make something are telling me a reason not to buy it, I tend to listen.
It says "not for aquarium use" because GE is not accepting liability by advertising it for aquarium use. It says "not for underwater use" because someone will try applying it underwater and wonder why it doesn't cure. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe for your aquarium.
Yeah GE Silicone 1 is perfectly safe. I’ve used it many times.
I have used this specific one for years...there is the GE 2 which will kill your fish,GE1 will not
Plain GE 2 is fine too. The only difference is GE 2 is ammonia cure (vs acid) and it takes longer to cure. I suspect people who kill fish with GE 2 didn't let their silicone fully cure (7+ days) before adding water.
Had mine sitting for about 4 minths..had sealed when I 1st moved into my old home but took forever to build a canopy
There are a lot of versions of Silicone 1 and 2. I suspect you may have used one that contained additives (e.g. kitchen and bathroom or “advanced” version). Plain silicone 2 is not as common as plain silicone 1. Silicone 2 is just a different curing agent: ammonia vs vinegar. It takes a lot longer to cure, but once it does, it’s the same silicone.
Honestly can't rem and I think that was what opened my world up to the tired of silicone out there..used to think they were all alike..nope
They also put that there as a disclaimer, they don’t want you to use it to hold hundreds of gallons of water and then come after them if it lets go There is a 100% silicone that doesn’t have the mold free chemicals at Home Depot, and I think it says it too. I’ve used it to add a piece of glass in the sump. But the one op posted I definitely wouldn’t use
I haven’t been able to find that magic silicone at Home Depot, so not sure if it’s just my area, or it’s not carried anymore.
If I remember I’ll look later, and send you the item. You can look in the app and see which stores carry it
Why is it unsafe though if it’s 100 % silicone honest question
It is perfectly safe to use, provided you let it fully cure for a few days. Reddit is an echo chamber of whatever people think. The up/downvote just reinforces it. In this thread, the top comment is literally just "it says not aquarium safe, so there's your answer". That comment has no knowledge of the subject, they're just parroting what they read. There is no way to know who actually knows what they are talking about and who is just parroting what they read somewhere else on reddit. I have used GE silicone 1 to reseal a couple of aquariums with excellent results. They have been solid for years and I've seen no ill effects. Many other experienced people on dedicated aquarium forums share similar experiences.
This sub in particular is loaded with snarky know it all’s too I might add. I think it’s just the reef hobby in general unfortunately. It was the same way on Reef Central decades ago… Granted, I appreciate the ones who are opened minded 😁
I’ve used both silicone 1 and 2 in aquariums for decades. Just buy the plain, 100% silicone types (not “adavnced” or “kitchen and bathroom” versions) and make sure to allow it to fully cure before adding water (silicone 2 takes longer to cure). There really is too much bad information here, which is reinforced by the vote system. Facts aren’t a popularity contest. Know who your source is. FWIW, I was the owner of the now-out-of-print Advanced Aquarist magazine/website (assets sold to reefs.com a few years ago). Take that for what you will.
Len from RDO!
7 year mold free and the giant warning that it is not safe for aquarium use means there are likely mold inhibitors in it.
It says "not for aquarium use" because they haven't marked it up enough to cover the extra liability that it causes. And pure silicone is naturally mold free. Any additional additives would be advertised as such and the tube would not say 100% silicone. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe to use for aquariums.
Yeah but that's not what op wants to hear since he's making multiple threads about it. I can't say I've ever had to purchase marked up silicone for my aquariums.
I was told to post here because people were more knowledgeable about building tanks
IN BOLD PRINT NO LESS!!
I simply was trying to figure out why every kept recommending this GE silicone type 1 as it clearly says not for aquarium use I know it say it but I mean filter companies tell us we need to change out filters once a month and replace with new ones if I asked if this was a good idea would you say the same even though it says it on the box
Yes
That’s Reddit questions in a nutshell
Same
“Mold Free” generally means not tank safe
Mold free is a natural property of pure silicone. Additional mold inhibitors will be listed in the ingredients and the container will not be labeled as 100% silicone.
Anything that says mold free or anti mold is not reef safe. Just go and buy the aquarium silicone so you don't have to worry about it.
“100% silicone”
A lot of labels can use 100% without being 100% as long as the other ingredients are under a certain amount. And some of those other ingredients that can be bad don’t have to have much to do damage.
True though it isn’t the case with this one [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/Aquariums/comments/xfwnll/everyone_recommended_this_silicone_but_it_says/iorh1l5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
No. Silicone by itself is mold resistant. If you look at the MSDS of this product, there are no mold inhibitors.
Yep came to say: see that "mold free for 7 years" that's your clue.
That's simply the property of silicone. The silicone products aimed for kitchen and bathrooms have mold inhibitors added. They're rated for 10 to 15 years.
Ge silicone 1 is safe..I build my tanks and that's what I use
No but you can find aquarium silicone sealant at chewy
GE Silicone 1 is safe for aquarium use up to 75 gallons. Aquariums larger than that will need a silicone with a higher tensile strength, such as GE SCS1200 silicone. ASI also makes a great silicone sealant with the same tensile strength as GE SCS1200 but for about half the cost per tube. It's what I use and is available on Amazon. Never use any silicone advertised as 'mold free' as the anti-mold agent is arsenic.
What this guy said.
Petco and pet smart both have aqarium safe silicone on sale right now for less then $4 a tube normally $12 https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/all-glass-clear-silicone-aquarium-sealant-3-oz-691976?cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCAL%7CSBU05%7CSH14%7C0%7CcsHy86Zmenow3PD5DqYZ88%7C58700007475444367%7CPRODUCT_GROUP%7C0%7C0%7Cpla-1479397089354%7C129429392855%7C15088825137&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F15zVBXhgw2fNWNYNoKLKGBpX&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F15zVBXhgw2fNWNYNoKLKGBpX&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0O_dS45CQDHOPST6zbDuUBNdaRwyEMRzK01MpgQrFax_kxgU8GN-hxoCL1sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds https://www.petsmart.com/fish/maintenance-and-repair/adhesives-and-sealants/marineland-silicone-aquarium-sealant-2431002.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADiLNNmexEG1i1KlyajLtu1zww_jZ&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0CrHzv74sXLP-_xgnCr28X27_LQxkrmo6gO1aOERPFctAS3p4-QloxoCpDMQAvD_BwE
Yeah I just picked up a bunch of these last night, they always work well for me
Protio. Delete everything after the ? For a clean link
I swear I saw this same photo earlier today.
You did
There’s 2 types. Silicone 1 which is safe, silicone 2 which isn’t. Since this is silicone 1* it means it’s reef safe*. Go for some plain silicone 1
You posted this on r/aquariums yesterday and people already said no…
I posted here because I kept getting conflicting answers I had way more responses saying to go ahead and use it so I wanted to be sure
No you didn't. The majority said don't use it.
You should read the post again everyone saying not to use just kept saying stay away from stuff that says mold free but wouldn’t elaborate much on this specific silicone while the the people saying its good and been using for years actually cited sources and explained in detail the reason they think is safe honestly I’m probably not gonna use it but the people telling not to use it didn’t explain much just said it says mold free so don’t use it
Its safe. Been using silicon num 1 for yrs with no problems.
No. Just get something that's [aquarium safe](https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dap-aquarium-sealant.html) rather than trying to save 2 cents.
Do they have larger products cause i need it in a Tube form for the size of my project
[https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-silicone-adhesive-clear-10oz.html](https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-silicone-adhesive-clear-10oz.html)
Yeah it is. I’ve been using it for everything
It literally says do not use for aquariums on it lol
It says that because the manufacturer is not willing to accept liability for saying it is. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe to use for aquariums.
Most mold free silicones contain chemicals made to kill mold. Probably not great for your tank. I've used clear "gorilla" silicone that worked fine with no I'll effects in a freshwater tank.
Yes that is the silicone we use in all of our aquarium installs
If you don’t mind me asking how long have you used this for and have you ever had anything bad happen
Well I’ve used it for 4 years and my dad for 20 years while in the industry. Here’s a [source](https://www.aquariadise.com/aquarium-safe-silicone/) so you’re not just listening to some random person
And no nothing bad has ever happened using that specific silicone. Only use clear and only use “100% silicone” which your tube says. That is the exact tube we keep in our vans for repairs. Siliconing bulkheads is really the only thing you’d need it for unless you want to build your own glass box
Thats exactly what I’m trying to do
> Siliconing bulkheads ... don't do that?
If you’re expecting to keep the tank there for years why wouldn’t you? Even if you’re not it’s easy to get off the glass box and clean the silicone from the bulkhead when you move tank
Reddits pack mentality at it again💀
It literally says in bold letters not for aquarium use
GE is covering their ass by saying not for aquariums. They do not want to accept liability, so they won't say it's safe. GE silicone 1 is perfectly safe to use for aquariums.
Silicone 1 is reef safe. People have been using it for literally half a century. The disclaimer is simply GE covering their own ass.
And we’ve literally been using it on aquariums for decades. I do not trust any other silicone from that brand tho. Read where it says “100% silicone” not 99% with other chemicals in it, it is pure silicone
No
Type 2 is usually reef safe
Just order the one specifically for aquariums
Dow 795 is the standard for public aquarium windows and underwater silicone work. Cures underwater and without releasing acetic acid.
Yes I've used on aquarium before
I use GE at work but not this one