New PVC closure just arrived - Which silicone product?

I'd like to seal the joints on my new enclosure. Manufacturer says to use aquarium safe silicone but the choices out there are overwhelming. What is everybody's "go to product?"

You mean specific brand? I haven't bought any in quite a while, but I bought what was available locally- after carefully reading the package (which was labeled as safe for fish). For something like that, I tend to use a known brand manufacturer, not just the cheapest imported knock-off brand also- because I'm not all that "trusting", lol. I don't recall the brand(s) though, at the moment.

Just be sure that you allow full time to dry ("cure"), otherwise it will off-gas irritating fumes (like vinegar). The thicker you apply it, the longer it takes to cure, so be careful about that- and don't let animals near it if there's any odor from it (remember, they're locked in with the fumes 24/7- that's not acceptable- enclosures don't circulate lots of air). You might test a bit first to see how long it takes when applied thicker versus thinner. ;) But use your nose to be sure it's cured.

GE unfortunately discontinued their 100% silicone so none of it is animal safe now. Just look for one labeled fish safe and it should be fine.

AP Cages sent this with their enclosures

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lexel-5-fl-...ulk/1000269867

https://mobileimages.lowes.com/produ...ng?size=pdhism

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Animallover3541

GE unfortunately discontinued their 100% silicone.

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Can you cite a source for this claim, please?

BTW, it isn't the fact that a sealant is "100% silicone" that makes it safe or unsafe for animal use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malum Argenteum

Can you cite a source for this claim, please?

BTW, it isn't the fact that a sealant is "100% silicone" that makes it safe or unsafe for animal use.

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Sorry, I should have clarified that I meant that all of their products now include fungicides instead of just saying that they aren't 100% silicone. Some of them say they are still 100% silicone, but claim to be mold resistant. I'm not sure whether they are just saying all their products are now mold free because it can be hard for mold to grow on silicone or if they actually contain fungicide. Either way, I stopped buying their products just to be safe.

Here's their current product page: https://gesealants.com/fill-in-the-gaps/silicone/

All GE silicone adhesive/caulk products contain mold/mildew inhibitors and have for years. The Kitchen and Bath marketed products in the GE2 family have more inhibitors than GE1 products.

GE2 is a 'low odor' curing product line and contains organotin curing agents, which are known endocrine disruptors. That's one reason non-acetic acid cure products are sometimes avoided for animal use. Those 'low odor' products also release ammonia when curing, which has been a problem for aquarium applications.

Non-aquarium marketed products tend to not have been tested for long term below-waterline durability, which might be another reason animal keepers might want to avoid them especially in high moisture enclosures.

I agree that 'aquarium safe' silicone adhesive is always the right choice for animal use, though.

GE #1 is the same formula as before, they just changed the labeling to reflect the natural antimicrobial properties of silicone. Its popular with aquarists so the new labeling caused some concern, but a fish youtuber contacted the manufacturer and confirmed that the formulas didnt change