New GE Silicone I opinions??

[Madmak]

GE has new packaging for Silicone I tubes that states not for use in aquariums. It still states 100% silicone as previous. The small squeeze tubes look the same as they have for years and don't reference aquariums in the instructions.

Any news on this product still being reef safe?

Old:

http://img.tapatalk.com/464b85f3-3ea5-203d.jpg

New:

http://img.tapatalk.com/464b85f3-3ece-a4f2.jpg

[tim the toolman]

I'm pretty sure even the old stuff said not for aquarium use lol. Probably just a disclaimer to avoid liability.
Home hardware carries a product which is quite inexpensive 10$ for 3 tubes and says in large letters safe for aquarium.

[The Grizz]

Apperantly GE has changed the formula and all GE silicone except for the SCS1200 has a small portion of the mold inhibitor in it & should not be used in aquariums.

[justincgdick]

Apperantly GE has changed the formula and all GE silicone except for the SCS1200 has a small portion of the mold inhibitor in it & should not be used in aquariums.

Good. People shouldn't be using sealant for tanks anyway. It is an extra $3 to get the scs 1200 adhesive rather than the ge1 sealant.

[The Grizz]

Good. People shouldn't be using sealant for tanks anyway. It is an extra $3 to get the scs 1200 adhesive rather than the ge1 sealant.

The SCS1200 is actually very reasonable, I bought a case of 24 at Sabic PolymereShapes for around $125.

[wmcinnes]

FWIW i used the new GE1 silicone to put in my sump baffles and have had no problems.

[ScubaSteve]

There are mixed opinions on it but ALL GE silicones now contain mildew inhibitors (petroleum distillates). The old MSDS didn't even show this but they've now updates their MSDS to be correct. I talked to GE about this in person about this and they tell me not to use it (though I had a friend who used to work for them and told me it was completely fine.

I've heard of some people having no problems, others had crashes. Someone on here had a crash because of it. I might have had issues from it too, but there were a number of things that happened around the same time so I can't say for sure. I recommend not using it.

[gregzz4]

Someone on here had a crash because of it.
Daniel used GEII

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=81497

But I agree that GE states they use inhibitors in all except the 1200 as Grizz stated
I wouldn't risk it for the difference in cost

[Madmak]

Fair enough. Do any big box stores carry the SCS1200? I'm sure I've seen it at the LFSs but it was nearly $20.

[Myka]

The old packaging says "not for aquarium use" as well. I think that's for liability.

[Myka]

Apperantly GE has changed the formula and all GE silicone except for the SCS1200 has a small portion of the mold inhibitor in it & should not be used in aquariums.

Wow, that's good to know. I've been using the GE Silicone I Doors & Windows for years in my sumps. I don't think I've had any issues...

[justincgdick]

Usually, unless the silicone is re-packaged like All Glass stuff, etc., the packaging will say not for aquarium use. Water will break down silicone over time (technically) so it's totally a liability thing.

I got it for pretty cheap at Calgary Fasteners.

[Madmak]

Yup, $6 a tube at Calgary Fasteners and they had over 100 on hand. Thx all.

[davefrombc]

The old packaging for GE Silicone I had no mention of aquariums on it. Go way back , and it did say for aquariums; but their bulk customers complained people wouldn't buy their repackaged "aquarium" silicone when they could buy the GE tubes cheaper ..
GE took the "for aquariums" off the Silicone I for Doors and Windows, but does not say not for aquariums. I have not seen their new packaging for the Doors and Windows, but the Silicone I for kitchen and Bath does have the "not for" warning on it .
It boils down to read the fine print on the tube .
If it says "not for aquariums" , don't use it .. If it is still like the old Doors and Windows Silicone I and makes no mention of aquariums, it should be safe.

[justincgdick]

Why bother thinking about it? GE SCS 1200 series and no worries about anything. BTW, the SCS says clearly - Not for use on fireplaces, stove pipes, or below water. Like I mentioned before, water will slowly degrade silicone. If you looks at the corner bead on an old tank you can see the slow degrading. The actual seam is protected by the corner bead. Technically, the structural seam never gets wet.

On smaller high end tanks (like ADA) where there is no corner bead the tanks will often begin to fail after 3-5 years as the silicone weakens and starts to pull. They usually split from the top down and the slight bowing keeps working the seam apart.

[Madmak]

It's always been about availability without the LFS pricing. Problem solved now for me at least. :)

http://img.tapatalk.com/464b85f3-b4eb-6969.jpg

[lapdog2020]

I can for sure tell you the SCS 1200 is for sure the way to go and nothing else. Believe me I know. I would say that all the tanks I have are done in it. Don't cheap out on the silicone you will regret it later.

[DiverDude]

Is the SCS 1200 a GE product ?? (can't tell from the pics).

If not, who makes it ?

[The Grizz]

Yes it is a GE product but without any mold inhibitors, it is used for construction.

[lapdog2020]

That's the good stuff madmak lol