The choice of silicone glue for the aquarium, and which sealant is best to use

Silicone glue allows for minor aquarium repairs. By using a quality sealant, you can seal cracks in the glass and seal seams. However, a waterproof silicone aquarium adhesive is not enough to create a secure bond. Such a sealant must have a number of characteristics that determine the quality of the product.

Basic Adhesive Requirements

A quality aquarium sealant should meet the following requirements:

1. Elasticity. High quality adhesives do not lose their extensibility after curing. Due to its increased elasticity, the sealant retains water pressure, providing reliable adhesion to glass.
2. Security. The glue should not contain toxic substances that can lead to the death of fish and aquarium plants. In addition, some of these products (bituminous and others) contain components that are released into the air on contact with water.
3. Long life expectancy. The adhesive should not lose its original properties for several years after application.
4. Reliability. In addition to increased elasticity, such compositions must withstand temperature changes and other environmental influences.

Some adhesives contain antibacterial and antifungal components, dyes. Each of these substances is capable of causing the death of fish.

For aquariums, it is recommended to purchase specialist adhesives that meet the above specifications. Construction sealants are not suitable for the above tasks.

What are sealants

The requirements for aquarium sealants are not indicated by the manufacturers on the packaging of these products. Therefore, in order not to be mistaken with the choice of composition, it is worth studying the types and characteristics of adhesives.

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Thiokol

Thiokol (semi-sulfide) sealants are made from a pre-vulcanized paste, which contains two or more binders. These products are used for bonding joints between concrete slabs or for reinforcing welds. Thiokol sealants are also used in other industries. The composition of this paste contains toxic substances, when working with which it is necessary to protect the respiratory system.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane glues provide high-quality waterproofing of joints and are able to create reliable bonds with various materials. This product hardens quickly, gaining sufficient strength in a short time. Compounds resulting from polyurethane compounds can withstand temperature drops and frosts down to -60 degrees.

These sealants are used in construction, including the repair of glass products. Therefore, polyurethane glue can be used to repair aquariums.

Bituminous

Bituminous adhesive is suitable for sealing gaps in roofs, foundations or drainage systems. This composition has a metallic shade and good waterproofing properties. Bituminous glue prevents rotting on wood, but due to the content of toxic substances it is not suitable for indoor work.

Acrylic

Acrylic adhesive is used for attaching baseboards and other lightweight finishing materials. This product should not be used for the restoration of aquariums, since the putty loses its original properties after prolonged contact with water.

Silicone

Silicone adhesives are able to create sealed joints that can withstand constant contact with water for several years. These compounds are used to repair a variety of glass products, including aquariums. Silicone adhesives do not contain toxic components and are very elastic.

Benefits of using silicone sealant

Silicone sealants are made from polymers derived from silicon. This glue is rubber-based, which is diluted:

• plasticizer (provides the required elasticity);
• vulcanizer (determines viscosity);
• adhesive (provides strong adhesion);
• colored filler;
• amplifier (necessary for hardening).

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The advantages of using silicone sealant to repair an aquarium over other adhesives are:

• stretches well;
• provides strong adhesion of materials;
• tolerates the effects of temperature changes and contact with water;
• does not transmit ultraviolet rays.

To disconnect the joint formed by the silicone sealant, an effort of 200 kilograms or more is required. These adhesives are classified into several types. Acidic silicone sealants are classified into:

1. Alkaline.Specialized formulations rarely used to solve everyday problems.
2. Acid curing adhesives. This composition has a lingering smell of vinegar. Despite this peculiarity, acid-curing adhesives are often used for aquarium renovations, as they provide strong adhesion to glass.

For aquarium renovation, it is generally recommended to use neutral and odorless silicone sealants. Compared to acid, this sealant is more expensive. Before applying neutral adhesives, it is necessary to clean the surface of grease, water and other substances.

The increased demand for silicone sealants is also due to the fact that colorants are often added to these products. Thanks to the latter, adhesives of this type can be used to repair aquariums of different colors. Neutral sealants lose their transparency over time, as the impurities contained in the water settle on the joints.

Despite the fact that silicone adhesives harden quickly, such a composition needs at least 24 hours to acquire the required strength. To speed up this process, it is recommended to bring the aquarium to a room with high humidity or pour water a day after applying the sealant.

Manufacturer's Choice

Due to the wide range of aquarium adhesives on the market, a list of popular brands can be used to choose the right sealant.

"Okyanus Kimya"

A Turkish brand that produces silicone sealants that create reliable and durable seals.

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"Tytan"

Polish company producing quality aquarium adhesives. Silicone sealants of this brand are suitable for gluing large glass surfaces.

"Ceresit"

A Russian-German brand that produces sealants that meet all the above quality requirements.Ceresit adhesives are stocked less than foreign counterparts, but they are cheaper.

"Saudal"

The Belgian company produces environmentally friendly adhesives that are not harmful to the health of fish and plants. Products of this brand harden quickly and retain strength for several years. According to customer feedback, Saudal produces the highest quality aquarium adhesives.

"Herment"

In comparison with the above qualities, Herment adhesives are characterized by increased resistance to ultraviolet rays and are able to maintain their strength during vibration.

Instructions for gluing an aquarium with your own hands

The gluing of the walls of the aquariums is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The place where the glue is applied is first cleaned with a sharp blade, and then with degreasing compounds.
2. The glasses are sealed with adhesive tape with a slight indentation of the edges.
3. The adhesive is applied in an even layer.
4. The walls with little effort are pressed down and left in this form for a day.

During operation, excess glue should be removed immediately. If it becomes necessary to repair the aquarium, pour sealant into the crack on both sides and push it inwards. After that, the rest of the glue should be cleaned off with a rubber spatula.

Additional work tips

Before starting work, it is recommended to remove the remnants of old putty and paint. Otherwise, the adhesive composition will not provide reliable adhesion. It is recommended to use alcohol or acetone to remove grease and dirt. If the aquarium is repaired without dismantling, glue should be applied to the seams with a syringe. To increase the reliability of the connection, after the end of the work, the aquarium must be secured with a special fastener.