PIC REQ: clear silcone with black silcone behind it

[mhx]

any1 got one?

curious to see what it looks like

[mikeb144]

Not sure I understand ur question. If u are asking if u can put clear silicone over black silicone that is already on ur tank I would say NO. The reason is that when u put new silicine over dry silicone u will create a "cold joint" the new silicone will not stick. This is just my opinion I sure there are a few menbers on this site that will not agree.

[mhx]

about to have a custom tank built from texasoceanaquatics.. They said they were having 'issues' with the black silicone they were using. But If i wanted the black look they would clear silicone then put black behind it.

Never seen a tank like that or heard of that being done.

I guess another question is whats the best BLACK silicone you can buy to put a tank together? maybe they need to change brands?

[mikeb144]

I have never used black silicone. I sure there are many silicones that can be used, however I use GE ll 100% clear silicone sealent.

[mhx]

spoke with texasoceanaquatics.. i guess alot of the black is only rated for 30gal or less..

So there going to use clear on the edge to edge glass and black to back it up, he says it gives the near identical look

tanks ordered.. will post pics when its done

[mhx]

black is way better at hiding any algae growth on clear anyways. it just looks better

[mikeb144]

Sound like a plan. Looking forward to seeing it. Good luck. P.S. what size tank did u order?

[mhx]

comes out to 63gal
Tank Dimensions: 48" x 14" x 24"

[Bedlamer]

I'm not even close to being an expert on silicone usage in aquarium fabrication. My 2 cents is I've never seen or heard of layers of clear and black applied--just one or the other. I have seen tanks well over 100 gallons that use black silicone. It seems unusual to me that your fabricator doesn't source a fresh supply of higher quality black silicone, if that is what you spec'ed for your custom order?

[mhx]

He said GE makes some better stuff, but its 46$ a tube and only comes by the Case. He said his supply doesnt = demand, so he doesnt buy the more expensive GE brand. Hes tried 3 other brands but in the last year they all changed the specs and only rate the black to 30Gal or less.

For me cost is an issue. Ive already got a 120g from them and my buddy matt had a 210gal from them, so i trust there work.

16$ a tube or 46$ tube. What hes doing is going to produce the same look. Black does a way better job of hiding any algae on silicon