CT1

[Fishlover56]

Hi there,

Has anyone used CT1(sealant) in reef tanks before it claims to be marine safe and I have used it in my own pond to seal the liner to a skimmer etc as many people do.

I am wanted to build a in back filter similar to a fluval spec using some acrylic etc. I have researched the fact that silicone doesn't stick well to acrylic at all.

From research I am aware that CT1 is quite good at sticking to plastic as well as glass. Its been fine in the pond with no issues.

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are?

Thanks

 

[Rocks reef]

From what I have read, CT1 sealant is good.

However, most overflow boxes are connected to aquarium glass with silicone.

 

[Fishlover56]

From what I have read, CT1 sealant is good.

However, most overflow boxes are connected to aquarium glass with silicone.

Thank you,

I have heard mixed things tbh, if silicone is good i may go with that. I would just like a good and strong as can bond between the two.

 

[Fish Fan]

Thank you,

I have heard mixed things tbh, if silicone is good i may go with that. I would just like a good and strong as can bond between the two.

You'd be fine to do this with "regular" silicon, anything that's specifically for fish tanks, or I can tell you from experience that GE Silicon 1 found at the hardware store is perfectly reef safe. Do not get GE Silicon 2 as it has additional mold inhibitors.

You are correct that silicon doesn't really bond well to plastics, and you should never try to build a whole tank that way, but for securing your baffles and things, it's fine. It's holds more than well enough for this purpose, and I believe is what most use for this. I once built a sump out of a 20 gallon glass tank and used acrylic baffles, and it was just fine.

There is a product that may be better, I can't remember who suggested it recently, I think it was either @redfishbluefish or @Fish Styx (sorry if I'm mistaken guys!). They said you don't find it in the regular caulking section, it's sold near where they have the acrylic at the big box hardware stores. I remember it's a white tube with red writing. It was said to adhere better to acrylic, and was also aquarium safe.

Also, @BeanAnimal is quite knowledgable on silicon, and may be able to help here.

Last, I don't know what size tank you have, but FijiCube and others make drop in All-In-One solutions (like what the Fluval Specs have):
https://www.fijicube.com/collections/aio-diy-kit

 

[Fishlover56]

You'd be fine to do this with "regular" silicon, anything that's specifically for fish tanks, or I can tell you from experience that GE Silicon 1 found at the hardware store is perfectly reef safe. Do not get GE Silicon 2 as it has additional mold inhibitors.

You are correct that silicon doesn't really bond well to plastics, and you should never try to build a whole tank that way, but for securing your baffles and things, it's fine. It's holds more than well enough for this purpose, and I believe is what most use for this. I once built a sump out of a 20 gallon glass tank and used acrylic baffles, and it was just fine.

There is a product that may be better, I can't remember who suggested it recently, I think it was either @redfishbluefish or @Fish Styx (sorry if I'm mistaken guys!). They said you don't find it in the regular caulking section, it's sold near where they have the acrylic at the big box hardware stores. I remember it's a white tube with red writing. It was said to adhere better to acrylic, and was also aquarium safe.

Also, @BeanAnimal is quite knowledgable on silicon, and may be able to help here.

Last, I don't know what size tank you have, but FijiCube and others make drop in All-In-One solutions (like what the Fluval Specs have):
https://www.fijicube.com/collections/aio-diy-kit

Thank you for the feedback that was really helpful. I believe I saw that Silicone your on about in a video but I don’t know if it’s a available UK as I am across the sea.

Them boxes look really good! Sadly none fit my dimensions. My tank is 75cm long 35cm wide and 40cm tall. So I have order some custom cut black acrylic sheets the main dividing section 5mm and 2 internal baffles 3mm thick. The filter area will take 10cm of length.

Thanks again

 

[Fish Fan]

Thank you for the feedback that was really helpful. I believe I saw that Silicone your on about in a video but I don’t know if it’s a available UK as I am across the sea.

Them boxes look really good! Sadly none fit my dimensions. My tank is 75cm long 35cm wide and 40cm tall. So I have order some custom cut black acrylic sheets the main dividing section 5mm and 2 internal baffles 3mm thick. The filter area will take 10cm of length.

Thanks again

No problem happy to help!

Good luck!

 

[Fishlover56]

No problem happy to help!

Good luck!

Thank you I will share once I have done it, just leak testing the bare tank right now!

 

[redfishbluefish]

There is a product that may be better........

This is my go-to silicone, especially if it's a glass tank with acrylic baffles. Either way, it has much better adhesive properties than other silicones I've used. As stated, found in HD, but not with the other caulks in the paint department. You need to go to where they sell acrylic sheet goods and you'll find it there.

And before you ask, yes, it's reef safe. I've been using it for years and probably in about ten sumps I've built. Simply let it cure for as long as you can....five or more days would be nice.

 

[Fish Fan]

This is my go-to silicone, especially if it's a glass tank with acrylic baffles. Either way, it has much better adhesive properties than other silicones I've used. As stated, found in HD, but not with the other caulks in the paint department. You need to go to where they sell acrylic sheet goods and you'll find it there.

And before you ask, yes, it's reef safe. I've been using it for years and probably in about ten sumps I've built. Simply let it cure for as long as you can....five or more days would be nice.

That's the stuff, thank you for your help!

 

[Fishlover56]

Thank you that stuff looks really good but I cant find it available at any uk store lol