Overflow box fell off.

[pdiehm]

Used aqueon silicone and this is the second piece of equipment that the bond broke.

What can I use to attach my acrylic overflow box to the aquarium (glass)?

Or do I need to make a glass overflow box. Not sure how to do that?

Also if I need to make a glass one? How big? My tank is 60". I was thinking 59.25" but not sure. If I go 60" may be too big. Sides are 10mm each.

 

[143MPCo]

RTV108 or 103...

 

[evolved]

Acrylic to glass bonding is tough; regular silicone won't stick to acrylic. Some RTVs might, but not sure what's best here.

Thread moved for better visibility.

 

[pdiehm]

where would I get this RTV silicone? I've seen hundreds of tanks that used silicone to attach an acrylic box to a glass aquarium. Mine would be the one that fails.

 

[evolved]

RTV108 or 103...

And the DIY move payed off!

 

[143MPCo]

where would I get this RTV silicone? I've seen hundreds of tanks that used silicone to attach an acrylic box to a glass aquarium. Mine would be the one that fails.

amazon

 

[pdiehm]

This stuff will hold my acrylic box to my glass aquarium?

 

[143MPCo]

Also if I need to make a glass one? How big? My tank is 60". I was thinking 59.25" but not sure. If I go 60" may be too big. Sides are 10mm each

Not sure I understand what this means?

 

[pdiehm]

Not sure I understand what this means?

if I were to have glass cut, I'm fairly certain the inside of my aquarium is not 60". Probably like 59.5"

 

[dbl]

Everything I've read, it's difficult to get acrylic and glass to bind using silicone. If you end up making a new one, and your display has a trim/boarder, just make sure you can get the new box inside the tank. There's no flex, bend or nudging it in. It will either fit or not. You won't be able to put it in lengthwise and turn it. Don't ask me how I know!!!

 

[143MPCo]

This stuff will hold my acrylic box to my glass aquarium?

it's what aquarium manufactures use.

 

[143MPCo]

if I were to have glass cut, I'm fairly certain the inside of my aquarium is not 60". Probably like 59.5"

depends on the sides you're having it cut for, you'll need to account for the silicone if the outside panel sits inside the two 60"... if it's the other way around than and the outside from end to end is 60" with 1/2" panels on the inside you need to subtract an inch.

 

[pdiehm]

I think I'll try the RTV 108 silicone and attach the box I have. If I can get the box in there, and sealed, it should be ok. The Aqueon silicone sucks butt.

 

[143MPCo]

I think I'll try the RTV 108 silicone and attach the box I have. If I can get the box in there, and sealed, it should be ok. The Aqueon silicone sucks ***.

Take note of the cure time, also clamp the box in place for the recommended curing interval.

Nine times out of ten, this is why the bond fails.

 

[pdiehm]

my estimate is this

From edge to edge is 60.125"

Each side is 10mm thick: .787" (20mm)

Inside dimension: 59.338"

subtracting 1/16" from each side: .125"



Estimated glass size is 59.213" (59 7/32")

 

[pdiehm]

Take note of the cure time, also clamp the box in place for the recommended curing interval.

Nine times out of ten, this is why the bond fails.

the box was originally attached and sat for a week. But it's also not the strongest silicone out there.

 

[143MPCo]

the box was originally attached and sat for a week. But it's also not the strongest silicone out there.

was the box left to support its own weight after you siliconed it?
also recommend acetone to clean off dirt, oil, before new application of RTV.

 

[pdiehm]

I had the tank on its side (was new). I used the silicone and then put a paint can on each side to keep pressure on the box so it didn't move

 

[143MPCo]

• Hardness30 Shore A (Cure time 3 days/25C (77F)/50% relative humidity)
• Elongation450 % (Cure time 3 days/25C (77F)/50% relative humidity)
• Tensile Strength28 kg/cm^2 (400 lb/in^2) (Cure time 3 days/25C (77F)/50% relative humidity)
• Tear Strength8 kg/cm (45 lb/in)(Cure time 3 days/25C (77F)/50% relative humidity)

Info from manufacturer: http://www.momentive.com/Products/home.aspx?id=20786&tid=1114

 

[Urbanknight]

Agree with my MP bud. RTV 108. MOST IMPORTANT>>>>>Clean is king!! Scrape off all old silicone followed my hard elbow grease using acetone. Then allow to cure at least 7 days. The piece must be supported. 546thMPCo