Ge Rtv 108

[JTL]

FWIW this product, like most silicone, has an expiration date. I believe it is one year. I had two different batch numbers on 4 tubes and one expires on 12/1/09 and the other 10/1/10. I had to call Momentive to get the dates. It pays to check, no sense going through all the effort of building a tank only to find out it was constructed with outdated silicone.

[H20ENG]

Yes- Be careful!!

Different formulations of silicone will either harden in the tube OR NOT CURE AT ALL leaving you with a VERY gooey mess to clean up that will be extremely hard to clean enough to reseal.

[uncleof6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15636842#post15636842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JTL
FWIW this product, like most silicone, has an expiration date. I believe it is one year. I had two different batch numbers on 4 tubes and one expires on 12/1/09 and the other 10/1/10. I had to call Momentive to get the dates. It pays to check, no sense going through all the effort of building a tank only to find out it was constructed with outdated silicone.

Well look at it like this, at least it was not already expired.:eek2:

Jim

[JTL]

True

[H20ENG]

Uncle,
Which silicone do you prefer? I have always used DC 795 for everything. I have heard 795 for acrylic and glass to fiberglass or epoxy coated concrete, and 999 for glass to glass.

Always interested in others educated opinions:)

[uncleof6]

DC 732 or 999A for sumps, and RTV108 (or 103 black) for rimless. Done a couple tanks euroed with 732 and one or two with 999A don't quite remember them all..... (not that many but long period of time) Folks around here would think I sleep with a tube of RTV100 series. But i would not be caught dead with a tube of GE I...... If i could get it easily down the street, I would probably go to SCS1200. Educated? naw not me, I am just stubborn.

Regards,

Jim

[H20ENG]

Awesome thanks. The scs 1200 is good stuff too. I've used it on some buildings. I've used more silicone for its intended application (building sealant) than tanks, so its good to see how well it sticks to dissimilar materials.
I love that 795 and Sikaflex1A:) Never used the Sika on a tank though.

[uncleof6]

I probably would not use the sikaflex on a tank. It doesn't quite meet my criteria, as it is not a 1 part acetoxy cure silicone. It meets USDA guidlines, but is not FDA approved for food contact. Comparing it to RTV108, well.... sika: tensile strength 175 psi, RTV: 400 psi, sika: Peel (adhesive) 20lbs, RTV: 40 lbs. Tear strength sika: 55 lbs. RTV: 45 lbs. (lbs/in.) I am certain, now that you have mentioned it, some one is going to try it... snickers.....

Jim

[H20ENG]

I've also used the 3M Marine (5200IIRC) sealant on an epoxy coated concrete tank. (Easier to get iin a pinch). It was good gooey stuff too and still holding just fine 8 years later.

[uncleof6]

Great, now they will want to try that also:D Carcinogenic, and petroleum distillates-- I LIKE IT.....

Jim

[H20ENG]

Yeah, when you have a pump sucking in NSW and huge tank volumes, you tend to overlook a few No-Nos here and there:D

[uncleof6]

Tell ya though, when I was in college, (a century ago) my "dream" job was at Birch Aquarium. Sea World probably would have worked also, (and no, not picking up trash..snickers) Had friends that worked there, was a shoe in, but had other callings.

Jim