Randy Silicon Question

[PurdueMAN_08]

Randy, I am in the process of a tank build and have an issue I hope you can help me with. I was sealing my overflow box with RTV Sealand 732 (Dow Corning) as suggested by glasscages.com and I had the aquarium half way filled with about 50 gallons. I accidently dropped a small amount of liquid silicon in the water and did realize it until the next morning with the water having a slight cloudy look to it. Will the water be fine with a little activated carbon treatment or is it absolutely not good?

Thanks so much for you time~ Dan

[PurdueMAN_08]

Does anybody have any idea?

[bertoni]

Do you mean liquid silicone? That shouldn't cause any problems if you can get the volatile components to evaporate fully.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree that GAC should be an adequate treatment for a tank at this stage (that is, without creatures yet). :)

[HighlandReefer]

Randy,

Would running GFO help much in reducing the silicates?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't think there should be appreciable silicate in a silicone sealant. The silicone prepolymers and polymers are mostly just hydrophobic and may not interact much with GFO, but I suppose the reactive end group that is used in the solidification reaction might interact with GFO.

This pdf shows some of the chemistry involved:

http://www.gelest.com/Library/18One.pdf

[HighlandReefer]

Randy,

Thanks for the article. It adds to the knowledge base. :D

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

[PurdueMAN_08]

Thanks so much!