Using Silicone in a tank

Hi Folks,

First off, HI ALL! (this is my first posting).

Just starting out and I'm setting up a second-hand fresh-water tropical tank (a Juwel Rekord 80). Can anyone tell me if there's a problem with using silicone other than "Aquarium specific”? I have some kitchen silicone from B&Q that I thought I could use. I'm fixing a digital thermometer to the inside of the glass.

Many thanks,
J

Hi J And welcome to the forum

You need to use the Aqua sealent for the fish tanks ONLY.
as the other D.I.Y Stuff has some ingredients in that smell
and will effect your tank water, and most likely poison your fish.

you will be doing the fishless cycle yes?
and we need step by step comentry and of course pics.


Fishless cycle
click the link.

http://tinyurl.com/2u3bpmt

Thanks Chez, I'll buy some of the aqua stuff tonight.

Yep, I've been reading the forum for about a week so I've been swung to the route of fishless cycling, starting with hardy fish etc but thanks for checking!

My tank is standard so far, with natural-coloured gravel. When the silicone is dry I'll add the water ( after I de-chlorinate it), then once up to temp I'll add live plants.

Still patroling the local (within 150miles) shops to decide on the exact fish to aim for, but it's a nice way to spend my time while the water gets to the right chemical balance...

Pics will follow, and hopefully not of floating fish!!!

J

hi jack

welcome to the forums mate nice of you to join us, you have done the right thing by doing your homework and gone for the fishless cycle looking forward to seeing some pics

Jack

I Don't think you put real aqua plants in while you are cycling.??
Someone will be along soon as to advise on this further.
come on here and ask about fish for the tank and what goes ok and what doesan't,
were all here to help if we can.







GO ON GET A OSCAR you know you want to..lol

Hiya Jack and welcome to the forum, and the hobby.

Have you managed to suss out where you are going to get the ammonia from for your fishless cycle? Usually Boots, Homebase or Ebay seem to be the ones to look in, just make sure that it doesn't have any perfumes in and is just pure ammonia.

As for plants, you can add them but most recommend that you wait for the cycle to be finished as they can slow down the process.

Any problems with the cycle then dont hesitate to yell

Thanks Diana,
I bought some ammonia (pure) from Boots last night. I also tracked down some aquarium silicone and attached my digital thermometer (£12 from Maplin) which also records min/max temp and has a high/low temp alarm.

I tried to order an ATI tester kit and some spare filters from Charterhouse Aquatics who offer free delivery for orders over £50, which sounded fair. I went to the checkout and noticed they had added £19 for postage due to my address (Aberdeen) for being "Ouside Main Courier Zone". It's a shame, they seemed to have a good range of products.

Can you recommend a good online shop I could try?

J

If you have to order stuff online, then try here -

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/fish-treatments/test-kits-for-aquariums/api-test-kits/api-liquid-freshwater-master-test-kit.html

Ive used them a few times for various stuff and they seem reliable.

Thanks Diana,
J