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Silicone question for the DIY`ers

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Tony L., Jun 17, 2014.

  1. Tony L.

    272
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I recently stripped and re-did the silicone in my soon to be display tank. I cut a 1/2" piece of starboard to fit and filled in the gap between the glass and board with black silicone. The silicone has cured nicely and appears to be water tight although I've yet to be able to do a test fill. The silicone has cured even with the starboard, I'd like to see it overlap a little bit. It's not going anywhere but my OCD is telling me there should be a more substanial overlap of the silicone over the board.


    My technique question is this; is it okay to put another bead of silicone over the stuff I've already done? Everything that I've read about working with silicone states that things need to be stripped all the way back down to the bare glass. I would like to just do a small layer over the top for cosmetic/OCD reasons; is this okay or would I need to strip everything back out and take another crack at it?
     
  2. Zach Well-Known ReefKeeper

    605
    Coralville, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +21 / 0 / -0
    Pics, I am not sure what exactly you are describing. And no silcone does not layer, it only causes problems, you will strip and retry. only option.
     
  3. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    You lost me with starboard. Pictures please
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  4. xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    Personally I would of totally sealed the tank, and then just laid the starboard in. If you wanted the starboard sealed under it, you could of run another layer underneath it.

    Fill it up with fresh water & see what happens. Worse it can do is leak
     
  5. danmgray Well-Known ReefKeeper

    307
    Sioux City, IA
    Ratings:
    +26 / 0 / -0
    The way I read the OP, the tank was first re-sealed completely. Then, a piece of starboard (cutting board like material) was cut to fit and placed inside on the bottom. Then a bead of black silicone was laid around the edge, perhaps to hold it in place or keep detritus out from underneath. You're wondering if you can put another bead of silicone over the top. I think it would be fine for purely cosmetic reasons. Once silicone cures, not much will stick to it well, not even new silicone. On the other hand, I don't think silicone bonds strongly to the starboard either, so you are already dealing with a similar challenge. I don't think that it will hurt to put another layer of silicone on. Worst case, the silicone may peel back from the starboard or where it overlaps the bead you tried to cover up.

    Pics would be great!
     
  6. F.D. Reefer Well-Known ReefKeeper

    506
    Fort dodge
    Ratings:
    +98 / 1 / -0
    [​IMG]
     
  7. wouldtick Well-Known ReefKeeper

    381
    waukee
    Ratings:
    +85 / 3 / -0
    That photo cracked me up big time. I had to read it three times before i even understood "pichers"
     
  8. Zach Well-Known ReefKeeper

    605
    Coralville, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +21 / 0 / -0
    I honestly have no idea what the attempt is. I second the picture. hilarious as well.
     

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