Aging silicone – how much time do I have?

[omplmpa3]

I was doing a water change on my 55 when I noticed the silicone had really started to degrade in the corners. There is about a quarter of an inch to a third of an inch of silicone that extends out from the corners than is still intact, but the very edges are quite ragged and can be lifted away from the glass. I’m not sure how old the tank is, I got it used from my LFS and there are quite a few scratches in the glass. Does anyone have any idea how much time I have? Do I need to get a new tank ASAP?

Thank you

[Dadof4]

You should be ok for quite a while as long as the heavier silicone is still intact.

[SammyDee]

I have an older tank like that too its been like that for 15 years too soo Id say your good. But I still keep an eye on it.

[pufferpuggirl]

I read that silicone lasts about 10 years, but obviously there's tanks out there that have lasted longer, so that's just a basic average I would guess.

[PolishPuff]

one of my tanks is about 25 years old. ( there is a little sticker 1984 date ) I had to re-seal it two years ago

[Dadof4]

My 30 gallon long is from early-mid 1970's and doesn't show sign one of leaking or failing. That thing is built like a glass brick!

[omplmpa3]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I think I will hold off on replacing it immediately and just keep my eye on it.

[Myaj]

You'll be fine.. if you really get worried reseal it yourself, I've done that several times. Its easy and cheap

[PolishPuff]

I've read that you can use GE II silicone. Although it doesn't say aquarium safe on it, it is used to seal tanks in the AQUA World

[kibbles]

I thought it was ge 1. Just be sure it doesn't have any mold inhibitors in it, they are harmful to fish.

[PolishPuff]

I'm 100% sure its GE II

[bastallard]

Be careful when cleaning/scraping algae on the inside of the glass, and keep the tank level.

[J-P]

the silicone I used was Marineland aquarium sealant to touch up the edges where I could

[kibbles]

If u look at the ge silicone 2 it contains a mold inhibitor. That is bad for your fish. Ge silicone 1 is 100% silicone with no mold inhibitors in it. Also if you have any questions go to aquariacentral.com. Go to the DIY section and you can find more info there.

[pufferpuggirl]

I use a silicone that says it's fish safe and can be used around food items. That's what I got last time and it seems to be alright, hasn't caused any problems with the puffers or other fish. It wasn't any particular brand though, just something the LFS had.