Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Is it safe to use silicone when connecting tubes to growbeds and such? I heard from the hydro shop here that it was and others recomended it locally, though I thought I read on here not to use it for some reason. Please clarify for me, as I can't seem to find the post I read on here about not using it and thus far it is my best option. Tomorrow I will set up my system and in a week or so I'll post pics and get some heirloom veggies or herbs growing in it. Please let me know as soo as you get a chance, as I already bought it and am waiting to hear back before I open it. Thanks so so much!

Mr M, there is aquarium safe silicone, be sure to ask for that. I think it doesn't contain anti-mould agents, which would kill your fish.
The package should say something about fish or aquarium safe.

just be aware that it doesn't stick very well to plastics

awesome, that's what I've got. Thanks.

if you're using it on PVC pipes, it will help it to stick if you scratch up the surface with sandpaper before you silicone it up. It won't hold it permanently, but it will give it a bit of extra surface area to stick to.

Just expect some drippage until your bio film fills the gaps.

Silicone also has outgassing while it is curing. Again, not a problem, as long as you exercise a little patience. (I know the P word!) Once it cures, since it's safe for fish, you should be fine.

isnt 100% silicone the same thing? I've been told thats all that aquarium silicone really is.. just fancied up and priced up as well.

im pretty sure that 100% would be fine as i was under the impression that its the antifungal compunds (read poisons) that cause the probs

actually there is little reason to use silicone IMHO. My system has been running for over a year now with no PVC Glue or silicone. Granted, where there are higher pressures it is a good idea use some method of making sure the pipes don'e come apart. I have found it is better to glue or use nothing. I use nothing. I think it is Jaymie (correct me if I am wrong) that uses sheet metal screws at joints to hold things together but keeps things unglued to make it easier to switch configurations.

If your going through a bulkhead that is plastic the trick is to drill your hole slightly smaller than your fitting, heat the rim of that hole up a wee bit with torch and screw the threaded male fitting through the warmed hole~ no silicone is needed when you get a nice tight fit. Practice on the top of the bed for an overflow hole if need be.

AHHHH now that is a good idea

I was wanting to do something temporary, at the moment I have it unglued however I was thinking of using HOT MELT GLUE, has anyone before me done this?
Is it wise?

Question is Why?

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