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Black Silicone for Glass Tanks
Does anyone use black silicone instead of the clear for your aquarium? I want to see if there is any true benefit to it. They say using black is not as visible especially with algae buildup and medications wont make it change color.
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Black silicone is popular here because it gives the tank a slick look, but it is much more visible than clear silicone.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController Pro -
I had heard it was all cosmetic. For "the look".10x3x2 FOWLR (for now)
BK400ext
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IKSComment
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If it gives it a better look, then I am all for it. Anyone have any pictures?Comment
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Yeah my refugium was done with black silicone. I'll take some pics tomorrow morning.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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I guess it would look something like this...
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Yes that's exactly what it looks like.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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When you use regular glass I prefer black to hide the green. When you use low lead glass I like clear.
It's all just a matter of the look you like though. Black in any cae seems to make the corners stand out more.
SteveU“People are very open-minded about new things - as long as they're exactly like the old ones.”
...Charles F. KetteringComment
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Just came back from a LFS and they were confident that the black silicone was not as strong as the clear one. ??Comment
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Greetings All !
I've sold many dozens of tanks with black silicone, and prefer it myself ... what moonpod says, ... all cosmetic. For "the look" .... What you get is an entirely black seam, as opposed to bicolor.Does anyone use black silicone instead of the clear for your aquarium? I want to see if there is any true benefit to it. They say using black is not as visible especially with algae buildup and medications wont make it change color.
Not all silicone formulations are created equal, to be sure (so a specific comparison of products is required), but within a context of "general application" ... such an opinion is inexperienced, IMO.Just came back from a LFS and they were confident that the black silicone was not as strong as the clear one. ??
I have the same preference, although I've never found black silicone to be good at "hiding" algae ... "obsuring", maybe.When you use regular glass I prefer black to hide the green. When you use low lead glass I like clear.
This has never been my opinion, but it is the opinion of the vast majority of my customers. Then again, I've always liked a classic "Wardian Box" look.Black in any cae seems to make the corners stand out more.
Indeed ... HTHIt's all just a matter of the look you like though. ...
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. ThompsonComment
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Personally I think it looks cool on smaller tanks but not so on larger tanks where much more silicone is required for the seams. It makes it look like the tank is in a black frame which I personally don't like, so I'm like the vast majority of Gary's customers on this one
400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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edward,
My custom starfire was built by I.A. and uses black silicone. I really like the way it looks, kind of "finishes off" the joint in a way thats appealing to me.
I would reccomend it..(would NOT reccomend I.A. though.thats for sure)
-greg-Zeovit, Bubbleking, and grotech dealer.
Avid SPS hobbyistComment
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never seen it before
NickNick
180G SPS Mainly
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