Best Non-Toxic Silicone Sealant For Your Aquarium

Aquarium silicone sealant is one of the most important components of an aquarium, as it holds it together.If you don’t apply this to your fish tank, it might fall apart.

There are many tasks that this aquarium glue performs, like, preventing the fish tank from leaking, and for fixing rocks, plants and other decoration items to the glass.

This fish tank sealant dries clear, which makes it less noticeable than other adhesives. And the best part is that it is a non-toxic silicone, which makes it safe for the aquarium life!

Is silicon sealant the right adhesive to use on an aquarium?

Silicon sealant or aquarium glue is a liquid form of adhesive which feels and looks like a gel. It has many benefits and no side-effects, which makes it suitable for all aquariums.

One applied, it dries slowly which takes around 7 days. You will know if the aquarium caulk is still in the curing stage (drying), as it will be wet to touch and smell like salt-and-vinegar chips.

Note:Fish tank sealant does not dry if applied underwater, so you will have to empty the aquarium.

Pros

  • ​Dries clear
  • ​Waterproof
  • Long-lasting adhesive
  • ​Holds under pressure
  • Does not releases chemicals
  • Maintains elasticity and stability in both high and low temperatures.
  • Resistant to moisture, other chemicals and weathering.

Cons

  • ​Does not cure (dry) when wet
  • Not safe until cured
  • Not suitable for acrylic fish tanks
  • ​Takes 7 days to dry

Note: Fish tank silicone featuring fungicides as one of the ingredients, are harmful for your fish. If you see any of the following on the silicon tube, it means that it contains fungicides.

  • Mildew resistant
  • Mold-free
  • Bacteria protection
  • Anti-microbial

What are the top quality silicone for resealing glass aquariums?

Silicon is used to join the aquarium parts together. So it should be of high-quality and last for a longer time.

You are going to put hundreds of gallons of water in the aquarium, and if you have joined it with poor-quality silicon, the water is going to flood your home someday - killing your fish and leaving a lot of mess for you to clean.

The following two silicon are best for joining aquarium glass together.

​Momentive RTV100 Series

Sale
Momentive RTV108 Silicone, One-Part, Translucent, 300mL Cartridge
  • One-part translucent rtv silicone sealant with a paste consistency for filling and sealing gaps or cracks up to 1/4 inch
  • Paste consistency allows for application on vertical or overhead surfaces
  • Adheres to many metals, glass, ceramic, silicone rubber, and some rigid plastics without the use of primer
  • Continuous service range is -75 to +400 degrees f (-60 to +204 degrees c) and intermittent service range is -75 to +500 degrees f (-60 to +260 degrees c)
  • Meets military specification mil-a-46106, nsf standard 51, and usp 23; is fda 21 cfr 177.2600 compliant; is usda certified; and has ul recognized components

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is one of the best quality silicon, recommended by professional tank builders. It is highly durable, popular and a non-toxic silicone. This product holds the aquarium strong for years and you can fully rely on it.

​GE SCS1200

GE SCS1200 Silicone Construction Sealant, Black
  • High Modulus, High Strength Silicone
  • Wide Temperature Use Range
  • Creates Permanent Watertight Bonds

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

​Out of the two silicon, this one is stronger and more durable. It is long-lasting, made of high-quality and has a great reputation.

When it comes to choosing the most reliable and top-quality silicon, these two stand out, so you won't go wrong with either of them.

Which silicon is best for general purposes like decoration?

​    GE Silicone 1 Window and Door – Clear Silicone

GE Silicone GE012 10.1 Oz Clear Window & Door Silicone Rubber Caulk (2 Pack)
  • Permanently weatherproof Excellent Flexibility and Strong Adhesion: Provides a flexible, durable seal for and interior projects
  • Compatible with Most Materials: Adheres to most metals and woods; glass, drywall, plaster, granite, cultured marble, ceramic and porcelain tile; natural stone, cement board, composites, and more
  • Typical Uses: windows, doors, siding, trim, molding, baseboards, vents, around wires/pipes and other attic/basement applications
  • Adheres to: Most wood, metal, vinyl siding, drywall/plaster, glass and plastic .Same-Day Rain-Ready: Ready for rain exposure in as little as 12 hours
  • Meets federal specifications: TT-S-001543A (COM-NBS), TT-S-00230 (COM-NBS), ASTM-C-920 type S, NS, class 25 use NT, G A&O test requirements

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This aquarium grade silicone is the best out of all the budget-friendly silicon, for decoration purposes. It is easily available, from Amazon to your local hardware store. You can easily join decoration items to your tank, with this product.

​ASI Aquarium Sealant – Black Silicone

GE Silicone GE012 10.1 Oz Clear Window & Door Silicone Rubber Caulk (2 Pack)
  • Permanently weatherproof Excellent Flexibility and Strong Adhesion: Provides a flexible, durable seal for and interior projects
  • Compatible with Most Materials: Adheres to most metals and woods; glass, drywall, plaster, granite, cultured marble, ceramic and porcelain tile; natural stone, cement board, composites, and more
  • Typical Uses: windows, doors, siding, trim, molding, baseboards, vents, around wires/pipes and other attic/basement applications
  • Adheres to: Most wood, metal, vinyl siding, drywall/plaster, glass and plastic .Same-Day Rain-Ready: Ready for rain exposure in as little as 12 hours
  • Meets federal specifications: TT-S-001543A (COM-NBS), TT-S-00230 (COM-NBS), ASTM-C-920 type S, NS, class 25 use NT, G A&O test requirements

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This silicon is best for gluing everything to the tank, unless it is decoration items. It hides algae much better than the clear type. It is very strong, aquarium-safe and affordable.

Which silicon is best for precise gluing?

These two are affordable and aquarium-safe. Their size is perfect to keep in your cabinet, in case you face any emergency leaks.

  • Loctite Aquarium Safe Clear Silicone
  • Aqueon Black Silicone Aquarium Sealant
Loctite Clear Silicone Sealant, 2.7 fl oz, 1 Pack - 100% Waterproof Sealant for Glass, Ceramic, Wood, Plastic & More
  • Extreme temperature resistance
  • Waterproof
  • No cracking, peeling or shrinking
  • Gap filling
  • Flexible bonds
Aqueon Aquarium Silicone Sealant Black 3 Ounces
  • Waterproof seal stops leaks
  • Permanently flexible; does not crack or shrink
  • Easy to apply long-lasting bond
  • 100% Non-toxic silicone for use on freshwater or saltwater aquariums
  • Black silicone color - also available in clear silicone

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

​As we have learned, not all silicon are made of the same quality. Some claim to be made of 100% silicon, but contain fungicides, so you need to do a thorough research before purchasing one.

Keep in mind that no silicon lasts forever, but if you buy one of good quality, it will take years to peel apart. 

Just follow the instructions mentioned in the package and clean the area properly before applying and nothing would go wrong!

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[Revised and Updated for July, 2019]
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Written by Debra Hutchinson, founder of FishXperts

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