Without any doubt, fish tanks tend to have some minor or major leak issues that need to be solved right away to save your fish inhabitants and other aquatic plants from being stressed and injured. This is where investing in the best aquarium silicone is most useful. For fact, such a product is deemed as one of the vital parts of a fish tank.
Moreover, many aquarists only become insightful of just how beneficial silicone is when their aquarium starts to suffer from leak problems. The good news is that with only a little portion of silicone, you can repair any minor leaks in your fish tank.
Another way to use silicone is when you need to glue various tank embellishments, plants and stones to the glass of the aquarium. As compared to other types of adhesives, silicone does not stain and comes with transparent color and it also dries a lot faster. It is handy so storing it won’t be a problem.
High-quality aquarium silicone can be a godsend for keeping your tank in good shape. But finding top-tier products within this marketplace can be challenging. So I’ll walk you through a few of the more vital buying considerations to make this process much less complicated:
- Brand: One of the first things to evaluate is the silicone’s manufacturer. Any worthwhile aquarium-safe silicone will be built by a brand with a stellar reputation. Customer reviews and other similar resources make this evaluation relatively painless.
- Type: Any silicone for fish tanks will be one of two types, neutral silicone sealants or general-purpose silicone. Generally, people prefer the latter option because it offers more versatility.
- Ease of Use: Look at its directions before buying silicone for aquarium use. It’s crucial because some options will make the process unnecessarily complicated. Avoid these products by evaluating the rules and choosing an easy to use.
Before making your final purchase, it helps to carefully take a look at the various fish tank silicone product reviews below so as to ensure that you won’t be spending in the wrong choice!
Best Overall
Aqueon Silicone Sealant
| ✅ Dries instantly |
| ✅ Ensure water-resistant and long-lasting seal |
| ✅ A piece of cake to apply |
Premium Choice
GE Silicone I All Purpose Caulk
| ✅ Can ward off the growth of mildew |
| ✅ Withstand inclement weather conditions |
| ✅ Adept at keeping gaps properly sealed |
Editor’s Choice
Clear Aquarium Silicone Sealant
| ✅ Risk-free to use in aquariums |
| ✅ Easy to apply in vertical surfaces |
| ✅ Capable of curing quite quickly |
Table of Contents
Most Trusted Aquarium Silicone Reviews
1. Aqueon Silicone Sealant
We surely prefer the best aquarium silicone that could better manage our fish tank leak issues. When it comes to an effective, reliable and fast adhesive products for aquariums, Aqueon Silicone Sealant is one of the brands that you can rely on.
Unlike other brands out there, this sealant is no sweat to apply and use. You only need to put a small dollop of it on the damaged area, then wait for it to dry and you’re done. It does not even leave any stains or traces so your aquarium will still look undamaged even if you seal the leaking area.
Indeed, it does not contain any toxic components making it safe to use in fish tanks so your aquarium dwellers won’t be harmed. This is a renowned water-proof and permanent seal that aids in repairing any breaking or shrinking problems.
It is good to know that it also dries faster, so you can rest assured that your leak problems will be solved at once to prevent them from worsening. This product is safe for use in all types of fish tanks. Such a brand is a bit less pricey than others but it works exceptionally just like other costly brands.
However, this sealant comes in low-quality bottles and it has a very strong smell when wet. These are just a couple of the disadvantages that you need to watch out for.
- A piece of cake to apply
- Can ensure water-resistant and long-lasting seal without shrinking or breaking
- Does not contain any harmful toxins
- Capable of solving leak issues more efficiently
- Dries instantly
- Comes with poor quality bottle
- Has the tendency to produce potent odor when wet
2. GE Silicone I All Purpose Caulk
GE silicone 1 aquarium safe can deliver an instant cure. This is highly recommended for exterior sealing projects and if you wish to have it done in a weather-resistant approach.
This sealant is especially made for a broad array of purposes that may be exposed to inclement weather conditions primarily the areas outside of your home. And, since it is formulated to withstand rugged weather conditions, it is not susceptible to breakage, shrinking, freezing temperatures, drooping or scorching temperatures.
Take in mind that it is crucial to follow the instructions prior to applying or using this product. Otherwise, its effectiveness may be affected. It is a must to allow a total of 12 hours prior to exposing this adhesive product to water.
The delighting news is that it is quite uncomplicated to apply and use. This clear caulk works superbly and dries in an impartial amount of time. You may refer to the usage instructions of this product by checking its label.
Be that as it may, this adhesive just like other sealants also comes with an irritating smell when drenched. Moreover, since it is too sticky and thick, this makes it is a bit tough to apply and use. Fortunately, this isn’t a serious problem to deal with since with the aid of some tools and proper compliance with the instructions; you won’t go wrong.
- Highly recognized for being weatherproof and water-resistant type of silicone
- Adept at keeping gaps properly sealed
- Resistant to sagging, breaking and drooping
- Can withstand inclement weather conditions
- Can ward off the growth of mildew and other causes of various stains
- Comes with irking odor when wet
- Stickiness makes it slightly difficult to use
3. Clear Aquarium Silicone Sealant
If you hope to get the real value for your money for the most trusted silicone to use for an aquarium, then the perfect choice for you is Clear Aquarium Silicone Sealant. This product does not come with a poisonous formulation so that implies it is safe for fish and other fish tank dwellers.
What wise aquarium owners prefer most about this brand is that it can create solid cohesive bonds to the glass that need to be fixed and unlike other products, it does not necessitate a primer for it to work more effectively. It is recommended for vivarium, saltwater and freshwater aquarium use.
More than that, this is no trouble to apply since you only need to put a small amount of it to the leaking spot of your aquarium and allow it to dry. You will be surprised to see that it dries fast and does not even leave any trace of glue in the glass. Thus, it does not affect the appearance of your aquarium.
On the other hand, this sealant isn’t flawless of course. When using it, you need to put up with the potent vinegar odor it produces and this sealant is sticky that it could leave irking residues on your hands which are slightly tough to get rid of. If you are fine with that, this is actually a great choice!
- Can create vigorous cohesive bonds to glass and does not require primers
- Risk-free to use in aquariums as it is toxic-free
- Easy to apply in vertical surfaces without drooping or gushing
- Ideal use for vivarium, saltwater and freshwater aquariums
- Capable of curing quite quickly
- Comes with very strong vinegar smell
- Quite sticky and may leave residue on hands
4. Aquascape Black Silicone Sealant
Are you wondering what effective fish tank silicone can work top-tier for your needs? Aquascape Black Silicone Sealant is easy as pie to apply and use. As compared to other brands, this does not produce any toxic odor and does not leave any mess.
Besides, what makes this sealant quite distinguished from other brands is that it comes with superior moisture shield and comprehensive enclosure features. Therefore, if you hope to purchase a sealant that can patch pond liner holes more effectively, then give this product a try.
We all search for a sealant that could offer a simple yet efficient solution to any leak concerns. This product is also capable of blending well with the liner. It is advised to use necessary protection when using this sealant such as gloves and glasses just for additional safety.
This product could create an unnoticeable black on black seal. And, since it is silicone-based, it has the capability to last longer.
Nonetheless, while this sealant is said to be non-toxic, it comes with very strong and irking vinegar smell when used. So, it is best if you wear gloves when applying it. Also, the fumes coming out from this adhesive is quite painful in the eyes, so it is a must to wear glasses to shield your eyes from irritation.
- Capable of superbly blending with the liner
- Does not come with toxic smell
- Can deliver exhaustive enclosure and outstanding moisture shield
- Does not create any mess
- Guaranteed effective and simple solution
- Painful in the eyes when use
- Comes with irritating vinegar smell
5. Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant
If your main concern is accurate sealing and repair features, then this aquarium sealer makes a great option. It does not droop, break or crack. It is one of the top-notch choices of most fish tank owners and it can guarantee very accurate sealing and repair solutions.
This tiny tube of silicone is without a doubt the ideal size for fish tank owners to store in their aquarium cabinets. This is quite handy and it could be the perfect solution that could fix any fish tank leaks that you may ever encounter. This is quite useful for emergencies, so it won’t hurt if you have it stored in your cabinet.
In the same way, this adhesive product is known for its durability and does not harm your fish tank dwellers. This serves as a perfect solution if you seriously need to repair or seal some stuff. It dries in no time and it is not tedious to apply and use. It matters to store this item properly, away from direct sunlight to prolong its efficient use.
While Loctite is a great product, still it also comes with a few weak spots, it commonly comes with a strong and annoying smell when wet so you may slightly feel disturbed while using it and the tube is low quality in that it bursts easily. Thus, you need to squeeze it carefully.
- Capable of laying down instantly and dries fast
- Ideal solution for accurate sealing
- Non-toxic for fish tanks
- Not prone to shrinking, breakage and drooping
- Highly recommended for sealing or repairing various stuff
- Comes with a terrible tube that bursts easily
- Unpleasant and potent odor when wet
6. Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant
This product is a certified aquarium-safe sealant that is odorless, dries in a day, remains clear and can perfectly hold its shape. In case you accidentally applied an excess amount of it or you unintentionally applied it to the wrong area, it is smooth sailing to scrape off or cut and does not ruin the patch job.
In like manner, it is a very effective and economical means to repair leaks in basically anything water-related issues. Since it is an all-purpose sealant, it does not only work on fish tanks and fountains; it could also be used in ceramics, metal, concrete and other stuff that need to be fixed. This is a risk-free adhesive for fish, birds and people.
You no longer need to worry about the temporary solution because this sealant can deliver long-lasting protection. It can ensure water-resistant performance, it is not prone to breakage or sagging and it is proven to be safe for saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
Many consumers prefer this clear non-toxic gel mainly because it is an effective leak solution and stays in place. By the same token, it is not that pricey as compared to other brands.
But, a few of the negative sides of this adhesive product are its tiny tube that also bursts instantly and the nozzle that breaks off easily. Sometimes, it may also be a bit tight to open it again especially if you have used it before.
- Capable of providing permanent solution in fixing fish tanks
- Can guarantee waterproof performance
- Does not droop or break
- Toxic-free to saltwater and freshwater fish when cured
- Excellent sealant that remains flexible
- Tube bursts easily and is very small
- Nozzle breaks off easily
MOMENTIVE RTV108-300ML RTV 108 Silicone (Outdated) This aquarium-grade silicone is appropriate for diverse handheld applications and in caulking weapons. It is a premium quality adhesive product that is specifically formulated to combat extreme temperatures. It is good to know that this does not come with poisonous colorants or contents. It could provide solid bond to the fish tank’s glass and it could even work wonders on old silicone that’s left in the aquarium. This comes in the form of a transparent sealant that makes it suitable for most fish tanks where you prefer to keep their impressive appearance. It is easy to apply and use in any part of the aquarium. What sets this adhesive product apart from the rest is that it actually meets military standards. Apart from these, it is also adept at resealing an old aquarium. And, it can work wonders whether you own a small or large size fish tank. Without question, this is a second to none option for a sterling all-purpose clear silicone product. In spite of the excellent features of this sealant, it comes with a few flaws that include the fact that some manufacturers do not label this product as safe for fish tank use. Additionally, its paste consistency is quite thick making it a little difficult to apply and use without proper tools and correct instructions. MarineLand Silicone Squeeze Tube (Outdated) This fish-safe silicone item functions exceptionally as compared to the regular transparent silicone products that are available in the market these days. It can guarantee solid bonding, dries immediately and can provide an impressive grip just like rubber does. It is worth emphasizing that this silicone is not plain sailing to apply and use as expected or as advertised. Just like in many other brands, it surely takes a significant amount of patience and practice to make it work just the way you prefer it to. And, with the right application, this could be the top-rated sealing and repairing solution for you! For the price, this item is a great alternative that won’t fail to meet your expectations provided that you follow the application instructions. It is not merely for fish tank use; it could also be utilized for a number of distinctive purposes. It is toxic-free so there is nothing for you to worry about whether this is safe for your aquatic plants and fish tank occupants. Notwithstanding, this sealant’s nozzle is long, narrow and not broad enough so squeezing, applying and using it on the leaky or damaged area can be a pain in the neck. What’s more, it also produces a horrible odor when wet. The strong odor may last for a couple of days. These are the drawbacks that you need to expect if you get this adhesive product. Aqueon Silicone Clear (Outdated) Would you like to permanently stop leaking problems in your aquarium? Do you always suffer from damaged stuff and glasses? Then, Aqueon Silicone Clear will help you fix this problem if you decide to get it at once. This adhesive product is a must-have. It can assist you to handle leaky fish tanks and other stuff that needs to be repaired and bonded together. Unlike other brands, this is not that challenging to apply and utilize. You only need to adhere to the directions on how to use it and this can be found on the product’s label. See to it that to only use the directed amount to obtain a satisfying result. More than that, this sealant is made of high-strength silicone which obviously means it could provide solid bonds and deliver water-resistant performance. It does not easily shrink, sag or crack and best of all, it is friendly to fish tank dwellers. Meanwhile, please be guided that this sealant does not produce fast results as compared to other adhesive brands. It may take weeks for it to finish the curing process totally. Therefore, this is not an option for you if you’re aiming for instant results. Also, you need to set aside some more pennies as it is not that affordable. GE 1200 Series Construction Silicone Sealant (Outdated) As an aquarium owner, dealing with leak issues on your fish tank glass is a common problem. Hence, it is a must for all fish tank owners to keep a reliable and effective sealant that could help solve such an occurrence in case it emerges at any time. If you have GE 1200 Series Construction Silicone Sealant at hand, you can be worry-free because you can repair the damaged or leaky spot at once. This will help you avoid worsening the damage in your aquarium and at the same time, you can save more because there is no need for you to purchase a new fish tank anymore. In addition, the top-tier thing about this adhesive product is that even if you are keeping a huge fish tank with a hundred gallons or more, this could cater to your needs and preferences. No matter how small or big, your current aquarium is, this could provide you with the performance you expect and deserve. Plus, you can get it at a very cost-effective price tag. Similar to other sealants available nowadays, this product comes with an unpleasant odor when wet and when you first use it. This may cause discomfort at the beginning. Also, it comes with a sticky paste that could solidly glue your hands as well so it is recommended to use gloves when working to avoid this from happening.
What To Look For When Buying An Aquarium Silicone
It could be quite demanding to decide on suitable caulks and sealants for your needs in that there is a countless number of options available in the market at present. For all that, with the help of sealant experts, deciding for the right caulk or sealant for you won’t be a tiresome task for you anymore.
Before you spend a dime on silicone sealants, it is helpful to factor in the following guides below:
- Is the sealant flexible to use? – An excellent adhesive product must be versatile and rubbery.
- Is it made by a highly trusted manufacturer? – Many products are available and are sold in the market today. But, the question is, are you sure these are credible enough to be used for your fish tanks? It is advised to buy products only from trusted local stores and legit online shopping sites.
- What about the adhesive properties of the product you are planning to buy? – Opt for the one that is capable of sticking well to surfaces.
- Mold or mildew-proof and water-resistant – If the sealant comes with these vital features, then it could greatly aid in solving damaged and leaky issues.
- Go for the option that does not discolor over time – That said, it means clear or transparent sealants are the most suitable choice.
Other Important Factors To Consider
What is aquarium silicone? How does it work?
Silicone sealant is mainly formulated with silicone. And, due to this, it is well-known for its tough performance qualities. It can be utilized for a broad array of purposes or applications.
Likewise, some of the qualities of this adhesive product consist of its being ultraviolet-proof and its capability to withstand extreme temperatures. And, this comes with superlative movement qualities and versatility which are made possible by its remarkable silicone properties.
In general, these come with long-lasting performance as compared to other forms of sealants. Evidently, this could be your finest option when you are selecting the suitable sealant for your fish tank and other stuff.
A silicone sealant works by holding your fish tank together. In case you spot any damaged or leaky area in your aquarium, you can use this adhesive product to fasten it together. A small bead of this sealant is more than sufficient to repair any minor leak or damage.
Indeed, since many silicone sealants come in thick sticky paste, it is advised to apply and use them by using gloves to shield your hands. And, they commonly come with strong odors that may irritate your nose and eyes. Consider using glasses to avoid eye irritation and a face mask to protect your nose from awful smells.
What are the different types of aquarium silicones?
Neutral Silicone Sealants. These do not come with any potent odor when they cure. Furthermore, they come in more superb adhesive properties for plenty of materials such as plastics, PVC-U, stone, glass, and aluminum.
Nonetheless, these are generally pricey and may take a longer time to cure completely. The curing process may take days to cure hinging on the thickness, temperature as well as humidity conditions.
General Purpose Silicone. Universally speaking, this is often the most outstanding means to opt for when deciding on the most suitable sealant for you. This can be applied to nearly all building materials consisting of glass and wood.
Besides, this also ensures elasticity and long lasting sturdiness. Be that as it may, this does not commonly come with fungicides.
Why do you need aquarium safe silicone? (Benefits)
If you have observed that your aquarium is already having minor leak issues or if you hope to connect something permanently to the fish tank’s glass, then a premium quality fish tank silicone brand can do wonders for you.
What are the benefits of using such products?
- These are generally made of authentic silicone that can be safely utilized in all sorts of aquariums.
- They are good at curing which could last for a long period of time.
- These come in transparent color so they won’t ruin the total appearance of your aquarium.
- Fish tank silicone products are capable of creating a solid seal that is not in any way affected by continuous submersion in water and can be ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fish tanks.
- Such sealants are reliable in that there is no need to use nay primers. So, these are economical to use too.
- These are resistant to shrinking, drooping, sagging, or cracking. Thus, they can guarantee a permanent bond.
- They are mostly toxic-free making them safe even for your aquarium pets and plants.
- Silicone sealants are resistant to airborne chemicals, ozone and ultraviolet radiation. Hence, they could combat any harsh weather conditions.
- These are no sweat to apply and use with the right tools and instructions.
- Such products can ensure high strength seal that exceptionally halts and fixes any leak problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of silicone is safe for aquariums?
Asking what kind of silicone is safe for aquariums is a smart move, as the wrong type can kill your fish.
Whether you’re fixing the leaking fish tank or reinforcing the structure, you’ll want to use pure silicone without any additives. Such options will be advertised as 100% silicone and animal-safe.
Another thing to consider is that silicone products will list their safe applications on their packaging. So even if it’s called “100% pure silicone”, please read the description thoroughly. It’s the only way to ensure it’s an aquarium-safe sealant spray or glue.
How much silicone do I need to reseal my aquarium?
Most experts recommend using a bead that’s a bit wider than the glass tank’s width. So let’s say your tank’s glass is ¼ inch wide; it’d require a silicone bead of about 3/16″. This amount is more than enough to proceed with when resealing an aquarium tank.
If you need help calculating, I’d recommend relying on an online caulking usage calculator. It’ll ensure you know how much silicone is needed for your tank’s glass width. Then, the entire process of how to reseal fish tank glass becomes much more manageable.
Is a gorilla silicone aquarium safe?
Gorilla Silicone isn’t considered an aquarium-safe clear sealant. It’s not a 100% pure silicone product, as there are additives in its formula. In fact, it’s known to cause problems in reef tanks.
The common issues include being fatal to fish, causing further leaks, and damaging filters. So it’s nothing you want to experience when using an underwater aquarium sealant.
As a result, buyers are much better off with an option like Aqueon Silicone Sealant. It’s a pet-safe silicone in all fish tanks, including reef-safe silicone. I’ve even used it for decorations inside my tank that needed minor repairing.
Is there a better sealant or silicone?
General-purpose silicones are the top-tier choice when buying aquarium glue for glass aquariums or other tanks. Their versatility makes them more cost-effective than different types. In other words, users will get more bang for their buck with a GP silicone than a neutral option.
What are the most trusted aquarium-safe silicone brands?
Some of the most trusted and safe aquarium silicone brands are comprised of the following:
- Aqueon
- GE
- Aquascape
- Loctite
Aquarium vs. Regular Silicone: What is the difference?
Both products are actually good at creating solid bonds when it comes to sealing and repairing leaks and other sorts of damage. Regular silicone products are mostly designed for many different uses and applications in buildings and other household-related projects.
However, the only distinction is that aquarium silicone products are designed to be non-toxic to keep fish and aquatic plants inside the aquarium safe and healthy even after curing.
How to remove aquarium silicone?
- Empty the aquarium and allow it to dry.
- Prepare the dryer to high heat and utilize this to heat and soften the sealant that needs to be removed. Take note that it is not advised to heat the sealant till it melts.
- Carefully scrape the part of the sealant from the fish tank’s glass with the use of a razor blade.
- Lastly, drench the rough sponge and utilize this to trim any left residue.
How to use?
- Empty the fish tank.
- Using a razor blade, get rid of all old silicone.
- Clear up and prepare the spot that needs to be cured with the use of fine sandpaper.
- See to it that all surfaces are dry.
- Gently apply a .5 centimeter or lesser silicone bead in the aquarium’s interior edges.
- Using fortified duct tape, ensure that all exterior corners are tightened. Wooden clamps are suggested if you keep an aquarium that contains more than 75 gallons of water.
- Polish all interior edge beads using your index finger into a sleek surface, then clean off excess beads of silicone instantly.
- Then, just wait for 2 days for the complete curing process to be finished.
How long for aquarium silicone to dry/ cure?
In general, aquarium silicone dries in approximately 24 hours; on the other hand, it may take a few days or a week for it to cure completely.
How to care & storage?
Aquarium silicone products need to be stored in a cool dry place away from heat or direct sunlight. Keep them away from children too.
Where to buy?
You can purchase them in various local stores, home improvement centers, home depot, Amazon, eBay, Lowes and other legit online shopping sites.
Conclusion
Seeing that the best aquarium silicone products are a must-have for aquarium owners, it is equally important to be very careful when choosing the right sealant for you. As you know, the wrong type of silicone in your fish tank could exterminate your marine friends and aquatic plants. As mentioned in this article, not all types of silicones are safe for your fish tank.
Therefore, it is quite beneficial to factor in the assessed product reviews above so to help you decide which one will work safely and effectively for your aquarium. With the buying guides aforesaid, you won’t end up losing money in the process!