Overflow and paint???

[ruuskystar]

hey,

I have done some research on overflows from this site and have decided to make my own (or at least give it a go). I have the plexi glass and an idea. That's it so far. small overflow box in the back corner of tank with teeth cut out the top.

Here's some questions. I've been reading on this thread and have become slightly worried about bonding the plexi to the glass in my aquarium. Some people have had success, some people have not. My tank is only 30 gallons, so there's not a huge amount of pressure on the overflow. What are some suggestions regarding this issue. Also, what specific type of silicon would work? I went to home depot and they had nothing there except kitchen and bathroom silicon, nothing very water proof, and everything could become moldy. so wasn't sure what to get.

this question also applies because I was just planning to divide my sump up using the same plexi glass material, but my sump was originally going to be a 20 g glass tank, so again the issue of bonding plexi to glass.

Last question is what is the best type of paint to use to make a background for my tank. Home depot had no paint that sticks to glass very well, they suggested i scratch the glass with sandpaper then just spray paint it like normal.

anyone know was specific type of paint I should be looking for? I wanted to do it black or a very dark navy blue...

thanks in advance for the help. There's a wealth of experience and knowledge out there that I'm hoping to take advantage of :)

after all I am a university student and I dont exactly have extra cash floating around for mistakes.

thanks again...

[Oakville Reef Gallery]

we use behr semi gloss for tanks weve done from the store,just roll it on.Flavio

[tyrisis]

As for the silicone, Just read the label and it will tell you if it is aquarium safe or not, You could always buy it at the LFS.

Tyson

[ruuskystar]

ya, i thought about buying it at a local fish store, but I called around and it seems nobody carries aquarium safe silicone, at least not in my area.

I read the back of alot of the silicone packages and none referred to aquarium's.

anyone have specific name brand that I can look for?

thanks

[Red-Sea]

Big Al's carry aquarium silicone made by AllGlass, also MOPS carry them you can order online if you wish...

[Andy]

I use GE clear silicone, 84 mls. Number SE 1124. States "safe for aquariums" right on the label. Blue tube.

HTH

Andy

[ruuskystar]

Thanks for the responses guys. Appreciated.

I'm playing moron here and going to ask, what does GE stand for? Just so I can be sure to get the right one.

Also, have you guys used this silicone to bond acrylic/plexi to glass? just wondering?

thanks

[Andy]

GE=General Electric Should bond plexi to glass

[ruuskystar]

thanks alot man. exactly what I wanted to hear!!

:)

[Mckitrick]

I use the same as Andy.
If you want to see pictures go here: http://maskcanada.org/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=351

I have used this to bond Plexi to Glass and it seems fine just fine. I believe it's what Tom and Flavio use.

[ruuskystar]

oh man, much appreciated. now i can see exactly what I need!!...

the help on this site is great...can't get over it...

:)

[Dman]

Just about any paint will do, just DON"T scratch the back glass. And make sure you paint the outside. :D
Dman
:spin:

[Mckitrick]

I actually used Black Tremclad and a roller to paint the back of my tank. I highly recommend against scratching the glass..

[ruuskystar]

ya, when she said to scratch the back glass first some bells starting going in the head, didn't think i've ever heard of doing that before..didn't make much sense.

but i will try the suggested tips.

thanks
:)

[tyrisis]

I use Dow Corning Silicone States For aquarium repair or manufactureing on the label.

[ruuskystar]

What stores to you guys get this silicone at? home depot, canadian tire, walmart, home harware, or lfs???

let me know...

thanks...

i've been to my local home depot and my local big al's and neither of them carry any of the silicone that was suggested.

[tyrisis]

I think my tube came from Canadian tire.
Tyson

[Mckitrick]

The stuff I posted pictures of most definitely came from Home Depot.

[ruuskystar]

aight..sounds good...I will either go back there and look again or i'll try a different home depot. I'll also give c-tire a go.

thanks

[Mckitrick]

You've got the UPC number so make 'em look it up.
Remember this isn't a huge tube like the type you put in a caulking gun. It's a smallish tube. 82.8ml

[Andy]

Got mine at Home Hardware

[ruuskystar]

ya i'll tell em to look up the upc. At home depot all the ppl there were showing me stuff that goes in a cocking gun. i'll be sure to get the right stuff now.

thanks again.

[tyrisis]

Ohh :) I have the stuff you would put in the gun , Same stuff used to install windows. :) some you can use some you can't is on the label good luck

Tyson