DAP Dynaflex 230 Mistake?

WannabeVivMaster · #1 12-16-2009, 10:03 PM

I read and read and read. I read I was supposed to use 100% Silicone in the Vivarium. I went to Menards and bought Dap Dynaflex 230. I don't know why the 100% Silicon requirement didn't jump into my head before I bought it. I took it home and used it in my 29 gallon aquarium to coat the glass then used it as adhesive for the coco fiber to the great stuff background. I waited about 20 hours and turned on the small water fall. The Dap has now turned a mushy gray and appears to be disolving in the water.
Am I completely screwed ( yes, I realize I'm probably screwed) or is there anyway, maybe more time to completely dry? I really don't want to start over. Of course, I haven't bought any frogs for the tank yet, but it will eventually house a couple frogs.

froggsong · #2 12-16-2009, 11:13 PM

I've always read that DAP of any sort is a bad idea... I'd start over if I were you. But, I'd also take the tubes of silicone back to the store and get a refund. Tell them that you let it dry longer than necessary before it was exposed to water, and when it did it turned all mushy and started to dissolve. DON'T tell them you were using it in a vive. As long as you have the receipt and the tubes you should be able to return it.

WannabeVivMaster · #3 12-16-2009, 11:37 PM

Yeah, that's what I thought... sucks!
Thanks for the reply tho.

WannabeVivMaster · #4 12-19-2009, 03:53 PM

I've torn it completely down... I bought 100% silicon GE Silicone II (with BioSeal, I can't find it without BioSeal - read in other threads its not a big deal). Things are looking up again.

DazzleDiscus · #5 12-19-2009, 06:51 PM

I'm using GE Silicone II (with bioseal) as well, and I too have decided it isn't a big deal. People have been using it for a long time before they even knew that it had bioseal in it. Apparently the freak out only happened after it was advertised that the GE siliconeII had bioseal in it. :P go figure.
...and I believe that only GE Silicone I doesn't have the bioseal... I could be mistaken however. Silicone I didn't seem worth the trouble though because of all its pitfalls.

I wish you well in your siliconing endeavours!

froggsong · #6 12-19-2009, 11:15 PM

I actually prefer the GE II, it doesn't smell as bad or take as insanely long to cure fully. That said, I haven't used it underwater, so I can't testify personally to it's underwater safety.

Grimm · #7 12-20-2009, 11:35 AM

Im part of a local forums aswell, and I did a ton of asking around before I figured out what silicone to use...One of the more experienced members had had bad luck with the GE silicone II in his Paludarium and ALL of his aquatic animals died. And other people that have used the silicone II have had no problems. It seems unclear if the Bioseal is harmful or not but since the water in my Vivarium has a lot of contact with the silicone I went the safe route and used GE Silicone I.

I had a tough time finding some black Silicone I but I think it was worth searching for it. I ended up finding it for 4.50$ a tube at an industrial supplier compared to 20$ at a pet store...CAN YOU SAY MARKUP!?

froggsong · #8 12-20-2009, 02:30 PM

I didn't think the GE I that DOESN'T have the bioseal came in black... Was it windows and doors or kitchen and bath? The kitchen and bath one has the bioseal, and the windows and doors might or might not (it is not listed on the tube, and I personally was told by GE that it didn't, but there are other people on the forum that were told by them that it does). If they make it in the windows and doors in black now, that's pretty cool. I was under the impression that they were phasing out the type I.

Grimm · #9 12-20-2009, 03:03 PM

Well the tube that I have is GE 1200...It smells of extremely strong vinegar to the point were it hurts the lungs and makes your eyes burn haha...But those qualities is what makes it 100% pure silicone that is safe for animals. I have found it at most pet and aquarium stores, but the 20$ price tag made me look around for another source as I needed 6+ tubes of the stuff. And yes it is black

WannabeVivMaster · #10 12-20-2009, 04:13 PM

It was my understanding the GE Silicone I had the BioSeal in the "ingredients". It just wasn't advertised on the tube. I read on one for the threads here. However, my tube does say in the "fine print", not for aquarium use.
I'm going to use it anyway... My thinking is, many people have used it in their vivariums (mainly because it is the most commonly found 100% Silicone) If there were any real problems with it, it would be clearly stated through out these forums. Nobody uses DAP because it doesn't work; its mentioned a few times in these threads "Don't Use". ( I attempted to use it, I don't know why, DAP Dynaflex does not work)