New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

flashy · Post by **flashy** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:53 am

Hi Everyone,

New tank on the way, 60x65x60 rimless, and I've just got an email asking about the silicone - black or clear. Not sure which way to go, to be honest.

Would love to hear your thoughts, reasons for one over the other, or even some pics. Don't want to make the wrong choice and be stuck with it till the next upgrade.

Cheers,
Paul

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 11:00 am

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

To be honest, I've never come across a tank with black silicone before.

Bolden · Post by **Bolden** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:04 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

Originally posted by Finny

I don't think I have ever seen one with black silicone...

Same here, I'm drawing a blank.

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:11 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

That sounds quite cool, actually.

belleora · Post by **belleora** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:26 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

I'm a fan of black silicone for my tank. It hides any stains and keeps its color over time.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:45 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

Black silicone's been around for a while now, even Petsmart had some with it. Google it and see what you think - it's just about looks, nothing else.

barks · Post by **barks** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:21 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

I've had a positive experience with resealing a tank using black silicone. The result was visually appealing. I'd definitely choose it again.

dWright · Post by **dWright** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:40 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

If you're planning to breed discus, I'd recommend clear silicone. Fry tend to seek out dark-colored objects when searching for their parents. I've had issues with them not attaching well and getting stuck to black silicone seams. It's just something to consider for your new tank.

swiftDart · Post by **swiftDart** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:28 pm

Re: New Tank - Black or clear silicone?

I've got black silicone on my own rimless setup, a 75G cube, and I've gotta say it really adds a nice touch. It kinda frames the tank, if you know what I mean. I think you see black silicone more often in saltwater setups, not so much in freshwater.

If you're after that ultra-clean look, clear might be the way to go. My 125G rimless has clear silicone and it does a great job of making the tank's edges just blend in.

Ultimately, it's down to personal taste.