discussing the role of older tanks

[coltin]

I recall Selleys Silicon sending out a warning back in the day about the fumes from their product. They specifically stated that inhaling the fumes can cause dizziness and even lead to passing out. The concern wasn't just about the immediate effects, but also the risk of suffocation if you're unlucky enough to pass out with your head in the tank - the fumes prevent you from getting enough oxygen. I'm not sure if their formula has changed since then, but the stuff still has that same pungent smell it did all those years ago.

[BadgersSong]

When resealing a tank, I've learned that it's crucial to work in a well-ventilated area - those silicone fumes are no joke. I've heard they can be pretty harsh on your nasal passages, so be careful. The smell's pretty potent, kind of like vinegar, and I'm pretty sure it's not something you want to be breathing in.

I'm curious to know if the formula has changed or if regulations differ in the USA. You can check the safety data sheet for these types of glues, which should disclose if acetone is present. From what I've seen, none of them mention acetone. Still, I wouldn't recommend putting your head inside a freshly glued tank - that's just unpleasant. And, as a precaution, always use it in a well-ventilated area.

[Burgermuncher]

When resealing a tank, I've learned that it's crucial to work in a well-ventilated area - those silicone fumes are no joke. I've heard they can be pretty harsh on your nasal passages, so be careful. The smell's pretty potent, kind of like vinegar, and I'm pretty sure it's not something you want to be breathing in.

I was looking at the safety data sheet for a silicone product, and it seems like the concerns about acetone might be overblown. The SDS I found doesn't list acetone as an ingredient. I think the warnings about vapors are more about the general principle that anything that can make you dizzy might be misused by someone looking for a high. Even if there was some acetone in the silicone, it's not like it's a super toxic chemical or anything. The real issue is still the offgassing and air displacement in the tank when you're working with silicone.

[BadgersSong]

When it comes to safety info, things can get pretty complicated with the different types of silicone out there. You've got your fish-safe options, but then there are the household sealants that have added chemicals to prevent mildew and whatnot. Those aren't exactly what you'd call safe to inhale, and they're definitely not something you'd want near your fish.

[sSjey]

I found a popular aquarium sealant in the UK - Geocel Aquaria Silicone Sealant. Their documentation mentions acetic acid, which explains the vinegar smell. It's still referred to as acetic acid, despite its proper name being ethanoic acid.