Black or Clear Silicon?

[qngwn]

After fiddling around with a few tanks, i have decided to settle down and try not to change tank so often as school is starting for me.

i'll be getting a custom 2ft tank from one of the reputable tank makers here, and i have to decide to use:
black or clear silicon for my tank.

clear silicon does not intrude with your scape, especially if the tank background is clear, or if the background is of a light colour. however they are known to change colour over the course of usage and might seem a little unslightly. Also, if the silicon work is not good, it tends to show up at the sides of the tank as you can see through the clear silicon. Other than that, i'm not sue if there are any other pros and cons.

black silicon adds a touch of class to the tank, and some say that black silicon is more expensive and is of a better quality than standard clear silicon. It would make a bracless tank look like it has frames, and would not intrude only if a black oyama is applied to the background. Being black, algae growth and soil stain would not bother the black silicon as much as the clear silicon does. However, there are some whom has feedback that it might turn yellow over time as well. (which would make it seem worse than a stained clear silicon.)

I've been hesitating for quite abit, and i'm sure the tankmaker is thinking whether i'm serious about this deal, or whether i'm just asking for a quote for fun. My friends have advised for and against both choices, which brings me back to square one. Confused as to which would be a better choice.

I understand that this is going to be more of a personal choice, and it is all so subjective. But i would just like to hear some opinions on which you would think is better for a braceless planted tank that i'll be looking to use it for the next 2 to 5 years.(hopefully my fickle-mindedness does not kick in before that).

Thanks in advance!

[Naraki]

Voted black. Because I will be putting black Oyama on background. So if I applied clear silicon it kind of stands out.

[AQMS]

My first tank has clear silicon on it.... first 6 months look good after that it turn yellow and greenish
because of the algea. My second tank i have it in black silicon.Love it!
It depend on individual preference and set up of the scape.

[Urban Aquaria]

Black silicone if you are mainly looking at the tank from the front (ie. tank fixed into a wall or alcove), then it creates a nice framed look.

Clear silicone if you'll be viewing at the the tank from the sides and at different angles (ie. tank placed in an open space, living room or along corridor), there will be less of a "boxed" look.

[David]

Black...Period....

[Shadow]

Minimum white color silicon

[qngwn]

Voted black. Because I will be putting black Oyama on background. So if I applied clear silicon it kind of stands out.

I have no idea if I'll be putting any oyama at the back for now.. If I'm putting black oyama, I'll definitely get the black silicon..


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[qngwn]

My first tank has clear silicon on it.... first 6 months look good after that it turn yellow and greenish
because of the algea. My second tank i have it in black silicon.Love it!
It depend on individual preference and set up of the scape.

Hmm yes clear silicon does not remain"clear" after sometime. Wonder if anyone here has any tips on keeping them clean for as long as possible.

So I presume that you prefer blackish because they do not turn yellow or greenish with usage?


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[Shadow]

get the minimum glue type (like ADA), will remain clear, at least that what happen on my tank.

[qngwn]

get the minimum glue type (like ADA), will remain clear, at least that what happen on my tank.

Any recommendations for brands or tank makers? So far I've seen the AND opti cube series to have ADA like standard. (so I presume, haven't seen an ADA tank in person)


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[Shadow]

look a like yes, standard yet to be seen

[qngwn]

perhaps some of the bros can post pictures of their tanks with black silicon? hopefully infuture this can help others make a decision as well.

[Shadow]

I have a lots of picture with white color silicon if you want

[qngwn]

I have a lots of picture with white color silicon if you want

Clear silicon you mean? I have tried searching on google for black siliconed planted tanks, but can't find much.

[Shadow]

Aquascaper normally will not like black color because it will make the tank size obvious. One of the aquascaping technique is to make tank bigger then it should be and it harder to accomplished with black vertical line telling you when the glass is.

So you might want to search for fish only tank.

[AQMS]

Here are some photos i found on the net with black silicon.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2102891
http://ozeanreefs.com/davids-110-rimless/

[qngwn]

Thanks zero for the links!
recently went to GC and noticed that their plant display tanks has black silicon. seems good to me that the black still remains black and not greenish or black brownish like my old tank with clear silicon

[whitedash]

personally am a fan of black silicon