spartcus

So I will be doing my GS probably tomorrow and the next day. Any tips on applying the stuff? I have a 42 gallon hexgon tank. Im still trying to figure out how im going to apply the stuff on the two smaller panels of glass. Also should I do one layer let it sit for awhile then add the next layer instead of applying all the stuff all at once?

Thanks

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atlfrog

Well I have a 60 hex tank with GS on it. I do not use a lot of live plants and this tank doesn't have any in it. What I did is evenly coated the glass with the GS and allowed it to expand. Be careful not to apply to much as it will keep expanding and you will not have the results you want. I usually place Pete Moss on top of this as a final layer. If you are talented with this stuff you can make all sorts of sloping areas areas and multi-levels, but when I have a chance to post my pictures and what not you will see I like easy to clean and I don't care to show off either.

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socaled

Being your first time using GS don't be generous because it will expand like ga frog mentioned.... I would do sections at a time and work from there. This stuff is very sticky so if it gets on your cloths don't smear it let it harden and pick it like a bugger really if you smear it then you will see that it will be part of you clothes 4ever. You can also wear glove if you have the tendency to touch it. A way you can actually cure it faster is by spraying it with a low mister because water acts as a catalyse. Also when it starts to cure and the top layer hardens meaning it's not sticky you can actually manipulate the form of the GS..... Good Luck with it....

-Angeles

p.s. To add shake it well and when you apply it tilt upside down so CO2 won't be wasted....

Socalsam

I agree with GAFrogs.Pete Moss or Coco fiber will work. If you buy the coco fiber brick you will need to soak it in a bucket. All you have to do is lay the brick on its side and fill with water till its submerged 3/4 way. After it absorbs the water, break the brick apart.Since its really wet you will need to let it dry out. I would recommend doing this step a few days before you start your GS or the same day you start. That way by the time you are done it will be dry enough to use. There are 2 kinds of GS. One in a baby blue can and the other in a red can, both will work. Also don't forget you can sculpture the GS once its dry.Razor blades and even pulling pieces off with your fingers will work. Also one more thing is how to remove the access GS from applicator tube and nozzle.One thing about GS is when it drys its expands so lets say you have a can of GS and you don't use the whole can. What happens to the nozzle and tube? Most people would throw it away but if you blow out the access GS and let it dry you can remove it easily with a paper clip or a small rod of some sort.

One more thing I want to state is when you are finished with the GS and move to the Silicone part of it, be generous when you apply the Silicone. If you do too thin of a layer, after you put the coco fiber or Pete Moss on you will notice spots that were missed or showed up after, due to pressing of the coco or moss onto the silicone. I am not saying put a ton but a good amount will do. I hope this helps.


Sam

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spartcus

Thanks for all the info guys. How about the silicon what should I use. I researched this topic and have found mix reaction with GE window and door. With and without the bioseal. I have a couple of tubes left with the window and door II with bioseal. is that ok to use. Or should i look for GE I without bioseal?

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socaled

Use 100% brown silicone from GE and yes there has been debate on other forums that GE II has bioseal that effects productions of tads but many people have no ill effects on their tads. You should be fine would the brown silicone. Again Good luck

-Angeles

spartcus

Cool thanks, I dont have the brown I have the black GE.

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socaled

That works as well it just for looks anyways....

-Angeles

BrianD

I use the brown, black or bronze GE II silicone w/ bio seal on all of my viv's with no problems at all. As for the coco fiber, I would try to find a pet store that sells it already expanded and dry like a bag of dusty dirt, this way you don't run into any problems with drying it out completely cuz it won't stick to the silicone if it has even the smallest bit of moisture left in it. There are 2 stores in Redlands I know of that sell it this way. You can also pick it up at the reptile shows for a lot cheaper.
I also use a coat hanger to clear out the tube of GS so I can use it again. Good luck!

Socalsam

AWW a wire coat hanger. My wife likes the plastic ones, so im outta luck there. Lol

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