Cracked intake tube

**sonoralinda** · 02-01-2013, 03:58 AM

Hi, I was putting together a new AC110 filter today. One of the ends of the intake tube has an inch long crack in it. Can I use a thin bead of super glue on this? If not, what would be the best thing to use? Linda

**Drumachine09** · 02-01-2013, 04:19 AM

Just to be safe, I would use a small bead of aquarium grade silicon, either something specifically you get from your LFS, or GE 1 Window and Door, which is also aquarium safe. Clean the area with alcohol and let it dry. Make sure it is fully dry because if there is still alcohol on the intake, the silicon will not stick. Put a thin bead over the crack, then dip your finger in alcohol and smooth the bead, extending, at least 1/4" in all directions from the crack. The alcohol on your finger is to keep the silicon from sticking to you.

Hope this helps. Best thing to do would be contact AC customer service and get a new one, or return it to the the store you bought it at for an exchange.

**Goes to 11!** · 02-01-2013, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by sonoralinda

Can I use a thin bead of super glue on this?

Absolutely.

Super Glue [Just the regular plain old straight up Super Glue - Which is Cyanoacrylate] is completely tank safe. The saltier ones amongst us [Reef people] use it all the time to keep frags in place.

**gadget228** · 02-01-2013, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Drumachine09

or GE 1 Window and Door, which is also aquarium safe.

The last time I bought GE 1 silicon which was a couple years ago it stated on the back of the tube that it wasn't for use below the water line in aquariums, Anybody here bought a tube lately that can check to see if it's still that way or has GE changed the description again?

**Drumachine09** · 02-01-2013, 03:01 PM

Been using it for five years and never had a problem with it.

You can use super glue, but if the seal you make isn't completely air tight, you will suck in bubbles making for a noisy filter, which is why I suggested something that might give it a better seal.

**KingFisher** · 02-01-2013, 03:05 PM

Since it is new, I would just return it and exchange it for one without a crack.

**Lady Hobbs** · 02-01-2013, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by gadget228

The last time I bought GE 1 silicon which was a couple years ago it stated on the back of the tube that it wasn't for use below the water line in aquariums, Anybody here bought a tube lately that can check to see if it's still that way or has GE changed the description again?

I stopped using it when their labeling changed about 4 years ago.

http://www.caulkyourhome.com/waterproof.php

Now they have too many labeling changes. GE 1 (for instance) is not for bathrooms and kitchen but also for door and windows just as GE 2 is. It simply become too confusing to mess with when aquarium silicone is just as easy to buy. It still will take 48 hours to dry.

PS......The AC comes with 2 tubes. You really only need one of them.