Silicone Curing Time

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HokieFish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 15, 2011
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Norf Cackalacky
I finally got around to sealing the 150 again after getting all of the silicone cut out and the glass smooth and clean.
How long does this need to cure before I start water testing it in the garage? I applied the silicone Wednesday morning. I thought I read somewhere 5 days was suggested time, but I can't find that article anywhere now.
Also, after i start testing it, how long should I let it set completely filled before I can be relatively confident that there are no leaks? That may seem like a silly question, but I tested the tank for two days when i bought it new and noticed no leaks. The tank was up and running for almost 2 months with no problems, and then on morning it was like the bottom fell out.
For my first re-seal I think i did a pretty good job. There are definately some places that I need to clean up were the caulk gun kept pumping out silicone when I didn't want it to, but it was a good learning experience.
I sure hope this thing holds water, I'm excited to get it set back up and start working on my planted Thorichthys setup.
Thanks!
 
I would say 4-5 days would be more than enough. Last time I read the tube I think it said fully cured in 48 hours.
 
Yeah, I just wanted to be on the safe side. The 100% silicone that i used said to give it 24-48. I may try to clean up some of the lines and fill it this afternoon.
 
Hello; Silicone cure from the outside in. The thicked the bead, the longer it takes to fully cure. Press gently on the seams of silicone to feel if it is firm or still soft in the center.
One member on this forum has suggested a cure time of seven days. I have filled tanks after two days that leaked and some that have held.
If you can stand to wait a few extra days, it may pay off. A longer cure time will not hurt anything. Good luck
 
Well, the plan is to slowly fill the tank 25 gallons at a time checking for leaks along the way. All the joints feel firm to the touch, so I think I'm good to go.
The first 25 gallons went into the tank this morning. I marked the tank 5" from the bottom with a piece of blue painters tape so I'll be able to see if anything drains out of the tank (It's in the garage and with the floor divided by planned stress crack joints I might miss a small amount of water on the floor if it makes it to one of these controlled cracks). If all of the water is there when I get home tonight, I'll add another 25 gallons.
How long do you think I should allow it to sit once filled to capacity? Does allowing it to sit full actually prove that it will hold water, or once i get it completely full and it sits for a 24 hour period without leaking can i assume it is safe to move back indoors? Thanks!
 
I'd fill it up and toss a heater in it for a few days to a week if you can just to be sure.
 
On a tank, I'd wait at least 4-5 days on the silicone to dry. Then I'd start the test fill. I would probably let it stand for 4-5 days full before I was confident.
 
Pharaoh said:
On a tank, I'd wait at least 4-5 days on the silicone to dry. Then I'd start the test fill. I would probably let it stand for 4-5 days full before I was confident.
Click to expand...

Well I know I won't be able to set it up inside until the first of the month because of my work schedule, so I guess I'll just fill it up slowly over the next few days and then let it sit until then. I'd really hate to move it inside and have it leak again when I'm unable to take care of it.
 
Hello; Most of the time a leak starts right away for me after a reseal. Sometimes it has taken a while so i allow a tank to sit for as long as is practical when full during a test fill. Good luck
 
Well, so far it's up to 50 gallons and no leaks. Fingers crossed that it will continue to go smoothly.
 
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