FishProfiles.com Message Forums

How long does it take for silicon to cure and be safe? Is it any different from if i used to to reseal a 2 ft tank or stick some rocks together?

<Vet in Training>
Blog under development: http://www.nearlydrferox.blogging4life.com/

Silicon takes 24 to 48 hours generally to cure. Make sure you buy aquarium safe sealant and read the label for specific curing times. Use gloves when applying the sealant as most ar toxic until cured. Also make sure you keep the tank in a well ventilated area until curing is complete.
For attaching thing, again refer to the packaging directions. Most say apply glue to one side then press lightly together, insuring a film of silicon between the surfaces.

My latsest silicone tube says 7 days for full cure.

I'd wait the full 7 days if you were resealing a tank, or the full 24 hours if you were bunging rocks together

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Mine says that within 30 minutes, it should be tack free, and cures in 24 hours.

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

Hi,
Actually there is a couple of different "times" involved
with Silicone. Cure and set times. Each means something
slightly different. And, each depends upon the amount
or "thickness of the bead."

If you use a thin "bead" or strip of silicone then the
instructions on the tube are probably more accurate.
If you use a thick blob, or lots of it, to secure some
rocks together, then the curing and setting times are
greatly lengthened.

If you put the assembly into the tank too soon after
setting, it will not cure correctly, and the result
will be that whatever you "glued together" will not
be as "stuck" as it might have been. Also, as
silicone cures, it gives off acidic acid (smells like
vinegar) and that will affect your tanks' pH.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--