Aquarium Silicone

[caitylee]

We are dividing our 20g into 4 sections for bettas. I want to know how long we should wait before adding water to let the silicone dry. It says it cures in 5 minutes but that you should wait 48 hours to insure a leak proof seal. Do we need to wait that long if we are just putting it on dividers to make them more stable?

[J double R]

72 hours minimum.

[caitylee]

Out of curiosity why 72hrs when the package says 48? Oh and we are just putting a dab on the top to help keep them stable.

[Spewn]

The instructions on the package deal with the products effectiveness, not its toxicity. The package probably says nothing about when the product becomes food-safe, for example. I believe the tube of silicone I got from Rona which was aquarium safe said 5 days plus for an aquarium application.

Chances are *very* good that 48hrs after applying the stuff, it will still reek inside the tank. You can probably follow your nose on this one.

[Alan R]

Personally, I would just follow the instruction. The makers of these products we use spend millions in R&D utilizing scientists and chemists to figure this stuff out. I assure you that they know far more about silicone than anyone here would ever want to know. If the label reads 48 hours it's probably for a good reason. I'd let it dry for 48 hours.

[Bk718]

Depending on what silicone you used, but another way to be safe is once the smell of it is gone then it should be safe to fill.. But i would wait 48-72hrs either way..

[caitylee]

Oh okay, thank you every one, we will wait till Friday to fill then.

[excuzzzeme]

The time given is usually the minimum time needed. If you want to be safe double the waiting time suggested. Remember, this is for your fish. You didn't say what kind of Silicone you are using. Pure silicone take 48-72 hrs to dry.

[caitylee]

I don't know the brand name but it was the only one they had for sale at Petco which is the only store open here past 8pm. My favorite lfs is open until 7 but closed on Sunday.

[Spewn]

Personally, I would just follow the instruction. The makers of these products we use spend millions in R&D utilizing scientists and chemists to figure this stuff out. I assure you that they know far more about silicone than anyone here would ever want to know. If the label reads 48 hours it's probably for a good reason. I'd let it dry for 48 hours.

"Ideal for aquarium repair(allow 2-5 days before filling aquarium)."

You can listen to me, and the manufacturer by actually reading aquarium-specific instructions, not instructions for sealing a shower stall; or you can end up like so many others with dead fish because they were too eager. I personally wait a full week, because it's just plain not worth rushing. The mfg says 2-5 days because the time it takes *varies* depending on the application(how you applied it), and because the time it takes to become food-safe is NOT the same as the time it takes to become mechanically secure.

It's right on the label, so don't take my word for it.

[Darkness9876]

I use silicone 1 for windows and doors by ge. It says its filmes in 30mins and cured at 4 days. If you go by the smell though I don't know, I had my background on for 3 months and its still reaked or acetic acid, the vinegar smell, these silicones are made with an acid base.

[caitylee]

Okay well I used aquarium silicone from the pet store. My tank doesn't smell like it at all right now but I am waiting 72 hrs just to be safe.

Thanks