100% Silicone

Jakezori

AC Members
Jan 24, 2009
1,000
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38
Pennsylvania
quick question. Im eager to start my new tank, but i want the 100% silicone to be 100% dried before i put water to it. How long does it take to dry?

(about 1/8 inch thick)
 
The outside cures in about 24 hours while the inside takes some time to completely cure. I've resealed whole tanks myself and filled it up after 24 hours with no problems.
 
OCD here..give it a week.

Several tank manufacturers like Glass Cages recommend a full month before filling the first time as based on the manufacture date that comes on their tanks.
 
Pure 100% silicon lacks the arsenic that causes rapid dry and set. A week as RB pointed out is better. Pure silicone won't skin in less than a day and take at least 2 days to dry and another 2 to cure. Anything that can set in a day has the arsenic to promote quicker drying and has a potent "vinegar" type smell. read label contents or gp on the manufacturer website to find the contents.
 
Pure 100% silicon lacks the arsenic that causes rapid dry and set. A week as RB pointed out is better. Pure silicone won't skin in less than a day and take at least 2 days to dry and another 2 to cure. Anything that can set in a day has the arsenic to promote quicker drying and has a potent "vinegar" type smell. read label contents or gp on the manufacturer website to find the contents.

I thought the vinegar smell was from evaporating acetic acid added to aid curing?
 
I thought the vinegar smell was from evaporating acetic acid added to aid curing?

I think your right. I just checked out the last tube of silicone that I used to seal a 150 gallon and I don't see any mention of arsenic. It does however mention acetic acid. My tube (GE 100% silicone from Home Depot) says 24 hour cure, but I gave it 5 days and an additionl two days to do several wash outs of the tank before setting it up.
 
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