How long should I leak test this aquarium for?

[Jspigs]

I got a great deal on a 20 gallon tall tank, stand, filter, air pump, heater, and decorations at a yard sale. I got it all for $5.00!

Now I want to set it up asap but I decided to leak test it first. The tank has been full of water for a couple hours now with no sign of a leak. I am using the dry newspaper under the tank method for detecting leaks.

My question is how long should I leave it full of water in order to adequately test for leaks?

I am looking for the minimum time that still provides a fair test because this tank will be an upgrade for another tank that could definitely use the increased space.

I am thinking I will leave it until ~3.00 pm tomorrow (when I usually get home from school) but I want to know what all of you think. I would also be able to set it up now if that is an option.

 

[Rbishop]

a full 24 hrs..?

 

[fshfanatic]

I would do it over night, at least

 

[Jspigs]

Thank you for your advise. I will end the leak test at 4pm tomorrow which is roughly 24ish hours from when I started it give or take 30 minutes.

 

[dbosman]

Twenties are relatively simple. They usually leak or don't.
I had a 120 that I leak tested last year. It held just fine for two plus days. On day three, after a rain storm, it had lost two inches of water. While draining it, the bottom seal gave and water came out there almost as fast as a 1.5" siphon.

 

[jbradt]

I think 6-8 months at least.

J/K... 24 hours should be fine.