silicon set time?

ScienceAchieved · 08/27/2014, 11:20 AM

I used some "100% silicon rubber aquarium sealant" to anchor some dry rock together, and secure a pvc burrow. The instructions state it takes 48 hours before its safe to submerge. Its been about 72 hours, and the odor is still pretty strong, though it seems stable. Should I continue letting it sit, or is the smell normal?

SaltyReefDog · 08/27/2014, 11:26 AM

The cure times are for really small beads of silicone 1/16-1/8" thick. It will take at least a week if not longer for bigger seams or blobs to fully cure. Definitely do not add it to the tank if there is any inhabitants in there. Even "aqurium safe" silicone will kill a tank if not fully cured.

Happy Reefing

Dmorty217 · 08/27/2014, 11:38 AM

Let it sit, if you smell odor it's not fully cured. Put it outside or use a fan to speed up the cure

ScienceAchieved · 08/27/2014, 11:48 AM

Thanks alot. I definitely went a little overboard, ill put it in front of a fan. I can wait, there wont be anything live in the tank for a few weeks, just eager to aquascape it

W1ngz · 08/27/2014, 12:06 PM

Silicone sets by combining with moisture in the air. If you'e keeping a relatively low humidity in the room, try and increase it to shorten set time.

08/27/2014, 11:20 AM	#1
ScienceAchieved Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 102	silicon set time? I used some "100% silicon rubber aquarium sealant" to anchor some dry rock together, and secure a pvc burrow. The instructions state it takes 48 hours before its safe to submerge. Its been about 72 hours, and the odor is still pretty strong, though it seems stable. Should I continue letting it sit, or is the smell normal?

08/27/2014, 11:26 AM	#2
SaltyReefDog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Milky Way Galaxy Posts: 177	The cure times are for really small beads of silicone 1/16-1/8" thick. It will take at least a week if not longer for bigger seams or blobs to fully cure. Definitely do not add it to the tank if there is any inhabitants in there. Even "aqurium safe" silicone will kill a tank if not fully cured. Happy Reefing __________________ 10g Nano Softy & LPS reef & 75g Softy & LPS reef. "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" - John Wooden -

08/27/2014, 11:38 AM	#3
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Let it sit, if you smell odor it's not fully cured. Put it outside or use a fan to speed up the cure __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

08/27/2014, 12:06 PM	#5
W1ngz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 295	Silicone sets by combining with moisture in the air. If you'e keeping a relatively low humidity in the room, try and increase it to shorten set time. __________________ 75 Gal., bean animal drain, 80lbs of rock, 1" of crushed coral and aragonite mix and a pair of 850 Koralias. 25 gal. sump, Syncra 3 return, Eshopps PSK-150 skimmer and 2 150W heaters.

08/27/2014, 11:48 AM	#4
ScienceAchieved Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 102	Thanks alot. I definitely went a little overboard, ill put it in front of a fan. I can wait, there wont be anything live in the tank for a few weeks, just eager to aquascape it