Silicon sealant

[jenny]

Hello all, I am just in the beginning of setting up a bigger tank for my newts and have put a glass divider in one side and was wondering how long to leave the sealant before I should test to see if it water tight. It seems to be going off fast and did it about 4 hours ago (10am)

 

[kieron]

I will say between 12-24 hours it depends ion what silicon you are using

 

[jennifer]

It will seem firm to the touch in a couple of hours, but it will continue to give off acetic acid (that lovely vinegar smell) for 2-3 days, or longer if it's been applied thickly. If you add water sooner, it may take a lot longer to fully cure and/or be more likely to leak. I'd say wait until the smell is gone.

 

[jenny]

Thank you, i will.

 

[monty]

I've been using a ton of that stuff lately. Wait at least 24 hours because you let it get wet.

 

[paris]

my container of sealant says "..fully bonds within 24 hours. to ensure a leak-proof seal, allow at least 48 hours before filling aquarium with water"