Mighty Prawn Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 How long do you have to wait before adding water to an aquarium when you use some silicone on rocks to set them up? It was globbed on pretty thick, there were no instructions on the package. -Hideo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishBrain Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 I have heard some people wait 3 days, but I always wait the full week for the silicone to cure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nandopsis Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 I always wait a week also. Especialy if it is laid on thick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discus Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 it says on some tubs 24 hrs but i usually wait 48 hrs. But i dont know if many people know this but if you spray water on the part or stuff you siliconed with a spray bottle it will get a skin on it and start the curing process faster. just for siliconing rocks i would just wait the 24 hrs but make sure you rinse or sook it for awhile changing the water frequently Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reza Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 (edited) Many people wait only a couple of days. For a resealed tank I wait about a week if the sillicone has been applied liberally. For decor once the vinegar smell has faded I'm happy to add the decor to the tank. No matter what I have silliconed I ALWAYS wait atleast three days though. Edited February 13, 2006 by Reza Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfnut Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) If you can wait then 1 week is the best... then 3 days. I couldn't wait as I had fish coming in so I added water after 24 hours, and it was ok. Edited February 14, 2006 by Golfnut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milan Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 But i dont know if many people know this but if you spray water on the part or stuff you siliconed with a spray bottle it will get a skin on it and start the curing process faster. This is true. Moisture helps it cure. In some other applications, where I had to apply silicone really thick I mixed it with moist sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Red 265. Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 I use a lot of silicone building decor for a couple of local shops and over time I have found that 24hr is good enough. Silicone will finish curing even under water and the amount of acitic acid that is released after the first 24hr is so small it should not harm your fish. Having said that, I still prefer to allow it to cure for a few days if I have the time because it adds that extra bit of confidence that all will be well (even though I know I'm fine after 24hr). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAlberta Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 What type of silicone do you use on your tanks???? D I use a lot of silicone building decor for a couple of local shops and over time I have found that 24hr is good enough. Silicone will finish curing even under water and the amount of acitic acid that is released after the first 24hr is so small it should not harm your fish. Having said that, I still prefer to allow it to cure for a few days if I have the time because it adds that extra bit of confidence that all will be well (even though I know I'm fine after 24hr). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Red 265. Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 GE silicone I windows and doors NOT tub and tile. The tub and tile stuff has antifungal agents that will kill your fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discus Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 i get stuff from home hardwear it says right on the tube ideal for aquariums white tube green writing pack of three for like $6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Prawn Posted February 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 I didn't need much, so I just bought a tube of the Hagen stuff at a LFS. -Hideo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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