Silicone cure time?
 

I made a 'dry' box for a Vortech to go in the back of my solana cube. It's been about 18 hours now and I still smell a bit of the 'vinegar' smell. Should this be completely gone before I test this thing to make sure its completely sealed?

I heard silicone curing time is generally about 24 hours? I also know tanks are suppose to sit for a week or two before being filled but this not a tank and will not have water in it...or I am in trouble!

Read the lable, lol.

24hrs should be fine.

Well the label just says 'normally cures in 24 hours' and I have heard before there should be no more smell.

I siliconed the glass at 4 yesterday, so actually its been more than 18 hours. Almost 24. I was just concerned it may not be long enough.

24 hours, but 48 hours if it will hold pressure.

Cure time depends on thickness, material being bonded and temperature, glass being non porous usually takes a little longer especially if you have thick fillets in the corners, if you can, stick it in front of a fan as the air movement will help speed cure time. I would leave it untill there is no smell left, once cured it has no odor so if you can still smell it=not cured, I have found 48 hours is usually good, when I re-seal large tanks I leave them for 7-10 days.

I've submersed things after 4 hrs cure no problem. Nothing structural though. But 24, you should be good to go for testing for sure. 48, she's in service

Dry box for VorTech, cool. I was thinking I might do the same at some point. Does it extend up past the tank rim or is it more or less level? Would it be possible to post a photo or two?

I assume the box will be near the top of the cube, so there wouldn't be as much water pressure as lower down. Nevertheless, I suppose it never hurts to wait a little longer just in case.