I would wait longer then 3 hours. Mind ya your not using allot but still, 3 hours seems pretty short IMO. Even 24 hrs is stretching it in my opinion. Sure the silicone may be "cured" but it will still gas off for some time after. All those fumes you smell, means a release of VOC and wether it's submerged or not that gas off is going to continue past the cure time listed on the directions. So gas off would be directly into the tank. Granted I'm sure allot have done less and seen no ill effects but always better to be safe then sorry. Most tank crashes you hear from people using the wrong silicone to re seal or build a new tank etc. Probably arnt actually a result of the wrong silicone being used. A large majority of them I guarantee are a result of all those 24hr rules. Sure it's "cured" but there will still be a significant gas off which occurs for days after. And the tank inhabitants are the ones left breathing in that wonderful fresh air. So IMO the longer you can wait the better. But again, I am sure many have had success and no problem associated with 3 hrs, 24 etc. Just wanted to express another opinion. Best of luck whichever route you choose. Might even be worth just going that mag float route as others have suggested if you can't keep your water level dropped for what you feel would be a comfortable and doable time for you and the tank.
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