Silicone cure time?

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by sphelps

3 hours is the standard time I use for anything non-structural. I've done it many times without issue.

OK, thanks, that is what I was looking for. So, to confirm, you're saying that after 3 hours, the silicone won't poison my tank?

[Masonjames]

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.

[sphelps]

You run much more risk not running your system for 24 hours than introducing partially uncured silicone. IMO it seems silly just talking about it. Use the right silicone and you'll be fine but don't take my word for it or any one else's for that matter.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by sphelps

You run much more risk not running your system for 24 hours than introducing partially uncured silicone. IMO it seems silly just talking about it. Use the right silicone and you'll be fine but don't take my word for it or any one else's for that matter.

That's quite the caveat... LOL. I guess in all fairness, I would say the same. But just wondering if anyone has actually done that (3 hours), and not poisoned their tank. Of course, I will use aquarium safe silicone.

[Masonjames]

Silicone is still silicone wether it's aquarium safe or not. I agree, shutting down a system for 24 hrs posses a heavy risk, and yes probably significantly more so then a partially uncured silicone in the amounts you would need. So I agree it would be silly to shut your system down for 24 hrs. But I also wouldn't do 3 hours myself, And no offence to those who do. Which is why I mentioned earlier about maybe exploring some of the other options that people have suggested if you personally cannot find a balance between the time you are comfortable with curing the silicone and between the time you are comfortable with having your system shut down. So if three hours works for you then by all means go ahead. If your not comfortable with that and the time you would be comfortable with is far beyond what you comfortably want to shut half your system down then maybe there's your answer. Many great alternatives have been suggested to accomplish a similar result and some which may also come with additional benefits. So everyone else's opinion aside, what is it worth to you to silicone a hook into your tank, and what if any risks are you willing to take to accomplish such, or is finding a different solution better for your situation etc.

[Reef Pilot]

Well, I'd be really interested if anyone did it for 3 hours, and had no problems. I am not anxious to risk my tank, either.

But not sure if going 24 hours would be that bad for my tank. It is only my sump and return that would be disconnected. I would still have my in tank wavemaker pumps providing plenty of flow. And of course would have a heater.