I've always used rubbing alcohol. The good stuff. 90% not the 70% crap. 180 proof baby!
I let it air dry for a while. I always use GE silicone 1. On larger tanks you may wanna go the route of something industrial grade, but GE1 works for many applications.
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+1 for the week cure time. You'll get a good partial cure @24 hrs. Most silicones gas off acetic acid during the curing process. Thicker beads take longer to cure. Basically if the vinegar odor subsides your probably in the clear. Air on the side of caution
I ways wait a full 7-10 days.
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