After resealing a tank how long should u let the water stay in when u testing for leaks and to see if the seal stays the same
resealing a tank
- Thread starter cornbread_5
- Start date
After you reseal the tank I would wait 48 hours for it to dry. (you probably already did this) Then you can test fill. It takes a few more days to "set" so to say. I fill my to the top and let it sit for 7 days. Then empty it and clean it. Then it is ready for a fill, cycle, fish.
I let it sit empty for 48 hours after applying the silicone. Previously I just filled it up with water and planted the tank and everything has been fine, but if you are unsure about your sealing job, I recommend letting it sit with water in it for a few days/week, since the pressure of the water can take time to stress a point where a leak may occur.
Depending on the type of reseal, I would let it sit for more the 48 hours. For leak testing, I'd say 48 hours will tell you what you need to know. Of course, it never hurts to go a little longer.
After re-sealing mine I let it sit for 72hrs before adding water, primarily because I was too busy after 48 hrs to get started, but I also waited until the smell of the silicone went away. I figured that was a good way to tell it had cured.
Since my situation is a little different, I have to do my leak test inside the house rather than outside. So I'm doing mine slow. I filled a quarter of the way up the first go round, then the next night went to half, then to 3/4, then full. That way if it did leak while I was away, it wouldn't be as big a mess. (I know that logic doesn't make sense but hey, it did to me after a few beers...)
Since my situation is a little different, I have to do my leak test inside the house rather than outside. So I'm doing mine slow. I filled a quarter of the way up the first go round, then the next night went to half, then to 3/4, then full. That way if it did leak while I was away, it wouldn't be as big a mess. (I know that logic doesn't make sense but hey, it did to me after a few beers...)