What temp for silicon to cure on reseal?

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johnnymax

johnnymax

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Jun 7, 2019
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North, Louisiana
I finally got all the silicon off my 65g tank. I need to clean with acetone, then alcohol before resealing.
I read the instructions on the silicon and it said apply at "room temperature" Well room temp is 57F.
It feels way too cool to me, to be applying silicon.
What would be the best temperature?
I have been trying to get the silicon off and this tank resealed for almost a year. I want to get in done before 2021.
I have a hundred Tilapia in a 20g tank. I need this tank for them.
 
TwoHedWlf said:
It will still cure, but it's going to take a lot longer.
Click to expand...

I may do it tomorrow, but I will try to heat the room up to 65F if I can. If not, I guess it will just cure slowly. As long as it cures.
I was going to give it a week before I test it. I guess that will be long enough.
 
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www.hotmelt.com

Silicone Sealant Handbook

Those of you who work in an industrial setting or who do a lot of do-it-yourself repairs at home, are familiar with using silicone adhesive sealants. It's a strong sealant that is very versatile in how and to what it can be applied. However, if you haven't had the need to use silicone sealants...
www.hotmelt.com www.hotmelt.com
.


Unlike some adhesives, silicone sealants must cure. Curing silicone basically means letting it dry. Curing silicone isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require patience. The temperature needs to be between 40°F and 100°F, and there needs to be between 5% and 95% humidity for silicone to cure. It can take as little as 24 hours to cure, or it can take up to several days if the sealant is especially thick.
 
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Oughtsix said:
www.hotmelt.com

Silicone Sealant Handbook

Those of you who work in an industrial setting or who do a lot of do-it-yourself repairs at home, are familiar with using silicone adhesive sealants. It's a strong sealant that is very versatile in how and to what it can be applied. However, if you haven't had the need to use silicone sealants...
www.hotmelt.com www.hotmelt.com
.


Unlike some adhesives, silicone sealants must cure. Curing silicone basically means letting it dry. Curing silicone isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require patience. The temperature needs to be between 40°F and 100°F, and there needs to be between 5% and 95% humidity for silicone to cure. It can take as little as 24 hours to cure, or it can take up to several days if the sealant is especially thick.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I sealed it yesterday (Wednesday) finally. Is it too soon to test it with water this Sunday?
That will be almost 5 days of cure time. I have no problem waiting.
I hope it is sealed and holds. I picked it up on the side of the road along with the cabinet it sits on.
 
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johnnymax said:
Thanks. I sealed it yesterday (Wednesday) finally. Is it too soon to test it with water this Sunday?
That will be almost 5 days of cure time. I have no problem waiting.
I hope it is sealed and holds. I picked it up on the side of the road along with the cabinet it sits on.
Click to expand...

The best I could do is venture a guess. Here is an excellent thread on silicone sealers. By the time you thoroughly study all 27 pages your silicone should be dry and your tank should be ready for use! ?

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/aquarium-silicone-sealant-comparisons.118131/
 
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Well, it has been holding water since Sunday. I am making it ready to receive the 100+ Mazambique Tilapia Fry.

65H Tank2.jpg
 
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