Silicone - setting times

[tubamanandy]

Just had a tank custom built - how long should I leave it before adding water ?

Manufacturer has not really given me an indication

 

[Nathaniel Whiteside]

Normally 48 hours from manufacture?

 

[tubamanandy]

Strange but I picked the tank up last Thursday and there was a sticker in it saying do not add water until 29th March - over a week later. Cant understand why

 

[Ed Seeley]

Silicone applied will initially cure quite quickly but it takes longer to get to full strength and cure fully. If the tank builder has put a sticker on saying leave until 29th March then leave it until at least then. If you only leave it for a day or so then the tank may fail when filled.

 

[sa80mark]

The last tank had built I was advised not to fill it for 10 days this was due to it being 10mm thick glass and was told as a generally used rule is one day drying time for ever mm of glass thickness

 

[Nathaniel Whiteside]

Yeah, you'll have no leg to stand on if you fill before that date. Sure its a bit over the top that though!