Resealing Tank

[Whitney]

I recently got a used 46 gallon bow front in need of some TLC. My husband and I cleaned it, and we peeled the existing silicone off because it was in rough shape and really needed it. We're going to reseal it tonight, but I'm a bit confused on when it will be safe to fill it with water and add my fish. I've read a bunch of different periods of time: 24hrs, 48hrs, a week, 10 days, and 15 days. How long does it take to fully cure to the point where it's safe to fill it, scape it, and add fish?

Edited July 2, 2022 by Whitney

[KBOzzie59]

Best bet would be to go by what the label/manufacturer recommends.

[Lots Of Loaches]

I've resealed a number of tanks in the past and the curing times have been different depending on the size and depth of the joint I was sealing. A 10 gallon tank has a smaller, more shallow joint than I put on a 90 gallon. I agree with @KBOzzie59 in regards to following what the label/manufacturer recommends. Since they might not have a suggestion that matches your application, I would wait at least 24 hours on a 10 gallon size seal and go up from there on anything bigger. I waited a week on my 90 gallon for the deepest seals to become firm and then I gave it another couple days for insurance before I did my leak test. Sorry this doesn't exactly answer your question but I hope you can find something in here to help you. Best of luck and we'll be waiting to see pictures of your tank when you get it all set up.

Edited July 2, 2022 by Lots Of Loaches

[Whitney]

Thank you