applying silicone

[paronaram]

Hello, I'm building a small sump, basically installing baffles in store purchased aquarium.
planing to use tape to make silicon edge straight, question when do you remove tape?
I did it after 15min, and it's VERY bad idea, I need to redo that edge

Thanks
Aram

 

[Big G]

Pure 100% silicone takes about 24 hours to "cure."

 

[paronaram]

what will happen if it's "cured" (after 24 hours) and I will pull the tape off? It will not lift the silicon?
I was thinking after smoothing edge, removing tape ASAP, bad idea?

 

[Big G]

I was thinking after smoothing edge, removing tape ASAP, bad idea?

That's how I do it.

 

[crusso1993]

There are 2 schools of thought on this; the first is to let the silicone cure on the tape then score the dried silicone with a razor along the edge of the tape and peel. The second is to peel the tape immediately after smoothing it out with your wet finger. Using this method requires a rather thin coat of silicone covering the tape. Good luck!

 

[jrill]

Remove tape right away.

 

[Liron Mishal]

I did a test when i built my tank.
Right away gave the only satisfying results

 

[Lateral72]

Smooth and peel immediately.

 

[paronaram]

Yep, that's what I did on other 3 sides, Works perfect!
Now it's drying I'm trying to figure-out how to apply silicon when baffle is 3" away
I think I can apply from 3 sides only (two sides and bottom) - this baffle will determine my water level and its going to hold sponge and tray for it

Aram

 

[cracker]

I tried both ways & neither worked . I figured it was just a sump &no need to look all pretty . So I just applied sparingly & it came out just fine .

 

[jrill]

Yep, that's what I did on other 3 sides, Works perfect!
Now it's drying I'm trying to figure-out how to apply silicon when baffle is 3" away
I think I can apply from 3 sides only (two sides and bottom) - this baffle will determine my water level and its going to hold sponge and tray for it

Aram

In tight places I put the tape down. Applied a bead of silicone and then slid the baffle into the bead. I fashioned a wood dowel with a finger type curve at the end to smooth out the silicone then pulled the tape.

 

[paronaram]

I think I got it!
But man let me tell you ... it took me 6 days, and I still have to glue drip cover holder and two baffles have only one side silicon ...

Pics from work in progress