How soon can I use my sump after siliconing it?

[ReeferBen]

I just added a single acrylic baffle to my sump. The sump is only a 10 gal so it's a small bit of silicone. I used aquarium sealant from my lfs made by marineland. It's a 100% silicone. I just wanted to regulate the skimmer compartments water level so that's why I added the baffle. Can I turn it back online in a few hours or would this cause issues for the reef?

 

[m88a2]

i'd wait longer than a few hours. if i were you, i would actually wait 24hrs to ensure that it has set

 

[Loki]

24 hours. It should say on the silicone how long it takes to cure fully. Go with that time.

 

[Aquaph8]

Ive turned mine back on after a couple hours with no issue, run some fresh carbon just in case though. As long as its firm enough that the water isnt gonna knock it over your probably good to go.

 

[ExtremeReefing]

I normally wait 12-24 hours.

 

[Aquaph8]

Im not saying 24hrs wouldn't be better though.

 

[ReeferBen]

Ok guess I should wait. I didn't know if the wait was for the strength or because it can leech something if not cured fully. If it was just b/c of the strength I would get the sump online sooner.

 

[SmokeyCFH]

12 hours for the silicone to cure, 24 before its fully dry.

 

[JSemour]

I actually just made a new sump/refugium. I started installing it about 6 hours after I siliconed it. Two hours later, it was fully setup and running. It all really depends on how high your baffle is, the higher it goes, the more pressure behind it. Leeching is not a problem, it's only a super small amount of vinegar that is released.

 

[muffinman]

24 hrs is what i waited