Minimum curing time for silicone

[fnj]

I have a bit of an emergency. I just came home from a week long business trip and the partition that separates my refugium from my sump is starting to separate. The water level in the refugium has now dropped to match the water level in the sump. It is just a matter of time till the whole partition gives and the DSB in the refugium gets washed into the sump. I used 1/4" acrylic to make the partition. My sump/refugium is a 125g tank with about half of it being the refugium.

I plan today to get a piece of 3/8" glass to make a new partition. I want to add the new partition a few inches over from the existing partition. Then let the silicone cure and remove the acrylic partition.

I'm not too worried about the main tank during this curing time, since I can throw a few powerheads and a heater in it. I'm more concerned with the refugium. It will be pretty much be void of water the whole time. I currently have a VDSB with macro's and a bunch of critters in the refugium and I would like to preserve as much life as possible.

What is the minimum amount of time do you think I can let the silicone cure without having any structural or chemical problems?

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

Silicone cures underwater. It takes about 24 hours for normal thickness joins to fully cure.

There will be a small amount of acid released into the water as the glue cures - but nothing to get excited about.

Just make sure you use a non-toxic (not colored) silicone, and one rated for continuous submersion - I know - stating the obvious.

 

[fnj]

Thanks guys. I let it sit dry for about 3.5 hours just to be sure

I just got finished and I'm glad that's over with. It was a very stressful and agravating day. I hope this partition holds better than the last.

Thanks again.

 

[jethro]

I have used the silocon glue gun that my wife has for arts and crafts. The silicon dries almost imediately and I have submersed it in water within minutes. I have never seen any ill effects.