Can a tank empty of water for 4+ yrs be unsafe to fill now?

[Caryliss]

Around 11 pm tonight I discovered that my 75g (my first tank) is leaking around the bottom frame. I'm hoping it holds until tomorrow afternoon when I get off work and can address the problem.

I have a 125g tank, currently holding orchids, that has been empty for at least 4 yrs. I have heard talk that silicone if dry for too long can weaken. Anyone have any experience with this?

I need to either move the 75g to the 125g, or tear it down. My husband would prefer to install book shelves in the space the 75g was in. I need to downsize my tank workload, so setting up the 125 (and combining several tanks into this one) might be a good idea.

(The other option that I am considering is simply tearing down the 75g and having an emergency sale of it's contents. Anyone want some huge soft corals and a 10 inch derasa clam?)

Carole

 

[DiscoReefRover]

if you decide to sell id like to meet up im around the corner send me pm
Sean

 

[ChickenCannoneer]

I would take the clam or even hold it for you if needed. I am clueless on the silicone issue thought. Good Luck, Tim

 

[o0xerog0o]

What kinds of soft corals? Also, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

I think it depends on the conditions the tank was stored in. If you had the tank sitting outside behind the garage exposed to to all four seasons, you might wanna reseal the tank.

 

[Caryliss]

The tank has been sitting in my living room. For the last 2 yrs I have used it as a terrarium for orchids.

 

[EYESEEU]

Is it possible the roots of the plants grew between the glass and silicone?

 

[johndawg]

Carole,
I'd call Dan and ask him his opinion. I always get a straight answer from him or Shawn.
Good Luck,
John

 

[Fdfiremedic]

Personally I think you'd be fine. I had a tank some guy gave me that was sitting for many many years in his shop empty that I set up and held water like it was new. I would think in only a few years you are fine. Look at some of the tanks for sale in fish shops and see when they are built. Its years ago. Just my opinion. If worried test it in the garage with freash water for a few days or week. Also if you need a temporary home for some corals or fish I would glady help out. Ben

 

[jwkiller]

I also think you will be fine. A friend just filled a 120 that had been empty fo 15 yrs with no problem. I would fill it and keep a close eye on it. If it's gonna leak, it'll do it for the start. If you do get rid of corals or clams for any reason, I am very interested.

Good Luck!!!

 

[serpentman]

I have stored tanks for long amounts of time without issue. The big thing is to avoid the elements. Think of the caulk around your window. Being exposed to hot, cold, wet, dry will cause the silicone to wear and dry out. Being in your house, I would bet its ok.

 

[ReefWidowed]

Give it a try outside since it's a nice day with good old garden hose water.....see what happens.

 

[newsalt1]

I bought a tank that had been sitting empty for about 6 years in a shed, set it up and ran it without issues for about two years. Developed a leak around one side seam. fixed it, 6 months later another on the same seam. pulled the tank down scraped off the old silicone, resealed it filled it and let it sit for a month and half , pumps, sand, salt, lights all running great, decided after Christmas I would really go all out and start stocking with the fish that i had been admiring, and the bottom seam let go. i am now in the process of drilling the back and cutting off the bottom to completely reseal it again.
Weather it was old silicone or not who knows, just my experience with an older tank.
Good luck

 

[Caryliss]

Thanks everyone. Sorry I haven't replied sooner but I've been busy setting up the 125 gallon

After work I ran out to Salty Critter and Dan set me up with good advice and everything I needed to get the 125 up and running. It's currently filled and running overnight with fresh water. No leaks from either the plumbing or the tank.

I'll be eventually combining the contents of all 3 tanks into this one then tearing down the other tanks. It's just too much work to maintain multiple tanks at this point. I will have lots of equipment to sell in the near future. I will also be looking for a home for my female yellow Kuda seahorse since she is the one thing I can't put in a reef tank.

Thanks again everyone, and especially thanks to Salty Critter.

Carole

 

[hllywd]

I doubt you'll have problems with the tank related to being empty for a few years. I have a QT I use only periodically that I've had for 20+ years and dry probably 50%+ of that time. It's basically like new.

Tim