Old(er) 125gal tank

[ckiefer]

I was hoping for some feedback on setting up an older 125 gallon tank that I have had in storage now for about 5 years. I recall hearing some time ago that it was not wise to store tanks dry for an extended period of time because the silicone is prone to drying out. However, i recently asked the guy at the local frag place what his thoughts were. He said there is probably nothing to worry about. Essentially, I'm looking for opinions on if i should just buy a new one or not. I don't want to spend the money on a new one if I can avoid it, but I'd rather do so if I'm going to have an increased chance of a tank failure. The tank is about 15 years old and was in use 'till about 5 years ago. The silicone appears to be in good condition with some minor gouging at the front vertical seams where a scraper was used to remove algae in the past.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[FraggledRock]

i would do a water test.

let it sit for a month (which could be your cycle) without minimal rock.

what was it stored on? or in? concrete floor? wood shelf? tile floor? Direct sunlight?

so many variables...

you never know, it could have been bumped into, there may be cracks not visible somewhere. drying out is very likely.

i always start fresh. new everything.

why risk tons more money on water equipment and cleanup to save now... I know it seems easier and logical to use one you already have, but I like it safe then sorry.. ALSO keep in mind, i cant see or feel it, so i am just using my judgement and experience.

 

[ckiefer]

It was stored on the stand I originally built (overbuilt) for it, inside our house on a concrete floor. I hear you on starting fresh......arrrgh!

 

[JMorris271]

Why not take couple of hrs, scrape off the old and reseal it? Releaves a lot of doubt .

 

[ckiefer]

I have watched some videos on YouTube showing how to reseal a fish tank. I worry about cutting too deep (into the silicone between the glass pieces) with the razor while attempting to just cut out the inside bead thus weakening the structure more than it was to begin with. Has anyone attempted this?

 

[uncleof6]

Lots of people do it, but I think there are a lot of folks that do it, that should not. Generally, if the inner seal is not torn up, there is no point to redoing the inner seal, and if the tank leaks, the tank needs to be rebuilt, resealing it will not save the tank.

Considering the tank is 15 years old, I would dump it off on craigslist, and get a tank better suited to a marine system such as a 120, 150 long, 150 - 4 wide, or 180 wide. (For dimensions, check GlassCages, but most are common or very close to standard) All these tanks will breath (gas exchange) far better than the 125, due to the narrow width, and height, of the 125—and you can get a decent sump under them.

 

[JMorris271]

I did this last year. I got most of mine so by pulling it off of the glass in strips with needlenose pliars and the rubbing what was left off with my finger and vinegar. for the very last bit,a razor blade took care of it.
As for the inner bonds visual inspection is all you can do and a leak test.
Many folks do this though.