Should I Reseal?

[ConnorG]

I have an old 24 gallon reef tank that had previously been set up for about a year and then drained and cleaned. It has been sitting in storage in my basement for the past 6 years. I am considering pulling it back out and setting it up again but am worried about the silicone holding. Right now, the silicone looks great...none of it is pulling away from the glass or peeling, there are no chunks missing, no bubbles, etc. It holds water just fine with no signs of leaking. Should I reseal it or do you think it would be fine as is?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Reef noob_]

I'd definitely reseal in your case. Seals can last very long when in a tank with water but dry out quickly in air.

I'm no expert though, hopefully someone else can confirm?


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[on the spot]

If it's not leaking I'd leave it be.

If a 24 gallon tank ever leaks - get a new tank.

 

[j.falk]

Don't waste your time resealing it. If it doesn't leak it's fine.

We had some 20+ year old tanks at work that were sitting dry for over 10 years....filled them up with water and they held water just fine and are still in use to this day without issue.

 

[mcgyvr]

Another vote for NOT resealing it..

 

[billdogg]

If it's not leaking I'd leave it be.

If a 24 gallon tank ever leaks - get a new tank.

Don't waste your time resealing it. If it doesn't leak it's fine.

We had some 20+ year old tanks at work that were sitting dry for over 10 years....filled them up with water and they held water just fine and are still in use to this day without issue.

Another vote for NOT resealing it..

^^^THIS x 1000^^^

I had a 150 long (6x2x20") set up for about 10 years when I got married and we bought a house. I didn't have room (or time) for it, so it sat in my unheated garage (temps ranged from -20 to 110 or so) for about 7 years being used as a garden tool storage container. When I finally got the basement finished, I rinsed it out, leak tested it for about a week, and put it back in service. I kept it for another 6 or eight years and then sold it to another reefer.

If it holds water, DON'T touch it! If it does leak, it's a 24g tank - I would replace it long before I attempted to reseal it.

 

[Misled]

Agreed, just fill it.

 

[ConnorG]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I should've been more specific. I wouldn't reseal it, but I would just replace the tank all together. I have since read resealing can be REALLY difficult and for someone that has never done it before, next to impossible.


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[billdogg]

Let it sit in the garage for a week or so filled with tapwater. You'll know soon enough what your answer is.

Good luck, and post pictures!