Tank sitting with no water?

[Gools]

How long can a tank sit empty?

I'm moving long distance, and might be taking it with me if I can't sell it. It might be a few years before I can set it back up, and I'm just worried about the silicone drying up.

I've had it for 6yrs and bought it new.

Any thoughts?

 

[J. Montgomery]

I have a 55 gallon tank that was used as an iguana terrarium for ~5 years before I used it for a FW tank for ~5yr . . . then it sat dry for one year before I set up my current salt water tank.

 

[areze]

silicone wont dry up.

maybe in like 50 years.

 

[Waxxiemann]

Hey Gools. Whatsup man? I was pondering the same yesterday night. I wonder if you used a water based lube like KY if it would help prevent the silicone from drying out?

 

[surfy]

I have had my 35g for over six years now. I had it set up for a little over three years then it sat dry in my garage for about two years. I just restarted it a month ago and was wondering the same thing as I was cleaning it out.
Everything seems fine, and no leaks. As long as you don't pull back/cut into the silicone with a razor blade, it should be usable for many years.

 

[Gools]

K good to know, Thanks guys

 

[Flavorflave]

Just don't leave it in a very cold place during the winter, ie garage, as the plastic frames on glass tanks have been none to crack from expansion under extreme cold conditions.
I speak from experience.