How long can you store an aquarium?
- Thread starter aaron23
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corey01
Active Member
I have used older tanks W/O issue. but I would imagine its just as much a dice roll as buying a new tank. just because its new does not guarantee it working correctly. its just a better "chance"
If you really are so worried about it you might just need to forgo the used tank and buy a new one. for your own peace of mind.
If you really are so worried about it you might just need to forgo the used tank and buy a new one. for your own peace of mind.
I stored a 75gal in my parents garage (not finished, with gravel floor, no insulation, and pest upon pest) for 4 years while I was out of the country. When I got back I cleaned it and filled it up without even thinking about safety (I was young, don't judge...). I had that tank up for 5 years before tearing it down to move across the country. I sold it to a friend who still has it up to this day. It's freshwater now, but still holding water with no silicone repairs.
That tank is 20 years old.
I'm not saying this works every time, though. And I wouldn't dare try it the same way today. Definitely have the seller fill completely with water to prove that there are no immediate leaks and check for any air bubbles in all the joints. Not worth being young and hoping to get lucky.
That tank is 20 years old.
I'm not saying this works every time, though. And I wouldn't dare try it the same way today. Definitely have the seller fill completely with water to prove that there are no immediate leaks and check for any air bubbles in all the joints. Not worth being young and hoping to get lucky.
SciGuy2
Active Member
I let a 15 year old tank sit empty in the garage for 5 years and put it back in service a few months ago. No problems so far. I inspected the seams closely and left it filled outdoors for a few days though.
Finatik
FINatik about my Tanks !
Does an empty tank sitting in storage for several years somehow get weakened or loose seams/silicone ? I have a tank thats been sitting in storage for 8 years, should I be concerned about using it ? And if so, why ?
Finatik
FINatik about my Tanks !
Is this because there is no water in the tank ?
azbigjohn
Valuable Member
According to my wife, I am physically unable to store an aquarium what-so-ever!
But I realize that does not answer your question. If it is a standard, manufacturer made tank with frames intact, I would feel safe for multiple years. A custom tank, or rimless, I would be a little less willing to store unless I knew specifically who had made it, and the quality of their build.
As others have mentioned, doing a leak test before pickup is vital, and maybe watch it for 15-20 minutes. After that, blowouts happen without warning, so you cannot predict them, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
But I realize that does not answer your question. If it is a standard, manufacturer made tank with frames intact, I would feel safe for multiple years. A custom tank, or rimless, I would be a little less willing to store unless I knew specifically who had made it, and the quality of their build.
As others have mentioned, doing a leak test before pickup is vital, and maybe watch it for 15-20 minutes. After that, blowouts happen without warning, so you cannot predict them, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
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