Rules on Silicon and weather exposure....

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Mastiffman

Mastiffman

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 2, 2010
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tropheusandmore.com
What is the rule of thumb for tanks that have been exposed to extreme weather differences. more along the lines of Room temperature to cold wether and back to room temperature.

Basically referring to expansion and contraction of the silicon between the glass. Should a tank that has been in this situation be avoided alltogether or is there a limit that the silicon can handle that is safe?

Any experience and facts are welcome. I don't mind opinions as long as they are developed from experience!

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Reason being is that I'm looking for a used 180gallon for my next setup and have come accross some that are nice but have been exposed to temp changes. More along the lines of room temp to cold garage. So would bring it back into room temps for good be to much for the silicon to handle?
 
I have a 125 that I bought used in 98. Had it set-up until 2002 then went to a storage unit until 2005. Then set it back up with out any problems.It is still in use at the moment.
 
Mr.Catfish;4706021; said:
I have a 125 that I bought used in 98. Had it set-up until 2002 then went to a storage unit until 2005. Then set it back up with out any problems.It is still in use at the moment.
Click to expand...


Excellent! Thanks for the reply!

So your are implying that the Storage unit was Not Climate controlled then? Thus allowing the tank to be exposed to some harsh conditions.....?

Also, where did you live at the time and what kind of temps was the tank exposed to?

Thanks!
 
The storage unit was not climate controlled. I lived and still live in NW Ohio. So temp range is about the same you would see in your area. My tanks now are in a room off the back of my garage. It is heated and has ac. Two years ago the heater stopped working. I was out of work and couldn't replace heater. So the tank froze solid and was that way for 2 months. In the spring I drained it and set it back up with no problems.
 
LOL- HS!~!!!! That's Nuts! Did the ice protrude out of the top of the tank at all? LIke a Giant Ice cube!? lol You couldn't even borrow someone's space heater?

You are a brave soul! But then again, you have it off of your garage too. Not to much to worry about there...

Cool! Thanks for the story!

Anyone else have any recommendations for silicon versus weather?
 
It ptotruded out the top a little.LOL

I also have a 40 breeder that I got from the side of the road this year. It had three inches of ice in it. I took it home leak tested it. Now it sits in my living room set-up without a problem.
 
Me personally i would reseal it too,just incase,for what it should cost its a no brainer really.
I had my 180 set up for 5 years and then moved house and just chose the time to reseal as it shouldnt need doing for another ??? Years.
Also ive got a 190g sump in our shed and its been down to -10 here and after seeing this i will be resealing it before it gets used,just incase.


Steve
 
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