Tanks that have been dry for several years?

SayersWeb

SayersWeb

Aquarium & Pond Keeper
Dec 4, 2003
316
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Sugar Land, Texas
sayersweb.com
I am being given two 55 gallon setups and a bunk-bed style stand to go with them. I have the perfect place to put them! :)

But, they have been dry (kept indoors) for several years. I can re-seal them if there are leaks, but I am wondering how long it would take a leak to show up if there is one. Any suggestions?

These tanks are a bit special to me since I was the original owner and built the bunk-bed style stand myself. :)

I'm also planning a three-tier custom bunk-bed style stand to hold the 20 gallon high along with 4 10 gallon tanks to use for fry and quarantine purposes.

If this works out, I will have gone from a single 180 gallon tank a few months ago, to now having:

180
120
60
55 (#1)
55 (#2)
20
10 (#1)
10 (#2)
10 (#3)
10 (#4)

Ummm.... I did promise my wife that this would be it! :thud:
 
Ohhhh you should never make promises you can't keep, you know! ;)

If you build a 3 tier stand could you let me know how you do it and if you used any websites or books as references. I am hoping to do the same but I need a "DIY stands for dummies" (why don't they make this book yet!)

Wish I knew about your questions, good luck on a response! But um, I might test them out somewhere that a flash flood won't be as big a problem if you have a grumpy spouse to contend with. Hehe.
 
Since it's above freezing for the moment, and not raining, I would fill them on a flat surface, or on the stand, outside. If you start out with everything more-or-less dry, a leak will show up within a day.
Unless these tanks are really ancient, it's unlikely that they will have developed leaks just sitting around, so you should be OK.
 
Originally posted by Dahlia
Ohhhh you should never make promises you can't keep, you know! ;)

If you build a 3 tier stand could you let me know how you do it and if you used any websites or books as references. I am hoping to do the same but I need a "DIY stands for dummies" (why don't they make this book yet!)
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Sure... I'll post the design once I get it worked out. In order to save room the 10 gallon tanks will be situated so that you see the short side (end) from the front.

The stand is basically just a framework (similar to the rod iron ones) made out of pine 2"x4" boards. The two lower levels will be wider to accommodate the 20" length of the 10 gallons. The top tier will be just wide enough (12") for the 20H.

I will have glass cut to make the tops and hinge it along the width (instead of the length) so that you can access it from the front. Will use one 24" (18" bulb) strip light for each pair of 10 gallon tanks. HOB bio-wheel filters will hang on the outside long edge of each 10 gallon tank and will be situated between the legs of the stand for easy access.

Originally posted by mogurnda
Since it's above freezing for the moment, and not raining, I would fill them on a flat surface, or on the stand, outside. If you start out with everything more-or-less dry, a leak will show up within a day.
Unless these tanks are really ancient, it's unlikely that they will have developed leaks just sitting around, so you should be OK.
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If I had set them outside last night they would be full this morning! Man did it ever rain!!

I'm hoping they will not leak. Not sure when I will be able to go and pick them up. I figured 24 hours also, but glad to get another opinion.

BTW... Have you ever been to the aquarium in DC? I enjoy going there every year or so just to see what's changed:
http://www.nationalaquarium.com/

Thanks!
 
Man did it ever rain!!
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I normally ride up Rock Creek park to work, but broke a cable, so I rode the bus. I guess it was divine intervention, because the creek had flooded (again!), and it would have been completely impassable.

BTW... Have you ever been to the aquarium in DC?
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We get there a few times a year. It improves each time I go. The last time, it had actually been painted. It amazes me that it functions at all, considering that the tightwads in the Reagan administration cut off its funding in the '80s. I had hoped to volunteer there this year, but life got very complicated.

BTW, forget what I said about no rain today, I just saw some ugly stuff rolling in.
 
SayersWeb, I had a similar situation albeit with a much smaller tank recently. The tank I had as a kid came back to me after being out of commision for about 15 years. Over that time it spent time in a basement and in a very warm and dry apartment.

I was concerned the silicon might give out but its been about three or four weeks now and no leaks at all. I think you'll probably be fine. My guess is that it would take some pretty rough conditions (direct sunlight or amazingly dry conditions) to really kill the silicone.
 
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