surfingfish Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 .Hi guys, it's been ages since I have been on here or posted but so happy the old account is working. So to get into it, I am going overseas for 2 years and I wanted to put my 48L fluval edge tank into storage, I have the original box and all. I have it full and working currently but would like to empty and clean it out tomorrow. Does anyone have some tips, advice on how I could store this tank to retail it's condition? Thank you you in advance for helping me out with this jase Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sacrilicious Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Clean it well, I'd use bleach. Then make sure it is really, really dry. Mould is not your friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfingfish Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Ok bleach sounds easy, how about the silicon seals? I was wondering will they perish being dry for 2 years? Could I safely put something on them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heintz.G Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Sorry to say but 2yrs without water is too long, in my opinion try to sell it or give it someone you think can take care of it as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lictoga Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Yer the silicone may crap out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfingfish Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Yer the silicone may crap out. So when the silicone is in contact with water for two years it's ok but if left without it will perish? How do they store retail fishtanks? Surely some sit for some time? Like wouldn't there be fluval edge in a warehouse somewhere? I didnt want want to sell it I plan on using it when I am back in aus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishfish Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Retail tanks are new and haven't had water in them yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lictoga Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 So when the silicone is in contact with water for two years it's ok but if left without it will perish? How do they store retail fishtanks? Surely some sit for some time? Like wouldn't there be fluval edge in a warehouse somewhere? I didnt want want to sell it I plan on using it when I am back in aus. Silicon dose perish over time and exposure to the elements. Even in water it breaks down takes a long time but it dose happen. Having silicone underwater for a extended period of time and then dried out will increase this time line. Could try storing it in a well sealed box and wrap it in packaging plastic, that cling wrap stuff from office works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfingfish Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Could you please link me to the cling wrap you are speaking of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakey2277 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 What about a layer of vaseline, would that work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lictoga Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 (edited) Could you please link me to the cling wrap you are speaking of? You might be better of with a roll of normal cling wrap. The pallet stuff ain't cheap also have to by bulk. Bunnings dose have this http://www.bunnings.com.au/packaging-shrnk-wrap-wrap-move-500mmx280m-50mm-core-07596_p2610071 Edited November 16, 2014 by Lictoga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
th3f0rg0t3n Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Good ol Vaseline has too many uses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfingfish Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Can I use Vaseline or another perhaps oil to slow it from perishing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakey2277 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 That may keep out the oxygen and provide some moisturizing effect to keep it supple Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakey2277 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Dunno if it will work or not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I read somewhere once that Hagen/fluval reccomends replacing their tanks every 8 years. Although resealing would be another good option....... just not as good for hagen lol Just had a quick look on wetwebmedia but could only find this. Proper Storage Of Glass Fish Tank -- 06/30/11My husband is in the military and we anticipate moving frequently in the next two to three years. <<Ah yes'¦>> We would like to put our 220 gallon glass fish tank into long-term storage, but have been told that storage will ruin the silicone seals. Is this true? <<Mmm, perhaps under 'extreme' conditions'¦but not something I have ever seen or experienced. As a 20-year veteran myself, I had occasion to store aquariums for long periods and never had problems with the silicone from such storage>> If so, is there anything that can be done to preserve the seals during storage? <<A bigger concern I think is to make sure the tank is cleaned thoroughly. Any leftover mineral deposits will only become that much harder to remove, and may even mar/etch the glass. A good scrub with a mild vinegar solution, followed by a good rinse with clear water, is in order here. Other than cleaning, I don't think there's much else you need be concerned with (or can do much about) here>> Thank you, Jody <<Happy to share'¦ EricR>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Might be better using silicon grease. Not sure how well silicon would stand up long term to vas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I did the old storage thing when I was overseas for two year. I found 1 big problem with it was when I got home I looked at all the stuff I had in there and kinda went 'why did I bother'. I almost could have bought most things new after having it storage for that long. So save your money get a friend or 2 to look after what you really need and SELL the rest including your tank mate, in the long run it will be easier to know that the new tank you just got is all the bomb and ready to go.. Just my thoughts anyway have fun tripping about mate.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
