is there a proper way to store a used reef aquarium?

[nathan212178]

hello, im taking down a 10gal system as i dont think ill be using it due to college, i was wondering if there is a proper way to take it down and store it. Im just worried about the seal and things like that, or just cleaning and drying it with alcohol fine?

 

[exnisstech]

I just clean with water and use citric acid if needed for scale build up. Dry and put in storage.

 

[Dom]

hello, im taking down a 10gal system as i dont think ill be using it due to college, i was wondering if there is a proper way to take it down and store it. Im just worried about the seal and things like that, or just cleaning and drying it with alcohol fine?

Run the tank with a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water for a few hours. Then drain it and wipe everything down. I also like to rub petroleum jelly on all of the silicon to keep it from drying/cracking.

 

[Ironwill723]

Run the tank with a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water for a few hours. Then drain it and wipe everything down. I also like to rub petroleum jelly on all of the silicon to keep it from drying/cracking.

FYI: Petroleum jelly eats silicone.

 

[exnisstech]

Silicon won't dry out. I have tanks that sit in storage for years and I pull them out, fill and use as needed then empty and back in storage.

 

[Ironwill723]

Silicon won't dry out. I have tanks that sit in storage for years and I pull them out, fill and use as needed then empty and back in storage.

Yes, I agree. I think that is a common misconception due to the old days when the metal framed tanks had slate bottoms and tar seams.

 

[Dom]

FYI: Petroleum jelly eats silicone.

FYI: Petroleum jelly eats silicone.

This is a quote from the link to my information:

"Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a common household item. It’s used for everything from skin care to lubricating machinery. But does it damage silicone? The short answer is no, Vaseline does not typically damage silicone. Silicone is highly resistant to various substances, including petroleum-based products like Vaseline. However, prolonged exposure and specific conditions might cause some degradation, which we’ll discuss further in this post."
Here is the link to the full article:

Does Vaseline Damage Silicone? | Rysilicone.com

Silicone products are known for their durability and versatility. However, concerns often arise about their compatibility with other substances, like

rysilicone.com