Re-silicon

[fishyfreak]

Hey all, just bought a 200 usg setup, I'm not sure how old it is I'll have to find that out but I'd guess 12+ years. It's 6x2x2' made from 1/2" glass with a 6" piece on the top middle for extra support. There aren't any leaks but I was just curious on how long the silicon is good for before it would need to be replaced. I'm sure some environmental issues would come into play such as water type (salt/fresh), if it's ever been exposed to air for periods of time. I've never had to re-silicon a tank before but I would rather do that then set it up then have it start leaking 2 years down the road.

Thanks.

 

[Behold]

biggest issue it it going wet dry wet dry but if it isn't leaking it shouldn't leak unless its starting to already go.

 

[Rooster]

Ive had an all glass/silicon tank for about 30 years ! been full and dry many times...

 

[fishyfreak]

Thanks guys, sounds like I have nothing to worry about then.

 

[Colin_T]

look at the silicon where it joins the glass. There should be no airbubbles in the silicon. The silicon should be a nice clear or semitransparent colour. If medications have been used the silicon might have a blue tinge. This is fine. White silicon is bad. Hard silicon is bad. If the silicon has frayed edges and is lifting away from the glass it needs work.

If the glass was clean when the tank was built, and the silicon good quality, the tank should hold together for 20 plus years.