Question about storing a tank?

[Drrpm2004]

I just purchased a used tank and wanted to know if I can keep it outside for a few days covered up or not? It's way to big to put inside.
It will be just be a few days until I paint the stand and clean the tank out. I also wanted to know if the best method to cleaning a tank is
using water and vinegar?


Thank you in advance for your help

[fishlady]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

it would depend if it has alot of water stains in it or not....if you leave it outside i would definately cover it up including the stand......you might get mold on it if it gets hot during the day too so be aware of this.....
but vinegar is a great way to clean it.....i use a razor blade to scrape that off too....it won't scratch the glass while trying to remove the hard water residue....
but then again that's my 2cents worth....others may disagree.....


welcome to the box too....

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

You can leave it outside for as long as you would like. Just a few days there is nothing to worry about.
To clean it out use clorox & vinegar & water 5% x 5% x 90%. let it stand for 24 hours then rinse it out very well & then rinse it again & again. I do this every year to each of my tanks.

[flamenco-t]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

Fyi, you can also use prime or any dechlorinator on your tank final rinse to remove all chlorine residue.  You may need to use triple dosage.

stan

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

If it were to sit outside anyways and being used I would fill the tank itself up with water just to test it.

As for the stand the less it gets wet the better but a few days is not gonna hurt it.

[Zulaab]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

LOL -- my 75 sat on my porch for 6 months collecting rainwater, and all sorts of cridders in there.  Then I emptied the water out, used a water hose and a piece of cloth and scrubbed it down. Then Dried it out.  Put it inside on the stand and setup the tank.  I promise you it was sitting in the same spot for at least 4-5 months.  Collected fall leaves in it too :)

[Drrpm2004]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

When I purchased the tank it had water and everything in it, so I already know that it will hold water. It will just be sitting on my deck in the backyard with blankets over it.  The stand is in my garage because I am going to texture it and paint it b4 setup. I just wanted to make sure because as you guys already know, this isn't a cheap hobby. The one thing that I am concerned about the most is the humidity and heat index and how the seals in the tank react to such? Thank you guys alot for your help!

[Zulaab]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

the seals like water... so if its humid its okie

[Hanson77]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

I bought an old Oceanic out of resale yard for lack of better terms.  I had been sitting for some time holding water and algae and all kinds of other nasty stuff.  The stand had seen it's better days some years back but the tank itself was still in great shape......regret selling that one so cheap awhile back

[Spot86t]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

I've learned to store my spare tanks either upside down stacked (upside down 10, upside down 20L), or on end with opening against the house to save on space.  If you have no need to stack them, I'd still store them upside down to keep leaves, dirt, etc out.  If you store them on end, make sure the wind won't catch and blow them over.  If you really dont want stuff inside, you can always tape a trash bag over the opening too.  You may still have to wipe out some spider webs, but at least you wont have wet nasty stuff to dig out of it.

[MateFrio]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

Cover them if you mow the lawn anywhere around them.  I told my dad that this was unnecessary... My dad was right and I lost a 55 gallon tank.

[Spot86t]

Re: Question about storing a tank?

Cover them if you mow the lawn anywhere around them.

Weedeaters and/or leaf blowers too - a small stone at the right angle can do permanent damage.