Leaving Reef tank outside

[wutang]

Is it safe to leave a Glass reef tank outdoors? Will the glass material erode overtime?

 

[Reefs and Geeks]

Are you talking about full running reef, or an empty aquarium stored outside? A tank stored outside may be affected by the extreme hot/cold. The glass would be fine, but the silicone could become brittle and lose strength if left outside in extreme weather.

If you're talking about a full running reef tank, than I'd say yes, it can be done with due caution. However, this would take quite alot of planning and effort to set up. You'd of course have to deal with extreme temps in winter and summer, so powerful heaters and chillers. Plus you'd be exposed to elements including rain and sun. The sun would likely cause algae issues, and the rain could throw off your salinity and get all of your equipment wet if not properly sealed away.

 

[wutang]

Thanks for your input! It totally makes sense. I’m just leaving an empty tank outdoors and did not consider extreme weather. I’m in NY and summers normally run hot in the 90s.

Are you talking about full running reef, or an empty aquarium stored outside? A tank stored outside may be affected by the extreme hot/cold. The glass would be fine, but the silicone could become brittle and lose strength if left outside in extreme weather.

If you're talking about a full running reef tank, than I'd say yes, it can be done with due caution. However, this would take quite alot of planning and effort to set up. You'd of course have to deal with extreme temps in winter and summer, so powerful heaters and chillers. Plus you'd be exposed to elements including rain and sun. The sun would likely cause algae issues, and the rain could throw off your salinity and get all of your equipment wet if not properly sealed away.

 

[pirate2876]

Make sure you dont leave a tank with the back painted black in the sun. That black will absorb heat and crack.

 

[Reefs and Geeks]

May be okay. One of my LFSs keeps used tanks outside for storage, but does have them under an awning that keeps them shaded. Not sure how bad the sun is on the silicone. Perhaps just cover it with a tarp to keep direct sun off of it.

 

[ca1ore]

A filled tank that is allowed to freeze will quickly fail. An empty tank, stored out of direct sun and protected properly from impact will be impervious to temperature changes. Silicone is NOT affected by freezing temperatures (it's already a solid). If you are going to use the tank, just give it plenty of time to come up to (or down to) room temperature before attempting to fill it.

 

[wutang]

Thanks for your input guys. I think I’ll be moving that tank into the garage.

One more question tho- can I store the tank with one of the sides facing down? Instead of the bottom of the tank facing down?