re-siliconeing

[Jim]

I have a 48gal that is 17years old i got used.

How long do you think silicon lasts on a tank?

The bottom appears in very good shape almost like it was re-siliconed before but the sides are pealing away.

It doesnt leak at the moment but i was thinking of doing it to be safe.

Tell me what you think.

thanks
JIM

[Nerine]

depending on how the tank was kept and the temperatures it was kept at when it was empty! silicone can last a looong time!!! I redid a 30 gal I bought because it was looking iffy...and I sat there and peeled away ALL the silicone (except on the outside) and then redid it  and I let it sit a week before putting water in it, then let it sit 48 hours with water in it...it takes a week for the silicone to cure, 48 hours for it to set, so I figure better safe than sorry and let it cure before putting water in it!
good luck with siliconing!! make sure you remove all of the old stuff and wipe the areas down with rubbing alochol! cheers

[Jim]

so you think i should do it?

[darkdep]

I think you should do it, yes.  If you can't be sure of the history of the tank, and some of it looks iffy, then go ahead.  Make sure you remove ALL the silicone and redo it tho; don't try to just patch the existing 'cone.

[Jim]

ok thx