How bad is freezing temps for silicone?

[MrsE88]

My 125’s are stuck outside for I’m not sure how long.
It’s only a matter of time before the temps drop below freezing. How bad do you suppose that will be for the silicone?

Right now the silicone is in new condition and looks great. Will I be able to see a difference in the silicone if the cold weather damages it?
And is it just the inside seal that’s at risk of damage or could I be looking at a possible tear down being necessary to fix it?

I’m really hoping to have them inside before it’s freezing out, but in case I can’t I want to know what I’m looking at for possibly damage.

 

[BIG-G]

I have read freezing temps a really hard on silicone.
But I have a tank that’s been outside for three years non stop.
I grow aquatic plants in it.
It’s holding fine.
I don’t know if the fact that there is water in it affects anything.
It routinely freezes over in the winter.

 

[MrsE88]

That’s what I’ve heard too. And what worries me. I hate to ruin perfectly good tanks just because the timing was bad.

I’m not sure if it makes a difference, but they are inside a truck in an unheated shop. So they will be subjected to freezing temps, but not the elements.(sun/rain/snow)

I’m surprised yours has been ok. Does it ever freeze solid?

 

[BIG-G]

I’m surprised yours has been ok. Does it ever freeze solid?

No not solid doesn’t get that cold here but the first couple inches of water at the surface will freeze and a thin layer right near the glass will form

 

[krichardson]

My sixty gallon was in my neighbor's backyard for quite a few years and harsh winters before I rescued it and I have used it problem free ever since.

 

[BIG-G]

Now that I think about it.
I had a ten gallon that had laid outside for several years up side down and I have used it since and never had any problem.

 

[MrsE88]

Ok, so maybe it won’t be the horrible disaster I’ve made it out to be in my head.

 

[Tobiassorensen]

Ive got an 600L tank that was standing outside fpr years before i got it in my care. The only thing i did was let it stay inside for some time before i put water in it to let the glass have roomtemperature before filled it with water. No leaks no cracks nothing in the seams. This tank was filled with water a few timea over the years when standing outside wich froze completely when the winter came.

 

[TheWolfman]

I think your ok I’ve had tanks in my garage for years and used them after with no problems.

 

[sikoko]

I've had more issues with glass breaking outside in the cold rather than silicone issues