How long aquarium last

How long can an aquarium last if normal maintenance is kept? I would think a fairly long time, but I really don't know. I have a big move coming up where I'll have to drain my tanks and move them to my new home and I'm starting to wonder if it would be safer to buy new tanks. My 55g is about 6 years old so that one should be fine, i just don't know how old the 75g is or if I should even be worried about it.

I don't think there is an absolute expiry date on tanks. I guess a tank never used and stored ina dry, cool and dark place would last decades, and one that is used a lot, banged around and then forgotten in a garage over a hot summer may have its silicone degrade in a short time. I too have wondered that same thing As long as the silicone is on good shape, and the glass is not cracked, it's in good shape and ready for use The lenght of time the silicone will last will depend on the conditions it is kept in.

I know the bottom of the tank can't be inspected except on a bare bottom tank or unless it is fully drained. Before using the tank, and occasionally afterwords. If the silicone is in good shape before you use the tank, it should be years before you have to worry about it. If you are in doubt, replace the silicone before using the tank its real easy to do. Most manufactures give there silicone a life span of 20 to 30 years so I would guess the maximum life span would be somewhere around there depending on how well the silicone was applied.

I have non-leaking metaframe tanks still That is old THey have a tar-like seal that isnt silicone and doesnt really degrade as long as its in constant working condition. Mine were started by the grampa and have never once leaked. O'Dell One of the 55 is in my daughter's room no issue.

The other was my sump for a while and the Dell I don't use much because of the scratched glass but the silicone is sound. I was just wondering this same thing today as my current reef is being revived. It's a 55 gal I got in middle school 30 years ago it's gone through 1 stand about 15 years ago. I'm trying to decide if I should replace it before I go any further.

It's never been moved except once to replace the stand. It's been salt for 25 years and fresh for 5 before that. It's been in constant use since the day I bought it. Any suggestions? If I upgrade I only have room for no more than 50 inches long and 16 to 18 wide.

Height luckily isn't an issue. They have one display tank and a several 55s that were there when she started working there. But I have seen reputable tanks fail long before then. And like Srynx said the silicone would have to be seen to be judged. Certainly new air bubbles or changes in color would be reasons for concern. Algae working it's way into the joints between the glass would be keeping me up at night.

Ironically, some of the cheaper tanks where the plastic trim around the top and bottom is used as a jig to hold the glass in place may hold up better as the plastic frame has to fail as well as the silicone joint to see a catastrophic spill.

Been a few years, but thought I would bring this back rather than start a new one. Do you guys feel aquariums being built now a days have a much higher fail rate? Is it do to Acrylic rather than glass?

Originally Posted by Shia. Find More Posts by ReefWreak. Originally Posted by ReefWreak. Probably none of the above. Acrylic is always somewhat niche, and the majority of tanks have consistently been glass.

Giant disaster considering how advanced this hobbyist is, his stocking, and level of involvement in the hobby, but I guess it happens.

I still think it's extremely infrequent. I asked this same question here a bunch of years ago. The consensus then was at least 25 years if I am remembering correctly. My stock made it to the 28 year mark before the bottom seam let go last fall.

I had to drain the tank quickly because the leak was getting progressively worse. There was no event to trigger the failure, fortunately I was home when it started to leak. Does anyone have any feedback on Marineland gallon tanks, I have been looking at some used ones and was curious how their silicone holds up? Glass : several 10 years or hundred years Silicon : 20 years The followings will shorten the lifetime.

If you move the big tank many times, If the tank is out of level seriously for an extended period, If very strong surge waves are applied for an extended period,. My gallon 6 foot tank was built in has the sticker under the top trim so its 37 years old probably one of the more older tanks on here..

Bought it from the original owner 3 years ago. He was like in his late 60s or early 70s said he bought it in And it was sitting in his basement empty for the last 10 years. The internal seals were spagettie strands. The seems are perfectly fine though. So i resealed it and its been running since. I had my fresh water discus in it. But i recently moved them to my 55g hexagon and moved my salt water to the Keep the tank away from high traffic areas where it can easily get bumped.

If hit hard enough, the unit may crack. As well, place it on an even surface with a sturdy stand that supports and balances the weight of the tank. In addition, should you notice any leaking seems, you must reseal them immediately. Otherwise, you run the risk of the tank breaking. This will not only flood your home and cause significant damage — depending on the size of your tank, that is — but it will also result in the death of your aquatic pets!

This not only affects the structural integrity of the unit itself, but it can also be dangerous for fish and other tank inhabitants. Acrylic fish tanks are often more expensive than their glass counterparts.

Since transport costs factor into the final price, whether you purchase a tank directly from the supplier or from your local pet shop, you can expect to pay more for an acrylic aquarium. Replacing cracked or broken aquarium glass is merely a click away! Most online aquarium suppliers sell replacement glass panels as well as local fish stores. With the right glass and the proper tools as well as some step-by-step instructions , you can repair a damaged panel on your own in no time!

Consider tempered glass aquariums whenever possible. Tempered glass aquariums can also support more water mass as well as the added weight from substrate and rocks which makes them a safer option. To conclude, glass fish tanks usually last years longer than acrylic aquariums. Instead of the typical 5 to 15 years for acrylic tanks, glass versions can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years — though both have the potential to last even longer with the proper care.

There are multiple factors that affect how long a fish tank lasts including placement, exposure to ultraviolet light, and overall structural integrity. I hope this article has answered your questions and helped you in choosing a glass or acrylic fish tank.

Thanks for reading and best of luck with your aquarium hobby.