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View Full Version : how long does a tank last?

seezar
05-05-2007, 03:13 PM
I'm just wondering what the average life of a commercially built tank is.

Is purchasing a used tank that is 10-15 years old of any concern?
cocoa_pleco
05-05-2007, 03:33 PM
if the silicone is cracked and/or very rough and dirty, replace it. If its smooth and clean, it should be fine
Lady Hobbs
05-05-2007, 03:36 PM
I think if the tank has been empty all this time, the silcone may not be in good shape. Also depends if it was stored in a garage where possibly the weather conditions froze then thawed numerous times. If it's been in use all this time, I see no problem with it.
cocoa_pleco
05-05-2007, 03:38 PM
the 29g peacock tank i have was used by the previous owner for 3 years, then stored. The silicone was dirty and chipped, and it had a few leaks so i had to reseal it. If it was stored in a cold garage in winter with moisture, then thawed in spring, that makes it rough and bad to use. If its been sitting in a heated storage shed or in a basement in a dry place, it should be fine
Rue
05-05-2007, 03:45 PM
I bought my 25g in 1983 I think...it's fine!
Incredulous_Ed
05-06-2007, 12:48 AM
If you buy a an old acrylic tank it should be fine. But as others have said, pay attention to the silicone on glass tanks.
Chrona
05-06-2007, 12:49 AM
And to large scratches on the glass, in particular the tempered glass bottoms :)
RobbieG
05-06-2007, 12:50 AM
If its a larger tank make sure that the center support is OK also.
genitor
05-06-2007, 02:04 AM
I bought my 25g in 1983 I think...it's fine!


Your tank is as old as me!!!
Chrona
05-06-2007, 02:10 AM
Your tank is as old as me!!!

You may need to be resealed sometime soon then.
Rue
05-06-2007, 04:10 AM
The tank is in better shape than I am...sadly...

...at any rate...I accept the fact that my tank is indeed...older than some of the posters here...:hmm3grin2orange:
cocoa_pleco
05-06-2007, 04:12 AM
lol. I saw a tank from the early 1900's once. MAN, are those tanks different. Now, we have stealth heaters, biowheel and canister filters, heaters
Rue
05-06-2007, 04:23 AM
There was an article in one of the fishkeeping mags that featured a restoration of a Victorian tank...it was beautiful!

His major problem was keeping the ornate metal work rust-free...
Lady Hobbs
05-06-2007, 09:16 AM
My son had a 55 he got from a friend for me. When I found out it had been stored behind his friends garage all winter and summer for 4 years, I had to pass. MI winters get darned right cold and I didn't feel I wanted to set up and mess with a leaking tank in my apartment. Too risky.