Aquarium longevity?

fishforu · 07/24/2011, 10:15 AM

I have a 30 gallons Oceanic cube tank. It is about 5 years old.

Question: On average, how long can I expect it to last before it needs to be replaced? What signs of wear and tear, on top of water leaking, should I watch for?

I don't want to experience a tank disaster and lengthy clean-up.

Thanks.

albano · 07/24/2011, 10:33 AM

Not sure that age is the main factor. For example, I believe that the # of times that the aquarium has been filled and emptied, would affect the seam more than the age. Also the use of a wavemaker, could stress the seals...

I have 4 or 5 glass tanks that are well over 30 years old...rarely used, but still hold water.

NatureNerd · 07/24/2011, 11:21 AM

My tank has been setup for over 15 years. It shows no sign of wear except some scratches that accumulate over time.

James77 · 07/24/2011, 11:42 AM

When I asked this of several long term aquarists several years ago, I was told decades. Just make a point to keep some kind of check on the silicone seal. If the edges of the silicone start lifting inside the tank for example....look for that kind of thing once in a while while you clean.

purge43 · 07/24/2011, 09:42 PM

my 125g 6' has been filled since 1991 and was moved from one room to another one time.

scarface70706 · 07/24/2011, 10:13 PM

i was told by my local fish store about 20 to 30 years if shimmed correctly. but who really knows, im sure it varies in a lot of different aspects and conditions.

NatureNerd · 07/24/2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purge43

my 125g 6' has been filled since 1991 and was moved from one room to another one time.

Wow, way to go. There are not that many people here with tanks that old. Paul has us all beat, but 20 yrs is really something.

07/24/2011, 10:15 AM	#1
fishforu Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 115	Aquarium longevity? I have a 30 gallons Oceanic cube tank. It is about 5 years old. Question: On average, how long can I expect it to last before it needs to be replaced? What signs of wear and tear, on top of water leaking, should I watch for? I don't want to experience a tank disaster and lengthy clean-up. Thanks.

07/24/2011, 10:33 AM	#2
albano SALTWATER since '73 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Katonah, NY/ San Fernando Ca./ Sea Isle City NJ Posts: 6,210	Not sure that age is the main factor. For example, I believe that the # of times that the aquarium has been filled and emptied, would affect the seam more than the age. Also the use of a wavemaker, could stress the seals... I have 4 or 5 glass tanks that are well over 30 years old...rarely used, but still hold water. __________________ ______________________________________ Jan. '11 TOTM Manhattan Reefs Current Tank Info: 500g & 200g acrylic DTs/2 separate reef systems

07/24/2011, 11:21 AM	#3
NatureNerd Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 877	My tank has been setup for over 15 years. It shows no sign of wear except some scratches that accumulate over time. __________________ Reef tanks since 1987. Current tank: 75g SPS dominated reef tank set up in 1996

07/24/2011, 11:42 AM	#4
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	When I asked this of several long term aquarists several years ago, I was told decades. Just make a point to keep some kind of check on the silicone seal. If the edges of the silicone start lifting inside the tank for example....look for that kind of thing once in a while while you clean. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

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