Glass tank live expectancy?

the other tang · 12/14/2006, 09:42 AM

I'd like to know what you guys are getting out of a glass tank. I have a All Glass 40 I bought in 91', It was freshwater till 01' its been a reef since. I have heard that 15 yrs is about it for glass when for a saltater set up, but don't know if that is accurate at all. I am at the point I have done all I can do with an undrilled 40, and ready to buy a drilled 125. The question is glass or acrylic. I know acrylic is for life and just don't know how long glass will last. If anybody know the advantage of low iron glass please fill me in.

Craig Lambert · 12/14/2006, 09:51 AM

It would be interesting to know who has the longest running saltwater tank here.

(tagging along)

the other tang · 12/14/2006, 10:34 AM

Great question, hop aboard. Someone has to have a tank older than a 91' model. Anyone, anyone, anyone,Bueller?

RichConley · 12/14/2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the other tang
Great question, hop aboard. Someone has to have a tank older than a 91' model. Anyone, anyone, anyone,Bueller?

Oceanic 58g. I've only had the tank for about 2 years, but its had 3 or 4 owners now. Printed on the inside of the bottom trim is 'Oct 1985'.

cubber · 12/14/2006, 10:38 AM

Your thread got double posted, I posted on the other one. I have a glass tank that is a bit over 15 years old that I have had no issues with. More info on my other post in your other thread.

somethingphishy · 12/14/2006, 10:40 AM

i've had mine for ten years but not in use at all times. The seals are shot and every day i come home it's in the back of my head that i'll find my fish and croals on the floor. I need an upgrade.

Randall_James · 12/14/2006, 10:54 AM

PaulB 30+ years?

Tanks will last as long as the silicone sealer lasts. If you do not kill it with razors cleaning or allowed to dry out in the sun or just left dry for years, you might expect the tank to outlast you...

Paul B · 12/14/2006, 03:56 PM

Mine has water in it for over 30 years and so far, no leaks

jgoodrich71 · 12/14/2006, 04:13 PM

I have a 30 gallon that I have had since early 80's (81 or 82 maybe). It has not always had water in it, but for most of its life it has.

Craig Lambert · 12/14/2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
Mine has water in it for over 30 years and so far, no leaks

So I guess a good rule of thumb would be "If you're 40 or older, don't worry about it."

JokerGirl · 12/14/2006, 05:06 PM

My 10 gallon (which is now my quarantine) is about 20 years old. It was my brothers first tank and the seals are still perfect in it

syrinx · 12/14/2006, 05:19 PM

I have a 100 that has been in service since 75 or so. I know of many tanks that are 20+yrs.

dippin61 · 12/14/2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
Mine has water in it for over 30 years and so far, no leaks

haha.. i was gonna reply that youve had yours for 30 years.

Whaledriver · 12/14/2006, 06:42 PM

Sometime in the past they improved the formula for the silicone they make tanks with. The newer formula should last a very long time.

the other tang · 12/14/2006, 06:59 PM

Thanks guys I wasn't expecting that many replies, but that does make my decision of glass or acrylic a non issue, guess i'll look at price and just preferance.

Bew · 12/14/2006, 08:42 PM

I just replaced a 135 gal. glass tank that was 2 years old because the plastic bracing on top came apart. I replaced it with a 180 acrylic, and I HATE it! The first time I tried to clean the algae off the front, it picked up a small piece of sand and put a big scratch in it! Also, the larger acrylic tanks seem to bow 1/4 - 1/2 inch, which distorts the view. If I were to do it all over again, I would definately do a glass tank (it's about 1/2 the cost, too!)

jamielind · 12/14/2006, 10:10 PM

i have a glass 55 that used to be my grandfathers. i got it 20 years ago i have know idea how long he had it but im guessing a long time. its been set up off and on sometimes sitting as long as 5 years with no water. i just used it again for a hospital tank and still held water just fine. i took the plastic trim off the top when i first got it because it was cracked. also its made with 1/2 inch glass not the thin stuff they use now.

Iammatt219 · 12/14/2006, 11:17 PM

I have a slate bottom tank that still holds water. not sure of the exact age other than my dad bought it used in the early 80's

monaca · 12/14/2006, 11:42 PM

F@u% Acrylic...Glass is the only way to go...

leeweber85 · 12/15/2006, 12:41 AM

Sorry if this is a repeat, but I don't think anyone answered your 'low iron' question.

Low Iron glass is more clear and has less of the blue/green hue to it. There is a noticable difference and as long as you have the $$ you might as well get it.

toonces · 12/15/2006, 01:25 AM

a bit over 10 years on my 60 cube. however, the silicon is looking rough, and i figure i will replace the tank after my next move.

hahnmeister · 12/15/2006, 02:25 AM

This is as per John Turner, founder of ORA and currently in charge of RAS which does large scale custom reef installations, or, as he puts it "helps rich people spend their money".

He points out this: You dont see any older acrylic aquariums, do you? Thats because they get sand blasted and scratched, and eventaually taken down.

He prefers to work with glass, obviously. He will get 2" thick glass bent into a cylinder before he considers acrylic. I kinda agree with only a few exceptions that glass is the better way to go.

popimp06 · 12/15/2006, 02:39 AM

id say the silicone would be the only thing to go out maybe redo it after a few decades

Paul B · 12/22/2006, 07:44 AM

Quote:

So I guess a good rule of thumb would be "If you're 40 or older, don't worry about it."

Actually if your 40 or older, don't worry about anything.
I don't remember when I was 40 but I am not worrying about it either

I may have animals in my tank older than that

arbee · 12/22/2006, 08:25 AM

Good topic~
Can I ask how long can you let a tank sit w/o water before it is compromised? I bought a used 125 that is stickered from 1996. Should I replace the silicone? Do you have to remove the old silicone or can you silicone over top of the old stuff?
It's sitting in the garage for now until I make my mind up whether to go with it for display or make it a fuge/sump and get the 180 for display that I am dreaming about. I've had freshwater in it while cleaning it but it's empty at present. No leaks (for now)

12/14/2006, 09:42 AM	#1
the other tang Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 359	Glass tank live expectancy? I'd like to know what you guys are getting out of a glass tank. I have a All Glass 40 I bought in 91', It was freshwater till 01' its been a reef since. I have heard that 15 yrs is about it for glass when for a saltater set up, but don't know if that is accurate at all. I am at the point I have done all I can do with an undrilled 40, and ready to buy a drilled 125. The question is glass or acrylic. I know acrylic is for life and just don't know how long glass will last. If anybody know the advantage of low iron glass please fill me in. __________________ Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right. Current Tank Info: 105 gal reef

12/14/2006, 09:51 AM	#2
Craig Lambert Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,897	It would be interesting to know who has the longest running saltwater tank here. (tagging along) __________________ "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend all day in a boat drinking beer." Current Tank Info: 75G Tank, 29G Sump, 100lbs LR, AquaC EV-180, Iwaki MD-20RT return Tunze nano streams 4X54 t-5/Icecap Ballast & SLR's 2x110 vho actinic

12/14/2006, 10:34 AM	#3
the other tang Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 359	Great question, hop aboard. Someone has to have a tank older than a 91' model. Anyone, anyone, anyone,Bueller? __________________ Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right. Current Tank Info: 105 gal reef

12/14/2006, 10:40 AM	#6
somethingphishy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fleetwood, pa Posts: 852	i've had mine for ten years but not in use at all times. The seals are shot and every day i come home it's in the back of my head that i'll find my fish and croals on the floor. I need an upgrade. __________________ "Set the gearshift for the high gear Of your soul, you've got to run like An antelope out of control!" Current Tank Info: 50g/20l sump

12/14/2006, 10:54 AM	#7
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	PaulB 30+ years? Tanks will last as long as the silicone sealer lasts. If you do not kill it with razors cleaning or allowed to dry out in the sun or just left dry for years, you might expect the tank to outlast you... __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

12/14/2006, 10:38 AM	#5
cubber Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 311	Your thread got double posted, I posted on the other one. I have a glass tank that is a bit over 15 years old that I have had no issues with. More info on my other post in your other thread.

12/14/2006, 03:56 PM	#8
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Mine has water in it for over 30 years and so far, no leaks __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/14/2006, 04:13 PM	#9
jgoodrich71 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 849	I have a 30 gallon that I have had since early 80's (81 or 82 maybe). It has not always had water in it, but for most of its life it has. __________________ "For some reason I can't blow right." ~ crp "By the way Brian, nice colon." ~ Orchids Current Tank Info: 65 gal reef

12/14/2006, 05:06 PM	#11
JokerGirl Whistler's Mother Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: That place Posts: 1,345	My 10 gallon (which is now my quarantine) is about 20 years old. It was my brothers first tank and the seals are still perfect in it __________________ 01000001 01101110 01111001 01101111 01101110 01100101 00111111 Current Tank Info: 120g Reef Tank, 60g Cube Mantis/Reef Tank, Want more info, ask me.

12/14/2006, 05:19 PM	#12
syrinx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: champaign Posts: 3,160	I have a 100 that has been in service since 75 or so. I know of many tanks that are 20+yrs. __________________ My views are based on 49years as an aquarist, 25 years as a pro reef consultant, 10 years of owning a LFS, and the results of thousands of customers tanks. But I am always learning.

12/14/2006, 06:42 PM	#14
Whaledriver Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,811	Sometime in the past they improved the formula for the silicone they make tanks with. The newer formula should last a very long time.

12/14/2006, 06:59 PM	#15
the other tang Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 359	Thanks guys I wasn't expecting that many replies, but that does make my decision of glass or acrylic a non issue, guess i'll look at price and just preferance. __________________ Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right. Current Tank Info: 105 gal reef

12/14/2006, 08:42 PM	#16
Bew Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5	I just replaced a 135 gal. glass tank that was 2 years old because the plastic bracing on top came apart. I replaced it with a 180 acrylic, and I HATE it! The first time I tried to clean the algae off the front, it picked up a small piece of sand and put a big scratch in it! Also, the larger acrylic tanks seem to bow 1/4 - 1/2 inch, which distorts the view. If I were to do it all over again, I would definately do a glass tank (it's about 1/2 the cost, too!)

12/14/2006, 10:10 PM	#17
jamielind Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 185	i have a glass 55 that used to be my grandfathers. i got it 20 years ago i have know idea how long he had it but im guessing a long time. its been set up off and on sometimes sitting as long as 5 years with no water. i just used it again for a hospital tank and still held water just fine. i took the plastic trim off the top when i first got it because it was cracked. also its made with 1/2 inch glass not the thin stuff they use now.

12/14/2006, 11:17 PM	#18
Iammatt219 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: South Huntington NY Posts: 743	I have a slate bottom tank that still holds water. not sure of the exact age other than my dad bought it used in the early 80's

12/14/2006, 11:42 PM	#19
monaca Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 118	F@u% Acrylic...Glass is the only way to go...

12/15/2006, 12:41 AM	#20
leeweber85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 2,482	Sorry if this is a repeat, but I don't think anyone answered your 'low iron' question. Low Iron glass is more clear and has less of the blue/green hue to it. There is a noticable difference and as long as you have the $$ you might as well get it. __________________ -Lee Current Tank Info: 120g reef, 20g reef

12/15/2006, 01:25 AM	#21
toonces Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Posts: 1,131	a bit over 10 years on my 60 cube. however, the silicon is looking rough, and i figure i will replace the tank after my next move.

12/15/2006, 02:25 AM	#22
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	This is as per John Turner, founder of ORA and currently in charge of RAS which does large scale custom reef installations, or, as he puts it "helps rich people spend their money". He points out this: You dont see any older acrylic aquariums, do you? Thats because they get sand blasted and scratched, and eventaually taken down. He prefers to work with glass, obviously. He will get 2" thick glass bent into a cylinder before he considers acrylic. I kinda agree with only a few exceptions that glass is the better way to go.

12/15/2006, 02:39 AM	#23
popimp06 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: the hood Posts: 386	id say the silicone would be the only thing to go out maybe redo it after a few decades __________________ what it do Current Tank Info: 75 aga. 80lbs fiji live rock 45lbs live sand 3 t5s.

12/22/2006, 08:25 AM	#25
arbee Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Massillon, Ohio Posts: 439	Good topic~ Can I ask how long can you let a tank sit w/o water before it is compromised? I bought a used 125 that is stickered from 1996. Should I replace the silicone? Do you have to remove the old silicone or can you silicone over top of the old stuff? It's sitting in the garage for now until I make my mind up whether to go with it for display or make it a fuge/sump and get the 180 for display that I am dreaming about. I've had freshwater in it while cleaning it but it's empty at present. No leaks (for now)