aquarium 'shelf life'

[shireen]

Hi everyone!

i'm feeling particularly paranoid this evening ...

I have a question for people who have maintained aquariums for a really really really long time. How long have you had an aquarium running before you notice problems from wear and tear, especially along the seals?

I've had my 40 gallon glass (Perfecto) running for 10 years, and it's been great. But how long can those seals last before it starts to weaken? Should i think about replacing it?

If i have to replace it, should i get an acrylic tank instead of glass?

thanks!
shireen

[krisw]

Shireen, I think it's going to be a little different with every tank. I've run a 20H for over 20 years on and off without resealing it, although, I have the little voice in the back of my head that it's a ticking time bomb. I think a lot of it has to do with use -- are you loading it up with heavy rocks that might be stressing the seams, is the tank level on a good stand, has it been running constantly or has it spent time in a garage and exposed to extremely temps, etc...

Although I've never done it, it is possible to strip the silicon from a glass tank and reseal it. I'm sure some folks on here could advise you on that.

Personally, I prefer glass tanks over acrylic, but that's just me.

[chris_todd]

Well I'm professionally paranoid (I do computer security for a living), and now you've got me worried, too!

We have a 20H in our kitchen that we bought in college in '94, ran for a few years, then it went through two moves, and was stored in basements and attics for years. It's been running in our kitchen for 14 months now with no signs of leakage.

Of course, Your Mileage May Vary.

Given that your current tank has been running for 10 years, and given acrylic's propensity for scratches, if you get a new tank, glass seems the obvious choice.

[shireen]

-- are you loading it up with heavy rocks that might be stressing the seams, is the tank level on a good stand, has it been running constantly or has it spent time in a garage and exposed to extremely temps, etc...

It's moderately loaded with rocks, but not too bad. The tank is level (I have pieces of wood under the stand legs to compensate for the slightly sloping floor). It's on a sturdy metallic stand. It's been running constantly at ambient room temps. So, as far as tanks go, it's having a good life.

When a tank shows signs of failure, does it start as a slow leak or is it a sudden catastrophic failure? If it's the former, that would be best since I'll have time to react to it. My biggest fear is a sudden failure that empties everything out, killing the fish and making the downstairs neighbors very pissed-off.

Thanks, krisw and chris_todd, for your responses. I appreciate it.

cheers,
shireen

[mhossom]

I have resealed an aquarium before and it was not that tough to do. In fact, I will be resealing my 120 before I set it up (assuming that ever happens).

[ricoishere]

I have a 28, 47, 56 and 90 that I resealed (all the tanks I have were purchased used). It's not a bad idea to reseal after a long time. But Kris' points are very valid! A 40 is smaller that a 90, so the stress is much less, but 5 gallons of water spilled in your house is still pretty bad!
The silicone can be removed quite easily. HD sells a tool that makes it very easy. Resealing isn't hard, but I would not do it in this cold weather. If you do it indoors (NOT recommended!), the fumes could be pretty dangerous. Now, does'nt Perfecto have a warranty on their tanks?

[Sonny Disposition]

My dear old dad has a steel frame 29 high in his living room that's been in operation continually for about 55 years now.

[ddavila06]

Riko, they have a lifetime warranty (i believe) if you keep them in a stand that is made by them. custom/home made/ stands changed from original/ all that voids the warranty

[ricoishere]

Now that's what I call durable!