The Life of an Aquarium?

HI all, I didnt know where to put this thread..
I am wondering about the life of an aquarium, as in, how many years are an aquarium safe for? Does it depend on the type, shape or size of the aquarium? I think this is a very important question and I know the answers will vary from person to person but I would like to know how safe they are for how long if possible.

 

I have a 45 gallon that my wife bought used in 1987 that's set up in our living room now. It's been in use all but about 3 years since I got it.

 

The ultimate limiting factor to the lifespan of an aquarium (if we define the tank itself as the defining feature), assuming you keep the parameters of the biological system under control with proper maintenance, and replace filters heaters etc as needed (ship of theseus style), would probably be the adherance of the sealant to the glass which I think would eventually degrade and leak? Just a hypothesis though.

The common position seems to be that they can easily last decades (eg )

On the biological side of things I've heard that after a few years you can have issues with stability resulting in dramatic pH drops and things, but I'm not sure of the specifics or why or how this works (hopefully someone else can confirm and explain this?).

 

The tank its self, pertaining to the glass should last MANY YEARS. the sealants preventing the glass from leaking are variable. The water it's self become toxic after a month or so.

 

I Believe a lot has to do on who makes the aquarium. I also believe that tanks that are 15+ years old are the best. It just seems like these tanks were made with care, quality, and with pride. Also tanks this old used thicker glass than they do now. The biggest deciding factor on how long a tank lasts depends on how well you take care of it.
DOyou have excess algae buildup, is the algae embedded into the silicone, and it can't be removed with normal maintenance, did the substrate scratch the glass? And many other factors.
I have a second hand 75 gallon tank that is over 20 years old,(O'Dell, I believe Perfecto bought them out) and the silicone is just as good as the day the tank was made. Only problem is that the previous owner did not take care of the tank and had massive algae that was embedded into the silicone, and some scratches. Not much I can do abiut the scratches, but I am replacing the silicone, with black silicone.

 

Awesome answers thanks guys!
I should have been more clear, I meant the tank itself, the glass and silicone as such.. Looks as though maintenance is the key for long lasting tanks.
On a side note, should all tanks, no matter what type, steel frame and all, have FOAM under them??

 

Silicone should last years as long as you don't mess with it, gently clean it and often when you do regular maintenance. Do not let algae buildup on the silicone. The glass you should never have to worry about. Again, regular maintenance, and don't let the substrate or any decorations rub up against it to prevent scratches.

 

I just bought a 100 gallon acrylic and stand that I sold the guy new over 35 years ago and it works perfect. Factors for lifespan are
glass or acrylic
what brand
How many times the tank gets moved in it's life
and how flat and level your stand is
if a tank doesn't get moved, and it's not in direct sunlight, it can last (with any luck) up to 30 or 40 years, if it's a good brand and it's set up right,
Have fun shopping for one, Harry

 

HI my tank is a Jewel made in the 70s and it is still going strong with no leaks.

I have had it since 1989.

I believe it is a good quality aquarium.

 

Wow I didn't know tanks lasted this long, I am amazed! I bet they don't build them like that now!

 

Awesome answers thanks guys!
I should have been more clear, I meant the tank itself, the glass and silicone as such.. Looks as though maintenance is the key for long lasting tanks.
On a side note, should all tanks, no matter what type, steel frame and all, have FOAM under them??

Standard glass tanks with trim should not have foam under them. Foam takes the weight off the corners and puts it on the bottom pane which will lead to the pane failing. Acrylic and glass tanks made without trim should have foam under them.

 

slayer5590
Hi, thank you but what do you mean by trim? My 2 foot has metal edges on the glass, is this what you mean by trim? Here is a photo of it.. And it has foam.

My 120L tank is fully supported by black trim all around the tank and then the hood, I do not have foam under it though, and this concerns me atm. Here is a photo..

Should there be foam under this tank? Sorry to ask but I'm a bit frightened ive done the wrong thing by having no foam.

 

If your tank didn't come with foam, don't use it. If it's not broke, don't fix it. I think you are worrying too much. As long as the silicone is intact, and your tank is level, and supported, you don't have any concerns.

 

If your tank didn't come with foam, don't use it. If it's not broke, don't fix it. I think you are worrying too much. As long as the silicone is intact, and your tank is level, and supported, you don't have any concerns.

Very good advice.

 

both of your tanks are set-up correctly. Your 2 footer doesn't have trim and should be on foam. Your 120L has trim and should not have any foam under it.

 

Phew, thank you guys! I seriously thought id set the big one up wrong! I feel better now, thank you so much

 

Yeah! For a relaxing hobby fishkeeping does give you some worries too!

 

I have a 20 gal. long that has been in constant use for 33 years. I was moving in 1983, accidentally dropped my previous 20 long and had to make an emergency trip to the LFS for a replacement. The fake wood grain trim has faded a bit but other than that its the same as it was new.