Should tanks be replaced every so often?

[Reefguide]

Should tanks be replaced every so often? Assuming that you had a 29g and planned on having it for a long time, should the tank be replaced say after 5 years to maybe avoid a disater? Or should tanks and silicone seals last for an eternity?

 

[NaCl-H2O]

I have a 29g I've had it for 13 years moved it 6 times,
I've had my 90g for 11 years moved it 5 times,
I've had my 72g for7 years moved it 3 times,
My 125g is only 4 years old and been moved twice all with no problems.
If it's not broke don't fix it.

 

[Reefguide]

kewl ! I had never heard of tank needing replacement after x amount of years. I was just curious.

 

[reefland]

Replace the tank once you see repeated salt creep buildup around a seam. Or if the tank is placed in storage for a while it is possible the silicone could dry root. Any signs of that I would replace it.

 

[tinyreef]

yes, double the capacity every time!

10 years is my longest at a stretch without moving but had it up for 14 total. imo old tank syndrome is another name for lazy @ss syndrome (i've been afflicted with it a couple times myself). take care of the regular maintenance on the tank and you'll have it and the livestock for many years to come (decades?).

 

[NaCl-H2O]

. imo old tank syndrome is another name for lazy @ss syndrome (i've been afflicted with it a couple times myself). take care of the regular maintenance on the tank and you'll have it and the livestock for many years to come (decades?).

I'm beginning to feel that way myself and can hardly say I'm guilt free in that department. You live and you learn.

 

[JohnD]

Yes, I replaced my 55 AGA last year. It was coming up on 12 years and had been thru a number of moves. Like Rich said, it had all kinds of salt creep. I looked at replacing it as an insurance policy.

Too bad I couldn't upgrade it, to say a 135 Oceanic!

 

[xKEIGOx]

well, it really depends. I have a 200gal that the silicon only last for 2-3 years and start leaking... maybe it's because of it is expose to direct sunlight. :wink:

 

[tinyreef]

xKeigox,

that's a very good point. the seals do deteriorate after a while. i've found the unsubmerged parts 'dry'? out. i've got an old o'dell 20L that's beginning to seep at the top. (honey, i've GOT to replace it with a 300g. it's an emergency! see, it's leaking! )

 

[clwnphish]

I hope not I got my 125 used, it better last.

I also agree on the old tank syndrom comment

Clwn
[/quote]

 

[mirski57]

I currently have my 90 gallon reef in a Perfecto tank that was manufactured in 1980. This tank is 22 years old, and has been around to I don't know how many locations. I do worry about the seams giving way, maybe by the time it gets to be 25 years old, I'll have upgraded and not have to worry about it. It's definately a big concern of mine especially with it being in the living room and havding to youngins aournd (2 and 5 years old).

 

[reefland]

Your tank is older than alot of whippersnappers using this board. :lol:

 

[SPC]

I have a 20 long that my wife bought in 1972 (don't know what brand). It is on the back deck now with FW plants in it, no leaks so far .
Steve

 

[NaCl-H2O]

Goodness, 72, that ones almost as old as me. Hope all of mine last that long.