aquarium lifespan

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I bought an All-Glass 150gal, back in 1987 (back then, they didn't use a brace on top in the middle), I had it up and running 24/7 since that time, until I gave it away last year when I moved, it is still up and running.
I've had a 55 gal blow once, but nothing larger.
 
I own 20 to 30 year old Marineland and Perfecto tanks that are covered under lifetime warrantee. The LFS I bought from were long gone and I no longer have the proof of purchase. Has anyone actually settled claim on leaky old tanks. What has the owner to prove to get covered, and who pay for the shipment of the replacement tank which may cost more than the tank itself.
 
I am no longer able to be around my 180 all the time so for this reason I just turned it into a half water half land type tank so that there is much less pressure on the seams, makes me not worry about 180 gallons of water all over the wood floor, I cant even imagine the damage it would cause.
 
I own 20 to 30 year old Marineland and Perfecto tanks that are covered under lifetime warrantee. The LFS I bought from were long gone and I no longer have the proof of purchase. Has anyone actually settled claim on leaky old tanks. What has the owner to prove to get covered, and who pay for the shipment of the replacement tank which may cost more than the tank itself.

The wording from my Aqueon 75g, per Aqueon:

"If the aquarium is found to be defective, the dealer you purchased it from is authorized to exchange the defective item for a new one, provided the following stipulations are met: The aquarium must be placed and filled on a level, suitably designed and appropriately sized aquarium stand; The aquarium has not been lifted or carried by the frame while wet or filled with water or any materials such as decor or substrate; The Aquarium and aquarium stand may not be altered in any way (including drilling) or used for anything except for their intended purpose. Violating any of the stipulations will void all warranties."

".... To obtain service under this warranty, the purchaser must retain the original bill of sale for the aquarium as evidence of the date of purchase." BUT, maybe the date thing is only for 55g and under since those are 5yrs, or 90 days for 10 and below. I'd contact them if I didn't have the receipt.

I guess word to the wise, safely file your receipt, with copies. Zip lock bag it and tape it under your stand if you have to. How you prove the stand I dunno. Take pictures of your setup and file that with your receipt? You'd have to contact Central Garden and Pet (for Aqueon, etc..) or United Pet Group (for Marineland, etc..) if the store you bought from is no longer. There is no such thing as "All-glass" or "Perfecto" anymore. It's Central Garden and Pet or United Pet Group.
 
this is an interesting topic, I have had a new tank break in a month but then my dad has had this one tank setup in the office since the 60's
 
Aqueon tanks larger than 55g have lifetime warranties on them. I saved the labels and receipt from my 75g. I'd be curious to see how you cash in on that. The LFS that ordered that 75g for me is long gone.
I'm always curious what is meant by a "life time" warrantee, whose lifetime? Yours, what would that be 80years+, the tanks life time? What would that be 30 years, 100 years?
 
I'm always curious what is meant by a "life time" warrantee, whose lifetime? Yours, what would that be 80years+, the tanks life time? What would that be 30 years, 100 years?

I always took it as, as long as there's a company willing to honor it. I know I recently had a very positive experience with Aqueon (Central Garden and Pet). I had a 200w Aqueon Pro heater stop working on me. Never fully submersed it, never ran it dry, etc.. All it took was one call to them and I had to email them a copy of the receipt. 5days later I had a brand new replacement at my door. I'd be curious how they'd handle a larger tank. I would imagine they'd ship it to a nearby LFS. Dunno.
 
I'm always curious what is meant by a "life time" warrantee, whose lifetime? Yours, what would that be 80years+, the tanks life time? What would that be 30 years, 100 years?

I'm guessing it's the "Lifetime" of the aquarium under the care of the original owner.

....and let's just say insurance persons get involved when making a claim on large tanks that leak.
 
Thanks guys, interesting to hear all your experiences. What all this information tells me is that if you're in the hobby for the long term then it's only a matter of time before each of us will experience some level of tank failure sooner or later. I think i need to check my home insurance policy to check whats covered on my contents.......oh, and purchase a very large mop and bucket!!!!
 
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