Is there a shelf life on tanks?

[The Morning]

Hope this is in the correct topics area.
I think the longest I have owned a single tank is about 12 years. Is there an acceptable life for a typical glass aquarium?
I know the 150 I have now is older and I do worry about leaks or even worse a burst seam. So is there a general age at which a tank should be changed out?

 

[MrsE88]

Its not that ranks have a shelf life. But they do need revamping eventually. Once seals leak or start looking bad the tank can be resealed. Not too bad of a project.
As far as I know glass can’t be repolished like acrylic can. So eventually a tank that isn’t properly cleaned and cared for will get so scratched up and “foggy” looking that it would need replacing if used for a display tank. But tanks can be repurposed too. Used as sumps, grow outs for snails, shrimp, fish, anything used for food and not kept as a pet. In this case they don’t need to be pretty at all.

I don’t think any time frame can be set on when a tank will need resealing. But if the seals look bad I’d say it’s time to plan on a reseal. Watch some videos, pick up supplies, have a kiddy pool or suitable size container to hold the fish in and get to work

 

[Deadliestviper7]

With resealing and careful care a glass tank can last potential centuries

 

[RD.]

I have seen tanks 30+ yrs old, still holding water, and fish, with the original silicone seal. I'm guessing there are tanks still operating that are 40 yrs old or better. It all depends on how well the tank was made, and how well it has been taken care of. Under optimum conditions a quality glass tank can and should easily last at least a couple of decades.

 

[skjl47]

So is there a general age at which a tank should be changed out?

Hello; If you live close to me it is time to get rid of that tank and I will remove the offending tank soon for you so you do not have to worry.

However if you live too far away then the tank can have a lot of time left on it.

 

[The Morning]

I will be sure to keep your generous offer in mind. Thanks for the replies.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

As far as I know glass can’t be repolished like acrylic can.

Sure it can there's not as often any need to polish scratches out though, because it doesn't scratch if you use harsh language around it like acrylic.

 

[Yulli]

I inherited a tank that is roughly 30 years old, never resealed, silicone doesn't look bad considering.

 

[Rob909]

Glass tanks can be polished but it’s nowhere near as easy as acrylic. And silicon goes bad much faster if you store the tank without water in it. The hot to cold fluctuations dry that silicon right out. All the more reason to keep tanks stocked and running at all times!

 

[Balistik928]

Man, this is getting me worried about my 55 gallon tank. Seals look good and all, but it's pre-owned.