2006/2007 Lee Mar - is it too old?

[gobeach]

I know asking folks for their opinion is risky, but would appreciate some feedback on this topic. I'm picking up a 225G tank/stand/all the equipment from a neighbor for $1,500. There will be lots of things to change out over time (e.g. lights are old, stand is too high) that will be high cost - but I'm looking at the small-ish investment as a test to see if going from a 100G tank to a 225G tank is too much work for me or not.

I've heard from my LFS that he's experienced some Lee Mar's splitting recently - and that this tank is over half of it's expected life - so he's recommending I just start with the tank that I'd ultimately want.

My real question to you all is about the age of the tank. The tank is about 10 years old, has been moved once original install and where it's at now (since 2009). What are the risks of the tank not holding?

I should add the dimensions, etc.
72" wide
30" deep
24" high
Eurobraced at the top and across the middle
All sides are 1/2" glass. The front is starfire, the back is regular glass painted black.

Thanks in advance for your opinions

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

There's no way to really tell. I don't believe the lifespan of any tank to be 5 years. sounds like your lfs is trying to earn a sale.

 

[justingraham]

Hey cromag I saw that u make ur own tanks and what not.
I have a tank like the one the op is talking about.
How hard would it be to reseal it and would that then make the tanks lifespan better?

 

[gobeach]

There's no way to really tell. I don't believe the lifespan of any tank to be 5 years. sounds like your lfs is trying to earn a sale.

LFS isn't trying to push a sale (IMO) - he's suggesting that the lifespan of a tank is ~15 years. I've been doing business with him for many years - he's just got a strong opinion about this and he's sharing with me - gotta respect him for that. He'll get my $$ either way for the upgrades (lights, salt, MP60s, pumps, etc.)

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Well, hard is a subjective word.

It's somewhat labor intensive but not impossible for a diy'er. not sure if it would improve the lifespan as that would depend on how good the reseal job is.

Hey cromag I saw that u make ur own tanks and what not.
I have a tank like the one the op is talking about.
How hard would it be to reseal it and would that then make the tanks lifespan better?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Sorry, I thought he indicated to you the Lee Mar was only good for 5 years.

LFS isn't trying to push a sale (IMO) - he's suggesting that the lifespan of a tank is ~15 years. I've been doing business with him for many years - he's just got a strong opinion about this and he's sharing with me - gotta respect him for that. He'll get my $$ either way for the upgrades (lights, salt, MP60s, pumps, etc.)

 

[geemanaz]

I wouldn't trust it I lost all my fish and corals 4 years ago to a used Lee Mar tank that the seal went see my old post

 

[mcarroll]

From the OP, it sounds like they are basing it on their experience of having tanks split open....not so much on the # years in the warranty. I don't know anyone with a Lee Mar tank and I've never purchased a tank this large second hand, so I can't comment directly.

Warranties are based, as far as I can tell, on the warranty of the silicone used. This is naturally limited by the quality of the glue job on the tank, and then later on the quality of the tank mounting when it's under stress/full of water. This is why [some | many | all?] manufacturers don't honor a warranty for a tank on a non-manufacturer stand.

I would take the same thing into consideration for your new tank...if it's been on a homemade stand for 5 years, they may be an element of risk that even some manufacturers wouldn't cover.

For a similar price you could get a brand new Marineland 150 Gallon Deep Dimension on a stand.

 

[gobeach]

From the OP, it sounds like they are basing it on their experience of having tanks split open....not so much on the # years in the warranty. I don't know anyone with a Lee Mar tank and I've never purchased a tank this large second hand, so I can't comment directly.

Warranties are based, as far as I can tell, on the warranty of the silicone used. This is naturally limited by the quality of the glue job on the tank, and then later on the quality of the tank mounting when it's under stress/full of water. This is why [some | many | all?] manufacturers don't honor a warranty for a tank on a non-manufacturer stand.

I would take the same thing into consideration for your new tank...if it's been on a homemade stand for 5 years, they may be an element of risk that even some manufacturers wouldn't cover.

For a similar price you could get a brand new Marineland 150 Gallon Deep Dimension on a stand.

Thanks - it's been on a steel stand with foam underneath the tank - seems like he did a good job setting the tank on a surface with no pressure points.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Yup all true. it just sucks that manufacturers stand aren't great quality.

From the OP, it sounds like they are basing it on their experience of having tanks split open....not so much on the # years in the warranty. I don't know anyone with a Lee Mar tank and I've never purchased a tank this large second hand, so I can't comment directly.

Warranties are based, as far as I can tell, on the warranty of the silicone used. This is naturally limited by the quality of the glue job on the tank, and then later on the quality of the tank mounting when it's under stress/full of water. This is why [some | many | all?] manufacturers don't honor a warranty for a tank on a non-manufacturer stand.

I would take the same thing into consideration for your new tank...if it's been on a homemade stand for 5 years, they may be an element of risk that even some manufacturers wouldn't cover.

For a similar price you could get a brand new Marineland 150 Gallon Deep Dimension on a stand.

 

[AZDesertRat]

My current 100G is a LeeMar diamond edge and going on 14 years old. Never had any issues with it, they were a good builder. Between my son and I we have had several with no problems. Just make sure your stand is plumb and level in all directions so you don't place any uneven stress on the tank and you should be fine

 

[mcarroll]

True, but considering that the warranty only covers replacement cost of the tank, I'm not sure how much worry it's worth... I say use any stand you want if you're confident in its design, and forget the warranty. (That should be a pretty big IF when you're talking about a large tank. A bad stand WILL break a tank. And saltwater "on the loose" will mess up your stuff! )

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I build a good amount of custom stand because people don't like the ones their tanks came with. fortunately I know how to build them properly. it can't be stressed enough that the top of the stand needs to be level, as well as the stand itself.

True, but considering that the warranty only covers replacement cost of the tank, I'm not sure how much worry it's worth... I say use any stand you want if you're confident in its design, and forget the warranty. (That should be a pretty big IF when you're talking about a large tank. A bad stand WILL break a tank. And saltwater "on the loose" will mess up your stuff! )

 

[geemanaz]

Leemar is no longer manufacturing aquariums and out of business. No warranties. But good luck

 

[willieboy240]

my dads 50 year old glass stainless steel and tar 80 gal. is still going strong.

 

[BoneXriffic]

my dads 50 year old glass stainless steel and tar 80 gal. is still going strong.

Can we get some pics of this? It sounds awesome


Op. I cant speak for lee mars quality what so ever but i will say if hearing of this potential problem,and knowing they are no longer in buisness makes you uneasy then i reccomend no go.

Its not worth the years of stress wonderimg if its going to flood your house. We must enjoy our tanks, no room for that kind of worry

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I don't think them no longer building tanks is relevant. Lee Mar is still in business, just not in the tank making business. dsa is also no longer building tanks but I've never heard any issues with their tanks.

 

[BoneXriffic]

I don't think them no longer building tanks is relevant. Lee Mar is still in business, just not in the tank making business. dsa is also no longer building tanks but I've never heard any issues with their tanks.

Its not about what it actually means, but perception. If it makes you uneasy, regardless of the reason they stopped. Then avoid it.

 

[gobeach]

Its not about what it actually means, but perception. If it makes you uneasy, regardless of the reason they stopped. Then avoid it.

Thanks. I'm not uncomfortable that Lee Mar is no longer making tanks, I've heard nothing but good things about their tanks. My concern comes from my LFS guy saying that he's had to deal with 3 tank splits recently, including one Lee Mar in his shop now. In addition, it is an older tank - ~10 years.

I'm buying it from a neighbor with the hopes of learning the difference between a 225G and a 100G. I've had a 100G tank for about 5 years now