How long can a glass aquarium last?

[Funston07]

I have a 65gal All Glass Aquarium brand tank which they went out of business in 2000 so it's at least 22 years old if not older and still works fine. Haven't resealed it or anything.

 

[Fredinva]

I'd bet that the glass on my RSM

250 (the original, with curved edges at the front) will last for decades...while the rest of the AIO components, lighting, and stand corrode and rot away around it. That's precisely what's happening to it right now.

 

[Fredinva]

With my current 125 build in progress, I have a new RODI system in the works. I'll keep rodi water in a 44 gal brute, and mix my salt in one of two 'old' 30G tanks I have stored in the basement: my original 1970, or another 30 from 1972. I'll let you know how this works out!!!

 

[N.Sreefer]

My father gave me his old aquarium from when he was in his 30s to me when I was just a kid ive been in possession of it since 98 but the aquarium is over 30 years old and still no leaks

 

[alton]

I like others worry about the silicon drying out but my brother-in-law had a Oceanic 55+ that has spent more time in the last 30 years dry, than having water in it. I have borrowed it a couple times when I needed a QT tank and it held up fine. For the last 10 years it has sat out on his front porch. A few months ago someone bought it and setup as a FW tank. Marineland and Aqueon make good tanks, I do not like the plastic bracing. And one from the horror stories; I set up a 60" x 18" x 29" tall tank for my boss in 2000. Oceanic 3/4" glass and no bracing. His daughter was the interior decorator so she did not want an aquarium stand, instead she had the furniture company build a stand. While filling it up it failed, after pumping all the water out there was a 3/4" gap between the left side of the tank and the stand. The tank had basically flexed down and back up and did not fail. The tank on a different piece of furniture is still holding water 20+ years later.

 

[pasquale petrovia]

I have had my 225 for 20 years now. Replaced front glass twice due to scratches. 10 years ago and this year

 

[Dolphins18]

Filled in 1995, 26 years old now.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Silicone manufacturers put there own lifespan ratings. They are not all crated equal. The rtv silicone I use is rated for 40 years.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

From what I have heard, the worst thing for a tank is to be empty. Especially if its in a hot garage. The silicone will dry out and fail once filled again. Keep it filled, I wouldn't be surprised if it lasted 10-15 years.

Especially if there are a lot of chemicals used and stored in the garage.

 

[G Santana]

I have a 130 gallon tank that I bought used 32 years ago. I ran a reef for 8 yrs and then I bought my home and I sold everything, brought my tank to my new home and put it in the basement. It stayed dry for 25 years. In December, I fired it up. It's still holding up!!!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I have an Oceanic 90 gallon that I bought used in 1995 and have used it steadily since without issue.

The old Oceanics are pretty much indestructible

 

[Nevada Wiseguy]

I would say it's hard to tell as well. I have had some tanks for years, while I had a bowed front 46g fluval rimless one that the brace came undone after 2 years. Produced quite the scare as I live in an upstairs apartment and I heard it happen. I lucked out and was able to drain it before the bow burst from the lack of support. I was also lucky it was just fresh water. I have always been nervous of rimless ones. That was the first time with one and it has scared me for life unfortunately.