Glass tank silicone lifespan?

Eienna · Nov 26, 2013

My family wants to get me a 125g tank. However, I'm a little unsure about whether I want to go glass or hold out for acrylic. What I need to know is, what kind of lifespan can I expect from the silicone in a glass tank? My major concerns are, one, that I want a tank that will last several years, and two, I can't afford leaks where it will probably be located. Help?

J062682l · Nov 26, 2013

Security safety and piece of mind says acrylic. But thoughts say 125 glass and now, hmmm. I would wait for the acrylic but that's me !

Small triggers · Nov 26, 2013

Silicone can last easily up to and past 10 years....with that though it depends on the tank maker and how the silicone is applied.....most people I think reseal their tanks at about the 5-7 year mark before any possible issues and depending on the looks of the side seams

inurocker · Nov 26, 2013

You might take a look at this to help you. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/55423-tank-birthday-40-years.html

trido · Nov 26, 2013

I've had and seen glass tanks far older than 10 years upwards of 15. Most glass tanks outlast an average person's interest in the hobby.

trido · Nov 26, 2013

inurocker said:
You might take a look at this to help you. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/55423-tank-birthday-40-years.html

Not so sure that this thread means the actual glass box is 40 years old. Not too likely.

GoTakeANap · Nov 26, 2013

This may help you out. I bought a brand new deep blue sea 75 gallon tank 2 years ago. Had it set up for a little over 2 years. Within the last 3 weeks my tank had a major leak. Had to replace the tank. I would hold out for acrylic. It was a major pain in the butt.

inurocker · Nov 26, 2013

My understanding is yes same tank 40 years, you can ask Paul. I have had tanks up and running well over 10 years. I have never in 40+ years in the aquarium hobby had one of my tanks fail.

mfinn · Nov 26, 2013

I had a 135 gallon glass tank that lasted me 10+ years and I bought it used.

Eienna · Nov 26, 2013

inurocker said:
My understanding is yes same tank 40 years, you can ask Paul. I have had tanks up and running well over 10 years. I have never in 40+ years in the aquarium hobby had one of my tanks fail.

What brands do you buy?

inurocker · Nov 26, 2013

I have used many different brands. All glass, Ocean view, Oceanic, Glass cages, Metaframe, Marineland, Aqueon ect. Many were used and were resealed due to misuse from the previous owner. The real key is to have a solid floor with no bounce, a solid stand, make sure it is set up level and don't tear up your silicone cleaning the glass. My first ones had metal frames and slate bottoms. :wink:

Eienna · Nov 27, 2013

inurocker said:
I have used many different brands. All glass, Ocean view, Oceanic, Glass cages, Metaframe, Marineland, Aqueon ect. Many were used and were resealed due to misuse from the previous owner. The real key is to have a solid floor with no bounce, a solid stand, make sure it is set up level and don't tear up your silicone cleaning the glass. My first ones had metal frames and slate bottoms. :wink:

Any tips on getting it level if the floor is not?

inurocker · Nov 27, 2013

If it is a non concrete slab floor and it is out more than 1/4" in 6 Ft. I would look into the reason first remember that is at least 1400 Lbs when full. I use shims under the vertical supports of the stand and the floor. I have used wood, metal and plastic. Those are the points where the load is transferred from the tank to the floor. You can fill in between but the load points are the most critical. Like most every thing in the hobby take you time and your patience will be rewarded. I also use a sheet of rigid foam between the tank and stand it's cheep insurance and recommended by some tank manufactures.

Eienna · Nov 27, 2013

inurocker said:
If it is a non concrete slab floor and it is out more than 1/4" in 6 Ft. I would look into the reason first remember that is at least 1400 Lbs when full. I use shims under the vertical supports of the stand and the floor. I have used wood, metal and plastic. Those are the points where the load is transferred from the tank to the floor. You can fill in between but the load points are the most critical. Like most every thing in the hobby take you time and your patience will be rewarded. I also use a sheet of rigid foam between the tank and stand it's cheep insurance and recommended by some tank manufactures.

I appreciate the info a ton. :)
I believe the floor in question is concrete slab. It's off enough to be visible with a 4' tank....so I'm definitely going to have to do some compensating.

SunCorals · Nov 27, 2013

My parents gave me my first tank. It was a marineland company made 55gal. I remember keeping oscars in it when I was a little kid I am 27 now. I sold it 5yrs ago or so still holding water!

Mike in CT · Nov 27, 2013

My 75 glass tank is 17 years old, moved several times,same silicone. This is an old school ALL GLASS tank, I don't know how
the quality of new tanks are. I have never had an acrylic tank but there are pluses and minuses to both. There are quite
a few threads discussing the merits of both. If I was you i would do some more investigating what is best for you.
Good luck :)

Lokii_37 · Nov 27, 2013

I love my Glass tanks. I picked up a glass tank used from a guy 2 years ago. before I filled it I resealed it and it has been doing well. knock on wood.