Are Aqueon tanks at a high risk of breaking?

[djryan2000]

I bought a 40 gallon breeder Aqueon tank from petco and then read on this site that it's a poor quality tank. The tank is set up in my parents house (I'm 18 and living here for college) so I don't want to risk the glass shattering one day and dealing thousands of dollars of damage. Is this a risk with Aqueon tanks? Should I purchase a tank of a different material than glass?


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[HumbleFish]

It won't just shatter on you unless you hit the tank or something. (Or drill it wrong.) A more likely scenario is a silicone seam fails and the tank starts leaking. That can happen with any tank, but probably a little more likely with Aqueon (cheap). That being said, 2 years ago I bought <b>sixteen</b> 40 breeders for my business and none have leaked thus far.

 

[djryan2000]

It won't just shatter on you unless you hit the tank or something. (Or drill it wrong.) A more likely scenario is a silicone seam fails and the tank starts leaking. That can happen with any tank, but probably a little more likely with Aqueon (cheap). That being said, 2 years ago I bought <b>sixteen</b> 40 breeders for my business and none have leaked thus far.

So this leakage would be controlled? Aka I could catch it early and fill it with putty and not destroy the house?


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[HumbleFish]

So this leakage would be controlled? Aka I could catch it early and fill it with putty and not destroy the house?

Something like this can be used to alert you if the tank starts leaking: https://www.homedepot.com/p/SABRE-Water-Leak-Alarm-HS-WLA/205202695

(They probably sell ones with WiFi that will send an alert to your cell phone.)

If it starts leaking, drain the tank as quickly as possible and get all tank inhabitants into buckets. Putty won't hold the water for long.

 

[djryan2000]

Something like this can be used to alert you if the tank starts leaking: https://www.homedepot.com/p/SABRE-Water-Leak-Alarm-HS-WLA/205202695



(They probably sell ones with WiFi that will send an alert to your cell phone.)



If it starts leaking, drain the tank as quickly as possible and get all tank inhabitants into buckets. Putty won't hold the water for long.

Thank you! Is there any way I can strengthen the seals before I add water?


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[HumbleFish]

Thank you! Is there any way I can strengthen the seals before I add water?

Nope, you are at the mercy of the manufacturer i.e. how well the tank was put together. Unless you really know what you're doing, you don't want to mess with the seals. Best you can do is inspect the tank for cracks/seal damage before setting it up. Use a level to ensure the tank & stand are <u>perfectly level</u> before and while filling it up. It's also a good idea to fill the tank in your garage, and let it sit full for a few days to be sure there are no leaks. Before bringing it in the house.

 

[HumbleFish]

Thank you! Is there any way I can strengthen the seals before I add water?

Are you planning on drilling it?? If so, Aqueon tanks <b><i>typically</b></i> can only be drilled in the back panel. The rest of the glass is tempered.

 

[mcgyvr]

Its a lower quality mass produced tank..
It does not have a "high" risk of failure at all but just won't be as well constructed as other tanks could be..
I have had an Aqueon 40b as my sump for 3 years now without any problems and had another as my main tank before that.. They are fine..

 

[ThRoewer]

Are you planning on drilling it?? If so, Aqueon tanks <b><i>typically</b></i> can only be drilled in the back panel. The rest of the glass is tempered.

40B has a regular bottom pane and can therefore be drilled on the bottom as well. On their website, they have a PDF file that lists all their standard sizes and indicates which have tempered bottoms. Sides, backs, and fronts of their straight tanks are not tempered. There is actually not really a back or front at these tanks - which is which is up to you and how you place the tank.

 

[Bpb]

My display tank is a 90 gallon aqueon that is over 10 years old. The most important factor in silicone holding and not leaking is the tank being on a flat level surface where weight is absolutely evenly distributed. The rim acts as the support system so as long as the rim is level is the most critical thing.


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[nereefpat]

I've been running my Aqueon 125 for about 7 years now, with an Aqueon 40 breeder sump.

I drilled the side of my 40 breeder sump for an external return pump, by the way.

Maybe the old "All-Glass Aquariums" were better quality. They did have thicker glass...so maybe...

 

[golustp]

how well the tank was put together. Unless you really know what you're doing, you don't want to mess with the seals.

 

[golustp]

A more likely scenario is a silicone seam fails and the tank starts leaking. That can happen with any tank, but probably a little more likely with guideadda

 

[Bpb]

how well the tank was put together. Unless you really know what you're doing, you don't want to mess with the seals.

+1. I know several people who had zero experience in this endeavor but wanted to save a buck by resealing an old tank, against my advising. They all ended up with not just small. Leaks, but full on water gushing out the bottom or sides failure until the tanks emptied on their floors.


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[Shigure]

From my experience the glass seems very thin and bowing in the panel is very evident