Buying used aquarium, is there a lifespan?

[cvrle1]

Hello fellow reefers and SW enthusiasts. I am slowly planning on starting up a new tank after being out of hobby for last 8 or so years.

When i had my 1st tank, I bought it new, so I didnt have to worry about my question that I am about to ask. Was looking at one 6 month old aquarium, and seller mentioned it is better to buy new, or barely used aquarium than one that is several years old.

According to him, and I think he is completely wrong, aquarium has 10 year life span. Is he wrong here? There are tanks out there that have been going for 20+ years (I think there is a thread here on 40 year old tank) so I am definitely thinking he bs-ing to justify his asking price, but wanted to check with more knowledgeable folks, just in case he is onto something.

Thanks for the help.

 

[flooddc]

My last two tanks were 20 years old. I sold them when I moved.
I bought a used tank for my new house. It's was an old oceanic 210 gallons. Probably 15 or more years old.
It's passed the leak test, but I decided to re-sealed it just to have a piece of mind.
For used tank, IMO, I would be more concern of deep scratches rather than the age of the tank. Newer tank usually the better, but make sure they are made by quality manufacturer!

 

[lolgranny]

My old 180g was 6 years old and I had it over 6 years before I upgraded. No issue! Just clean it well


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[Pslreefer]

Buying used aquarium, is there a lifespan?

My current 180 was built in 1996 and got it free last year from someone, been up and running since.

 

[James77]

I had asked this many years ago, and was told by well known people in this hobby that the lifespan is decades.

I just replaced my 10 year old 120 with a brand new 120g. I only did so for brand new glass(scratches!) and black silicone. As far as the silicone seams, they are intact and as good as new. I would have had no problem using the old 120 for another 10-20 years.

But buying used, just make sure you triple check that silicone. I bought a 90g several years back, and even though I thoroughly inspected it I missed a sorry attempt at a silicone patch. I ended up selling the tank as reptile only.

IMO it is better to buy new only because you know what you are getting. But if the tank is well cared for and the silicone in great shape, there is no real lifespan to a tank.

 

[cvrle1]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and info. Good to see that I wasnt crazy thinking his logic was incorrect. I will keep in mind silicone and scratches however when I go and look at some tanks.

Thanks again