Oldest tank

[NealH]

Hi all-
I have a tank that is from 1993 (warranty sticker on the bottom) that I'm thinking of setting up. My question is, what's the oldest tank you guys have had set up? Should I be worried about it leaking? I may just scrap it and get a new one, but I'd prefer not to have to buy a new one. What do you think?
Neal

 

[luke33]

If the cauk looks good and it doesn't look beat up, why not. I'm using a tank from 95 or 96, and its a 125g...works perfect and looks brand new.

 

[luke33]

Ofcourse its only had water in it for 4yrs.

 

[Iable]

They make a tank re-sealer kit ... Be careful using. I had a 220g tank in the garage for 2 months (without water) & when I filled it up again it started leaking from the seams after about 2 weeks, what a mess.

The LFS should have someone who can scrap & reseal. Or if the caulk looks good, maybe you can just put another coat on top of it.

 

[NealH]

Thanks for the replies. You're right, Iable, I don't want to fill it and then have it leak all over the place. Maybe I should just buy a new one to be safe.

 

[spleify]

If the tank isnt to big set it in the garage and fill it up with water and let it set for a while. Then just throw a pump in it and empty it out. That would be a good test. Just a thought.

 

[Zoos]

PaulB is a member here and his tank is about 30 years old, i don't kow if he has changed the actual glass or re done the silicone, but maybe he can chime in, I'm sure the title of this thread "oldest tank" will some how attract him

 

[Saldarya]

My current 75g is from 1989...so I guess that is 18 years old. Nothing like original Oceanic tanks....

AS long as the silicone is still pliable, I would not be concerned. AS others mentioned though, no harm in testing it.

 

[Entropy]

How big is the tank? A small tank is not worth reusing IMO. When you add up all the costs of your average reef tank, the tank itself is usually a small percentage (under 30%), so do you really want to risk it?

 

[karsco]

I also have an Oceanic that I bought used in 1990, so it is at least 17 years old. I would have to say if the silicone looks to be in good shape you should be OK. But I would also agree with Entropy if it is a smaller tank I would just buy a new one.

 

[NealH]

Yeah, it's small--a 40 breeder. I called the LFS and they have on for $70, so I think I'll just pick up a new one.

 

[Paul B]

I'm sure the title of this thread "oldest tank" will some how attract him

OOh OOh my favorite topic.
My glass is about 25 to 30 years old. I never did anything to it.
So far, no leaks

 

[rooroo]

I had an old 65 that had to be from the early 90s. So probably 15 years old. Resealed it once for the hell of it. Otherwise its been moved several times, stored dry for a few years, and now lives as a drilled frag tank and has never sprung a leak.

 

[Zoos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9591548#post9591548 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Paul B
OOh OOh my favorite topic.
My glass is about 25 to 30 years old. I never did anything to it.
So far, no leaks

I knew you would pop up sooner or later.