The tank life will be shortened but assuming the tank is level and the stand is well made it is much more likely you will replace the tank due to scratches or to upgrade long before the tank fails. Figure a well made tank will last about 20 years, with the wavebox it is about 18. No one keeps a tank that long, my oldest tank is a 180, it is about 8 years old now and the trim is faded and the glass has a few scratches. I plan to replace it in a few more years.