How Long Do Fish Tanks Last?

Question

I have a vertical 60 gallon fish tank about 2ft away from my bed and its about 5 years old. No leaks but I worry sometimes that it will just break or bust open one of these days. How long are fish tanks usually good for?

Answer 1

You should be fine, most tanks carry a 20 guarantee against any defects, but they should even last longer than that. Just make sure that it is level, having a tank that is puts a large amount of strain on the seams. Other than that you should have nothing to worrie about, I have a tank that is 8+ years and is fine (150 gallons), it looks brand new still.

Answer 2

It is highly unlikely the glass will just break. Damage to the tank usually happens when cleaning it. At some point you have to move the fish to another container, empty the water, remove the gravel and accoutrements, and scrub off the accumulated algae, water scale, etc. Every time you move the tank, especially a large one, you strain the glue that binds the glass together.

Still, I had a 70 gallon (12" wide x 5' long x 24" deep) that I cleaned once a year and nearly 20 years passed before it began leaking. Even it it does leak you can purchase "fish-safe" silicone caulk (See link below) that will seal the leak. Only problem is that you will have to empty it again to apply the caulk to fix it. However, the cost of buying a new tank may make the effort well worth it.

Answer 3

dont break it!

Just care for it!

Aquarium fish keeping has a long history and has been a relaxing hobby for centuries. The ancient Chinese (Song Dynasty) is the first civilization thought to have kept aquarium fish for ornamental purposes. Even earlier than the Chinese though, civilizations were keeping plenty of fish in various types of holding containers for food purposes. We've come along way since then and hopefully we can help others enjoy this great hobby.

Below you will find our freshwater fish tank and saltwater fish tank beginner guides that will help you with your pet fish along the way. Hopefully, the aquarium beginner guides will help you learn the basics. For example, we hope you'll learn that you need to do some research before buying fish. Doing research before you purchase your fish will prevent you from doing really short sighted things, such as trying to stuff a pacu fish into a 10 gallon fish tank, cramping a goldfish into a small bowl, putting big fish into a small tank, putting small fish in with larger more aggressive species or putting multiple male betta fish in the same fish tank! These are obviously things we want to avoid and hopefully we can help get you going on the right track.

On the left side of the page is the main navigation that will take you to more areas all about fish. Along the right side is a listing of tropical fish profiles for both freshwater fish and marine fish. If you have trouble finding something, use the search box at the top right of the page.

We now have a FREE Fish Picture gallery that anyone can use to post their fish and aquarium photos. If you think you have a good image of your fish tank or your pet fish, enter it in the monthly photo contests. Winners will be announced at the end of each month. Check it out!

Answer 4

Unless you live in earthquake country, it should not break unless you move it or drop something on it. There are fish tanks older then I am still holding water.

Answer 5

we have had our for like 10 or 11 years and we got it from a friend its still is in good shape.

Answer 6

As long as you dont bump it hard and you take good care of it, it should be fine as long as your good to it. I wonder if mine will just explode although I do know it wont,lol.

Answer 7

It should last for many years. There's no reason it should ever break.

Answer 8

my current 2 4ft tanks are still going strong @ 16yrs ....

currently they r filled with discus. with goldfish...

:)

Answer 9

they will last until you break them.

Answer 10

it doesn't - if u keep it clean and took care of it -