96x36x24 - Safety Concerns

[Mike Webb]

I'm looking at buying a tank at 96x36x24 built with 15mm glass for £1200. The seals are garuanteed for 2 years by the manufacturer.

My concern is how long after that could the seals last? I don't want anything coming apart further down the line, as the weight of all that water being released could certainly be damaging if someone (ie a toddler) was infront!!

Can any of you guys reassure me that this is a standard spec with 15mm glass and that you have a similar sized tank that has lasted for donkeys years???:confused:

[Silverreef]

Hi Mike,

I had my last tank for 15 years, when I wanted to get rid of it, because it was scratched to death.

But it was a bugger to get to pieces, in the end I had to smash the glass as the silicon would not release.

So I think you are looking at 15 years minimum.


If you are thinking of running a wavebox, this can reduce the life of a tank by 10 per cent.

Regards

Steve

[MaidstoneMarine]

Mike,

Is the tank second hand or brand new? I'm assuming new because of the manufacturer guarantee. Don't quote me on this but I'm under the impression that 20 years is an acceptable life span for a glass tank with silicone seals.

Just a thought if it is new - if you've got the space, and the £s, why not go for a 30'' high tank. The extra water and room for scaping and life would be invaluable.

Cheers

Chris

[windsor]

I would assume that at the price quoted the 36" measurement is the height of the tank, otherwise it would be made in 10mm or 12mm glass. I still have tanks in use that were made almost 30 years ago, and the silicone is still fine (although the glass has numerous scratches).

[Dave_P]

If you are going for that size tank and assuming it's 36" high. If it will fit in your house, I would consider getting a 30" wide tank. I wouldn't have thought it would make that much difference to the price of the tank. Also I can't see how it would change your lighting. Although depending on your skimmer choice/capicity it could take you up a model.

The wider/higher tanks IMHO always look better!

Dave

[SPS Hoover]

Is 15mm glass thick enough for a 36" tank I don't think so.

[windsor]

Is 15mm glass thick enough for a 36" tank I don't think so.

Why not? I've been making them for 30-odd years without a problem.

[Tiggsy]

12mm to 30" , 15mm to 36" seems the norm.

[Tony B]

Seabray built may tank in 12 mil glass, it's 33inch high (brace bars and weir set at 30inch to give about 30 inch depth of water).

[SPS Hoover]

Why not? I've been making them for 30-odd years without a problem.

Yes I know I have seen some of yours

My mistake I thought it had to be thicker

[SCOOB]

must admit, like simon, i instantly thought 19mm was the norm at 3 foot, keith would know tho and i'm more than happy to accept anything he tells me with regards to tanks :D

[Tiggsy]

i have had a number of quotes for my 36" tank and they all suggest 15mm so seems its the norm.

[Mike Webb]

Thanks for the info guys! Yes the tank will be 36" high, I will keep the depth at 24" as it will fit perfectly in the room at that size. :) :)