Re: how long do fishtanks last?

>Hi Leigh, AFAIK, the silicone sandwiched in between the glass panes
>performs most of the structural integrity, while the extra bead run along
>the inside is primarily to protect the sandwiched silicone from predators
>(which you mentioned) and to provide a more uniform water-proofing
>barrier.  Essentially, your 29g could have no silicone bead along the
>inside, (only the sandwiched silicone) and it would still be structurally
>sound.  If you have a lot of wear & tear on the bead, inspect the
>sandwiched portion for bubbles (areas of weaker bonding and potential
>water paths), and for any discoloration (water/humidity ingress with
>algae growth or calcium deposits).  If your sandwiched silicone is sound,
>but the bead is very mangled, then your tank will just be incrementally
>more vulnerable to a potential leak.  If you ever observe the reverse,
>where the bead is sound but the sandwiched silicone is in bad condition,
>don't stand in front of that tank ;~)

Thanks.  I'm not sure if I'm reassured or not.  :-)  The silicone between the
glass seems to be the same as always, but it's kind of hard to tell.  It feels
good, but it's kind of hard to see.    

I oughta move that bristlenose to another tank.  I think he's the one chewing
on the seals.  Only I'm afraid he'll do the same thing, and it will be worse if
there's ever a failure, because the other tank's larger.  =:-O  The other tank
has more algae, though, so maybe he wouldn't be driven to nibbling on silicone.


Leigh

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/halloween/881/