used tanks, how old is too old?

[new fish on the block]

I was considering buying a used tank but just learned that it is about 15years old and hasn't been in use for a while.  I'm concerned about leaking.  How long do tanks last?

Any advice?

[FocusFin]

I was considering buying a used tank but just learned that it is about 15years old and hasn't been in use for a while.  I'm concerned about leaking.  How long do tanks last?Any advice?

Tanks can last forever provided they're resealed periodically. You can reseal the tank yourself or have someone do it but depending on the size and price that you're paying for it, you might want to buy a newer used one off this site. There are a lot of good deals. Normally you're looking at paying around $1.00 per gallon for a tank in good shape.

[JD]

All the tanks I have were purchased used. I have from 3 year old tanks to 20+. The oldest tank was leaking when I bought it and was resealed by me. So far I have had no issues.
One comment, every used tank, regardless how good the previous owner says it is, WILL have scratches...period. Look hard and long to find them. Salt water aquariums with visable(viewable area) scratches ends up looking like crap.
In my opinion, for a display tank, if you want it to look it's best, buy a new one.

[Vincenzo.]

i have a tank & stand from when i was 5yrs old, im 22 now and it still does not leak. what to know whats even scarier. it's the same light hood and light bulb in it. the tank is currently my sisters and houses FW fish. the heater, filter are all that old too. mind you the cartridges get changed.

but as the other guys said above. your best bet is to thoroughly look over it. re seal it. but your best bet it to get a new one it's a great addiction, i mean hobby! then you'll have no probs.

[new fish on the block]

Thanks guys,

I've heard the $1 per gallon rule before.  Is there a rule of thumb for pricing used canopies too?

I've got a 10g on an old buffet in my dining room. 

I've been casually on the lookout for a 20long to replace it for a while now.  They're not very common. 

The tank I'm looking at right now is a 30g with the same footprint but it's a little tall for the space.  I'm thinking it's probably too heavy for the buffet, too.

Stupid question, how do you KNOW when to reseal a tank? (besides if it's obviously leaking) I must admit, I'm not overly confident in my ability to do it myself. 

If I had the money, I'd go new. But as the fish budget is pretty limited, I'll be going used. I'm patiently waiting for the right tank to come along.

[mbunabum]

As JD said... all my latest tank purchases have also been used. My 29 and 55 are two of my original tanks from about 1972-73... have never been sealed... and I am still using today. They had been taken down and stored in my basement for a few years allowing me to try my hand at a raising a different kind of family.... after 20 years I went back to fish... less demanding. I found my other tanks from classifieds on various forum sites as well as Craigslist and believe it or not even garage sales. A good deal can be found with patience. I bought my 125 about 3 hours from home. The deal included (2) Fluval 405, AGA black pine stand and tank... for $125.00. When I picked it up he through in a wet/dry he had been using on the tank! The moral of this rambling is don't be afraid of an older used tank... some people may tire of the hobby or invest in it to find out it just wasn't for them. Also many of the older tanks have thicker glass, yes making them heavier... but stronger and more desirable... imho. 

Just a further note... I picked up a 60 gallon used tank yesterday at garage sale for $20! Not sure why I bought it or where I'll put it... but...?