Do Aquarium Seals Decay?

[Zolek]

I'm thinking about buying a used 135 gallon glass aquarium. The owner says it has no leaks but that the tank is 12 years old. Do I have to worry about the seals being old/weak and possibly causing a burst or leak or should I not worry about it?

As a secondary question will I be able to tip a 135 gallon aquarium on its side without breaking it to get it up a narrow stairwell?

 

[scatz]

The silicon will decay over time, i think most sealants have around a 20 year guarentee, if the tank is 12 years old, i would remove all the silicon from inside and renew it.
cant tell you about getting your tank up the stairs though as i've never tried it

 

[-germ-]

It would be fairly easy with a sack truck, some added padding and a helper.....

 

[backtotropical]

if the tank is 12 years old, i would remove all the silicon from inside and renew it.

I agree. Silicon is cheap and it's not worth the risk. Renew it.

 

[idlefingers]

You should be okay putting the tank on it's side. I had to do that when moving my 135g and it didn't break.

 

[andywg]

I lumped my 6x2x2 up 2 floors, and CFC had his 200 gallon in a first floor flat, so there is no worry about turning an empty tank on its side.

I personally wouldn't bother resealing a tank if it doesn't leak when test filled. My first 6 foot tank was about 20 years old when I got it and I had no problems with it.