The algae, alk, may have started to etch into the glass. About 8 to 10 years you really notice the erosion of the glass.Yeah. The hope is that an actual saltwater designed tank will be easier to maintain. I can’t believe how tough some of the algae on my tank has gotten. Even if I dive in with a razor blade some of it refuses to budge. And the scratches just give it such good places to grow from.
Also I really want a cooler aquascape
Also, glass is an interesting material in itself. Its not a liquid or a solid. But over time, the bottom gets thicker as the top thins. Im not sure how many decades/centuries it takes. It's an extremely slow moving material.
I do hope you find more joy in a tank designed for reefing. It's made my days a lot easier. Having 2 kids. I would need to dump the standard glass out of pure frustration.