The rust tinted water indicates that the tank is living on borrowed time. It could stay like that for 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 years, but eventually that small crack will expand, and you'll have a disaster on your hands. In my experience, 8 years is a little under the usual time span (I generally think 10-12 years is the average), but it depends on the quality of the tank.
If it were me, I'd replace it now, before you come home to a swimming pool in the basement...because these things never happen when you're at home to mitigate the damage.
I just did mine in the fall. Pete the Plumber has a 50 gallon tank with a 10 year warranty for $915 installed, taxes in. If you go to Lowes or HD, you're looking at $600-$700 for the tank alone, plus at least $350 for installation....and surprise, they subcontact that work to Pete (at least Lowes does).
Pete's price is very competitive, and I've used them 3 times and always been happy with the service. They'll be in and out in about 90 minutes, and the best part is that they take the old tank with them for disposal.
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