Glass or Acrylic

[danweaver]

I am thinking of buying a new 150g tank.
I have looked at acrylic tanks.
I have only owned glass tanks up until now.
I have heard acrylic is hard to clean and easy
to scratch.
Looking for some feedback on the better choice.

 

[danmhippo]

Anything under 220G, I would go with Glass for resistence to scratches. Over 220G, I would go with Acrylic for weight concerns.

 

[JRF]

Hi,
I am on the other end of the spectrum on this. Every tank I own is acrylic ( 4 tanks ). If you take care with cleaning, then the acrylic will not scratch. You must be careful to use the correct type of cleaning pads to remove coraline and your standard every week cleaning. You might scratch the tank but a light scratch is very difficult to see and can actually be removed if necessary.
Yes, they take a bit greater care but I enjoy the maintenace end of the hobby so it it works out well for me. And besides, glass tanks scratch also, and once they scratch ,that scratch will probably be there for ever.
Thats just my preference.
JRF

 

[danweaver]

Any tips on cleaning acrylic.
Dan

 

[Daisy1]

Well. There are other things to think about besides just the tank. If you have any kids or any pets with claws, or ever plan too- GLASS! definately! Acrylic and Glass both have their upsides, as you have seen from the other 2 responses. I prefer glass because the RESALE is much higher (check ebay to see the resale statistics of glass vs. acrylic) if you arent settled in, acrylic would be easier to move, and less susceptible to breaking, though I have moved 3 large glass tanks (just need help to carry them!) If this is your first tank, I would go for glass. If you develop slime algae or coraline algae, it will definately be easier to remove from a glass tank, with less fear of scratching. Scratching can also occur in the bottom and sides from the substrate and live rock as they are shifted around. The choice is yours, but I personally recommend glass for the longer haul. You can always try a very small acrylic tank (maybe set up a micro-reef or a fish only saltwater desktop tank) and see how the acrylic suits your liking in terms of maintainence before you go larger.

Best of luck! Hope to see pics of your tank sometime!
Daisy

 

[golfish]

This is a question that we all see every day. Its best to do a search and decide on your own. I've had both...

I'm leaning towards Hippos reply but I think I will\would go as high as 300 gal on a glass tank.

 

[Mouse]

Im going Acrylic on my next one. But im going to have it made with stupidly thick walls so theres no center brace or any type of braceing on the top. I want it to look like a big tub. Glass is way too heavy IMO and all the bracing and stuff round the top allways looks crappy.

 

[Anonymous]

I have an acrylic tank now, but if I could do it over again I would go glass. The scratches are small, but I know they are there.

RR

 

[dvb]

I agree with Mouse. I think acrylic just looks better. The trim around the top of glass tanks as well as the corners don't look as nice as acrylic. I have a couple of minor scratches on my acrylic tank but they are pretty small. You just have to be careful.

 

[ReefMon]

Having just put the first scratch in my GLASS 180, I would be very hesitant doing a reef in an acrylic tank.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, here's the Vancouver Aquarium's acrylic reef tank, it would be stunning display, except it's very hard to see through all the scratches....

Happy Reefing!
Glenn R.

 

[danmhippo]

Who says glass has to have trims on the top? Mine doesn't. The whole piece is nothing but glass and glue/bonding.

 

[SPC]

Yep ReefMon, thats the way I always see them too.
Steve

 

[dvb]

I haven't seen any without the trim. Which companies make them without trim?

 

[danmhippo]

Mine is custom made and ordered through LFS. I don't know which company exactly made it.

[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: danmhippo ]</p>

 

[Russ1]

That picture of the Vancouver aquarium is a sin! These guys absolutely do not know how to take care of an acrylic tank. I love acrylic and I am having a 500+ gal built at this very moment. I currently own a 180 custom acrylic. You gotta do weekly maintenance and never let the corraline algae get going. An old plastic credit card works awesome followed by the Magnavore. Also, contrary to popular belief, scratches can be removed easily. Russ

 

[danmhippo]

I found the company that made my tank from my LFS. Lee-Mar.

Here is the address:
2459 Dogwood Way
Vista, CA 92083
Tel: 800-372-4400 Fax: 760-727-4280

I don't think they do retail or onlines though......I may be wrong.

 

[Mouse]

Yea, and i bet the guy at Vancouver who has the job of cleaning the glass/acrylic REALLY cares about the tanks.

 

[Toonse]

That picture of the Vancouver aquarium is a sin! These guys absolutely do not know how to take care of an acrylic tank. I love acrylic and I am having a 500+ gal built at this very moment. I currently own a 180 custom acrylic. You gotta do weekly maintenance and never let the corraline algae get going. An old plastic credit card works awesome followed by the Magnavore. Also, contrary to popular belief, scratches can be removed easily. Russ

Actually it's more that the public doesn't respect the outside. That
picture that is posted is from the public viewing side, so no doubt the
outside is extremely scratched up from kids pressing themselves
and their zippers/etc against it.