Acrylic or Glass 180 gal.

[REEFKEEPA]

I am upgrading to a 180.
I like the acrylic because of the lack of silicone beads on the corners.
Is it worth it to risk the scratches? How long will it last?

 

[trido]

I think that silicone personally is worth peice of mind that I can be somewhat careless and abuse my tank. 18 years of freshwater. Not a second thought about scratches and yet no scratches. I couldnt imagine acrylic with coraline.

 

[Anonymous]

I've heard enough people say "never again" regarding acrylic tanks to not want to try it once myself. FW or FO maybe; but I wouldn't want an acrylic reef.

 

[megamommatron]

what if you got a bowfront? that makes the "corners" less noticeable. or a corner model? i've seen those with the overflow in the back corner that look pretty sweet. acrylic is a pain. mine is bowing, and it's terrifying. seriously.

 

[Anonymous]

>...How long will it last?

Depends on the construction. I have some that are not very good, DIY tank that probably won't last a few months, and I also have seem some bullet-proof custom-made one that will last for decades.

However, some glass tank has nice silicone work that make it almost invisible. If you have the money, you can custom order a glass tank with round corners, for example (very difficult to get for large size).

All my larger tank (> 30 gal) are acrylic, FWIW, and I hate bowfront due to the extra distortions.

 

[johnnjen]

we have a 55g corner swim tank have had it for 11 years..never had a lick of trouble with it. our Reef is glass 55g only cause I got a steal of a price for the tank..

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Ok, It seems like it's about 50/50 on the Acrylic vs. Glass issue.
My main concern is longevity. Once the reef is set up and the rocks are in place. hopefully they won't move for a number of years.
Glass is what I have had for the past 35 years of my life and I agree with it's advantages. I am looking for some input on a large well constructed Acrylic tank. Does anyone have any links? DIY is out of the question.
i want laser cuts and proper welds.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Ok, It seems like it's about 50/50 on the Acrylic vs. Glass issue.
My main concern is longevity. Once the reef is set up and the rocks are in place. hopefully they won't move for a number of years.
Glass is what I have had for the past 35 years of my life and I agree with it's advantages. I am looking for some input on a large well constructed Acrylic tank. Does anyone have any links? DIY is out of the question.
i want laser cuts and proper welds.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Ok, It seems like it's about 50/50 on the Acrylic vs. Glass issue.
My main concern is longevity. Once the reef is set up and the rocks are in place. hopefully they won't move for a number of years.
Glass is what I have had for the past 35 years of my life and I agree with it's advantages. I am looking for some input on a large well constructed Acrylic tank. Does anyone have any links? DIY is out of the question.
i want laser cuts and proper welds.

 

[Anonymous]

>...I am looking for some input on a large well constructed Acrylic tank....

180 gal is not really a large tank, but take a look at acrylic tank in public aquarium, and you know that it can be made to last several decades. It all come down to your personal preference (silicon on the edges / scratch when you use a mag scraper) and how much compromise you can do given your budget.