Glass or Acrylic tank's

dukeg777 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 09:43 PM

Ok I havent had an acrylic tank and I m thinking on getting one. I just wanted some info and opinon's on acrylic tank's.

nauticac4 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 04:13 PM

Acrylic is nice and light which is great when your moving it but it scratches if you look at it the wrong way and buffing out scratches is no fun at all. I wouldn't have an acrylic tank unless it was an insane deal...Like free.

LKGRenegade22 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauticac4

Acrylic is nice and light which is great when your moving it but it scratches if you look at it the wrong way and buffing out scratches is no fun at all. I wouldn't have an acrylic tank unless it was an insane deal...Like free.

X2 on that. Even if it was free I don't think I would use it. When I saw how scratched up my acrylic sump was after I got it out (with no more that I did in there) I wouldn't dare use one as a display tank. I know alot of people do but better them than me.

LC · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-2010, 06:58 PM

I have 2 glass 20's and 1 acrylic 5. I have a special mag for cleaning acrylic and no problems so far. I do like the glass for larger since it takes a lot more abuse.

IReef · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2010, 07:14 PM

Not for saltwater, especially a reef, coralline algae even if you use a approved nylon pad or scraper will scratch the acrylic, as you scrape/scub the coralline it becomes grit, thereby scratching the softer material.

fragdude · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2010, 02:15 PM

My 29 sump, 55 tank, and 29 fuge are all acrylic and I like it cause you can drill them anywhere, and I use acrylic pads and a plastic blade and it does not scratch. Glass can also scratch and alot harder to fix. (They just normally cost more)

JoeCreature · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2010, 06:55 PM

Depends on you. If you don't plan on doing much in the tank itself Acrylic is sweet. Makes great DTs because they are quite clear. However it is painfully easy to scratch, even a little grit on your cleaning tools can be the downfall of a perfect pane.

If you plan on messing around in the tank, scrubbing, re-arranging, banging around in there you can't beat the durability of glass. Although it is heavier to move.

I prefer glass.

Crackerballer · #8 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010, 09:14 AM

As a display, I doubt I will ever use anything but glass. With starfire and low iron glass now, the clarity is much better than standard glass. I am ok with heavy, but if you're floor/home can't take it, acrylic does have it's benefits.

wreckdiver · #9 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010, 09:18 AM

Another vote for glass. Plus, the weight isn't that different after it is filled!

FishFinder · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010, 10:17 AM

I had acrylic and I agree with the others is does scratch easily, but you can also buff acrylic and it is much clearer than glass unless it is Starfire. If it were me I would do acrylic for a few different reasons.
Easy to drill - Can use a plain wood hole-saw
Clearer that regular glass
It is lighter. I can move my 125 acrylic by myself when it is empty. Try doing that with a glass 125g.
You just need to be careful and not use abrasives. I would also talk to Billy or Thomas at Reef Keepers in Clayton. He keeps mostly acrylic aquariums and they and they look incredible.