acrylic or glass?

[TANKSTER]

I am considering a new, used tank (75 or 90 gallon). I am sure there are pros and cons to both glass and acrylic, what would everyone recommend? Does freshwater or saltwater affect the decision at all?

Thanks

[MichaelTX]

I new here aswell but the main things between the 2
glass
as you get into the bigger the tanks the heavier they are
less likely to be scracthed
cant be buffed out if it gets scracthed
has a life meter after so long the silicone will start to degrade
less expensive than arcylic

arcylic
easily scracthed
but can be buffed out if it does
much lighter than glass
better corner seals
more expensive than glass
can get a frost over the acrylic that can be hard if not impossible to get off
can get air bubbles form inside the acrylic and seams becoming unsightly
can be custom drilled easily at home

both have there pros and cons but to me I like the galss tanks up to around 100 gallons and arcylic above that but thats just me.
I am sure there are more differences this are just the ones that I can name off the top of my head.
Mike

[famman]

I have both, and I prefer the glass. The acrylic is cool for certain applications but the glass is much easier to clean and maintains it's attractiveness better.

good luck
:)

[RTR]

Agree w/fanman. I'll never have another acrylic tank, nothing but glass for me.

I have glass tanks 20-30 years old with fully intact seals and seams. It all depends on the quality of the tank as manufactured, and the use - how level the tank is and how well/evenly and strongly supported. Glass tanks are designed to be edge supported, acrylic must be flat suppored over the entire base area.

Acrylic is clearer and lighter than glass, but also distorts more and is much, much softer - so is more easily scratched. It suffers less salt creep than glass, by construction, but that same construction restricts access.

But it is personal choice - there is no right or wrong here, just your own particular needs.

[Harry Tolen]

As RTR has noted, personal preference should be the determining factor. Personally, I go with glass when the tank is smaller (say, 75 gallons or less), but acrylic when the tank is larger. Each time I "finally" position my tanks, something changes. And when that happens, I'm glad that my biggest tanks are all acrylic.

[TANKSTER]

How do you clean the inside of an acrylic tank?

[MichaelTX]

they make special tools to use on it that dont scratch them but even with thoughs you have to be careful.
Mike

[Captain Hook]

I have never owned an acrylic aquarium nor do I have any plans to. I like glass much better.

[tricksterpup]

To clean the inside of an acrylic tank they have special scratchy pads. :)
But i own 3 small acrylic tanks and a 75 gallon tank with filtration in the back (which is empty right now). I think they are nice, but its really up to you which one you want. I got my 75 system for 100 bucks with a PC light system and a Eheim canister filter. I don't think many would pass this system up for the price. In the long run it was a trade in for a lot of live rock I got rid of when I moved.
So look around see what you can find. If you find a large tank for dirt cheap, get it. Glass or Acrylic you will be happy with your choice.

jim

[125gJoe]

For most purposes, glass is just right.

Here's a link: Acrylic or Glass? (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/aquariums/614)

[chefkeith]

I like to customize and build my tanks, so Acrylic is my choice. Also, in my house just about everything made of glass breaks eventually.

[TANKSTER]

Thanks for everyone's feedback.

How does this sound for $400, 90g acrylic tank (couple very light scratches) made by clarity plus, acrylic stand and canopy. In the canopy are two thermo fans. Also includes heater, power head, protein skimmer, and fluval 404 with surface skimmer. The seller is supposedly very motivated. Originally it included a 200g wetdry filter too and he was asking $550.