New reason why Glass is better than acrylic

CWO4GUNNER

CWO4GUNNER

USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Apr 18, 2009
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Bullhead AZ
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I have been on the fence about buying acrylic or glass for my next large aquarium 225-300. I almost bought an acrylic until I saw what one looks like used. Now I'm still on the fence with weight being the most important factor on my mind. I recently found out I could buy a 300 acrylic tank for $1800 delivered to my door step, 96x24x30 that weighs only 247 pounds lol, while the same tank in glass would weigh over 600 pounds and cost twice as much. Most of us know all the pros and cons but the latest reason against acrylic I diden't expect to be shown by my LFS. My LFS incidentally use mostly acrylic, they showed me the teeth scratch marks that fish leave on the inside of the acrylic aquarium which totally surprised me. Can you believe it, fish can actually leave embedded teeth marks on the inside of acrylic tanks, I mean marks as visible as tool marks. So I'm back in the glass group for now and looking for used again maybe only 125-150 max to curb the weight and availability, as I havent seen one used glass tank over 180.
 
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I know, when a large glass aquarium is sitting there all set up or even empty who wouldn't agree that glass isn't more appealing? However it all becomes much too awful when you try and move one over 125 gallons and the wight threatens to crack the glass if you don't support it on its sides or you need the neighbors or family members to help you move it. It would be great if they were modular with O-ring stainless steel frames and clamps. You could empty it, disassemble the four sides and carry each 100+ pound side out to be moved, a doable one man task. I guess if I'm serious about buying a bigger used glass tank at a bargain Ill have to give myself a month to get in shape because I know moving a 150+ glass aquarium is going to be a painful experience.
 
acrylic looks stunning brand new, and depending on how careful you are while setting it up and maintaining it, and your fish choice, they can stay beautiful, but it's just too easy to mess one up.

not to steel your thread, but how do you get rid of acrylic scratches?!
 
thebrandon said:
acrylic looks stunning brand new, and depending on how careful you are while setting it up and maintaining it, and your fish choice, they can stay beautiful, but it's just too easy to mess one up.

not to steel your thread, but how do you get rid of acrylic scratches?!
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lots of elbow grease and the proper wet sanding grits (they sell kits) acrylic is more insulating and thus cheaper to run. my small tanks are glass my large acrylic.
 
I disagree fully.. I think that acrylic tanks are much more attractive and even moreso in a practicle manner

I still own one glass tank but they are slowly being replaced by acrylic

as to the teeth mark thing... I can see how it would be possible with large fish- but it is easily enough buffed out if it gets severe enough to be an issue
 
The Zigman said:
I have heard that Plecos can damage acrylic tanks..
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hmm... never had an issue with this-- and I have kept (and still keep) MANY plecos in acrylic tanks

I can see how it could happen... but it never has to me
 
I have owned glass tanks for the most part of my hobby and they are more resilient to scratches, on the other hand it is very heavy indeed. I like em both,

I am going to post a thread soon, i am restoring an acrylic tank I purchased from craigslist. I purchased a scratch removal kit for $40 shipped online and will be posting some pics soon.
 
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