acrylic or glass??????

[dadamaja]

i need some help i plan to purchase a large aquarium in about a month between 210 - 270 gal. I dont have any experience with acrylic. Can Someone give me some info about their personal experience about an acrylic? This guy at this respected shop pretty much scared me out of getting acrylic.
He deals with mostly glass and fiberglass tanks. He has a 500 gal fiberglass and glass saltwater tank on display and a 600 waiting for someone to pick up at a price of $3500 plus. Its AWESOME. Any info will be appreciated.

 

[slipknottin]

-glass is hard to scratch, acrylic isnt.
-glass is alot heavier than acrylic.
-glass is not as clear as acrylic (starphire glass is)
-glass tanks are just "stuck" together, acrylic tanks are chemically bonded
-glass tanks usually have smaller, less obtrusive top braces, acrylic top braces cover most of the top.
-glass doesnt burn or melt, acrylic does (at the normal temps we would see in a small fire)
-glass is a better conductor of heat and cold than acrylic
-glass tanks are usually cheaper
-glass tanks arent found in as many shapes as acrylic


theres probably more...

 

[tetraodon]

Just a note. What you keep in there might make a difference. For example, I keep puffers. I do see quite a few scratching (from puffers) on the acrylic vs. none (from puffers) on the glass. HTH

 

[TRIGGERFISH1964]

Slips right on about the clarity.I switched over to acrylic and the clearness of the view is much more striking.
The weight issue is important also.Before I set up my 100g I could pick it up with one hand.
They are also seamless which makes for a much better view ,not to mention much more attractive.
If you ever move you will be happy you have an acrylic tank.I also have five kids running around here and I'm not worried about the tank breaking.Not to mention my clumsy girlfriend.