aquariums glass or acrylic

[sudsmaker141]

Any suggestions on going one way or the other? I am in the market for a 46 gallon bowfront for my living room. I have recently downsized from a 125 glass. I like the furniture look of the OCEANIC glass but I want to make sure I'm going the correct way. Is there a comparable acrylic ? I am restricted in size to no wider than 36 inches. I would like something that is nice and willing to pay for the quality. thanks

 

[beviking]

I'd personally go with glass. Just less chance of scratches. If you're careful, you won't scratch the glass. If you're careful, you'll only scratch acrylic lightly. If you do scratch the glass, you can sit easy knowing you can't repair it. If you scratch the acrylic, every time you see the scratch you'll think to repair it. Just less work/worry with the glass.

 

[ambrosiamonkey]

It's my understanding that acrylic has better optics than glass- you can see the fish with less distortion.

I don't know where you live, but I've heard that acrylics are a little more forgiving of tremors, so if you're in an earthquake zone, you might want to take that into account. (I did.) I have a SeaClear System II acrylic tank, and I'm happy with it.

 

[beviking]

Excellent points (especially if you live in a quake zone). There is a grade of glass (I think it's called "Starglass") that is comparable to acrylic with respect to clarity/optics. Of course, that's more $ than regular glass.

 

[sudsmaker141]

acrylic or glass

thanks for the replies. I live in Maryland so I'm not too concerned about the earthquake problem. I just ordered a 46 gallon Oceanic bowfront for 3 pairs of angels.

 

[slipknottin]

(I think it's called "Starglass") .

I believe your thinking of Starfire. There are a few other companies that make optically clear glass also.

 

[beviking]

You say "toe-may-toe" I say...I ain't touchin' your toes! Thanks for the clarification slip!