Glass vs. Acrylic

Hollygirl

Overfilter and Understock
Sep 3, 2007
2,681
1
0
Chicago, Illinois
There is a LFS in my area that specializes in acrylic tanks. They have them in every size that you can regularly purchase glass. They claim that acrylic is "better" than glass because it is lighter and resists cracking. I know one drawback is that acrylic can scratch if you clean it incorrectly. Is one better than the other?
 
One more thing. Another claim is that since the tank is one piece you don't have to worry about stress on one side or the other if the tank is not perfectly level.
 
Acrylic is a bit more forgiving if you accidentally bump the tank, as it will flex before it will break. As you pointed out, yes, it scratches rather easily, and care is needed to clean it properly. Assuming that the tank will be freshwater (since it was under the freshwater section) you won't have to worry about what MH lights do to the seams of acrylic tanks. The only other down side I can see is the fact that the acrylic may change colors and become slightly opaque over the years... but they're supposed to be good for at least 10-15 years. Some people prefer acrylic, some prefer glass. Ultimately, it will come down to which one is more visually pleasing to you.
 
Acrylic is a bit more forgiving if you accidentally bump the tank, as it will flex before it will break. As you pointed out, yes, it scratches rather easily, and care is needed to clean it properly. Assuming that the tank will be freshwater (since it was under the freshwater section) you won't have to worry about what MH lights do to the seams of acrylic tanks. The only other down side I can see is the fact that the acrylic may change colors and become slightly opaque over the years... but they're supposed to be good for at least 10-15 years. Some people prefer acrylic, some prefer glass. Ultimately, it will come down to which one is more visually pleasing to you.
We have a cabinet for a 55 gallon that we want to set up. The lighter weight of an acrylic is appealing. It would be a freshwater tank. Thanks!
 
Children and pets play a factor into which is better too. I've lost a 65 arcylic to a child with a mag-float.
 
Children and pets play a factor into which is better too. I've lost a 65 arcylic to a child with a mag-float.
LOL! No kids. Thanks for the chuckle. Kind of like washing mom and dads' car with a brillo pad!
 
Children and pets play a factor into which is better too. I've lost a 65 arcylic to a child with a mag-float.
Before the mag-float fiasco did you like the acrylic? I'm thinking the lighter weight would be easier to work with. My floor can take either.
 
:) Money is also a key factor in deciding which way to go. Acrylic tanks are for the most part a bit pricier than their glass counterparts. On the other hand you tend to get a better warranty than most glass tank mfgrs. are willing to offer. You will need a stand that completely supports the entire bottom of your acrylic tank. I like mine (price !$$$$!). It's been over 2yrs. & the couple of minor scratches that popped up polished right out. "T"
 
I forgot about the stand - that's right! Unlike the glass that supports at the corners, I'd have to go with the right stand. So the cabinet stand I have for a 55 gallon might not be right. Thanks a lot! I didn't think of that.
 
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