New reason why Glass is better than acrylic

[squabeggs]

very cool but it raises the question - why is there not (or is there?) an acrylic tank with an anti-scratch coating (one that actually works) on the inside and outside of the tank? If this is out there I would love to know. The coating would obviously need to be transparent and tough enough not to scratch as well as stand up to frequent cleaning (be able to take at least a 3M scuff pad)

Speaking of 3M...they make clear film that is cut to shape for acrylic headlight protection...I wonder if you could get large sheets to at least cover the outside of an acrylic tank. I'll have to ask my source about how much and how big...hmmm. If it will protect headlights from roadgrime and rocks..it is also a UV protectant to prevent yellowing and hazing.

You could also check for autobody shops that do the "clear bra" for cars...same type of thing...although I don't know if that is spray or sticker.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Yes, but the acrylic tank handles a tonka truck being thrown at it much better than glass..

Aren't all Tonka's made of plastic now? I remember 30 years ago their slogan was "all metal" but my kids never got metal. I must admit though I did crack the side of my show 25 gallon 30 years ago when I tapped on the glass with a tool hardened chisel I forged in metal shop. All I did was barely tap the glass to get the attention of my 6" Oscar and it sent a 4" crack in the corner which I was able to cover over the weeping crack with layers of tar sealer.

 

[BoCoMo]

Speaking of 3M...they make clear film that is cut to shape for acrylic headlight protection...I wonder if you could get large sheets to at least cover the outside of an acrylic tank. I'll have to ask my source about how much and how big...hmmm. If it will protect headlights from roadgrime and rocks..it is also a UV protectant to prevent yellowing and hazing.

You could also check for autobody shops that do the "clear bra" for cars...same type of thing...although I don't know if that is spray or sticker.

You will have to let us know what you find out about this!

Aren't all Tonka's made of plastic now? I remember 30 years ago their slogan was "all metal" but my kids never got metal. I must admit though I did crack the side of my show 25 gallon 30 years ago when I tapped on the glass with a tool hardened chisel I forged in metal shop. All I did was barely tap the glass to get the attention of my 6" Oscar and it sent a 4" crack in the corner which I was able to cover over the weeping crack with layers of tar sealer.

that sucked

 

[GEV83]

My good lord a tonka truck. I remember those i had a metal one. Ive had stuff thrown at my old aquarium before and it never broke or cracked or chipped. Darn my litle sibblings lol. I no longer have that aquarium since it broke in the garage had it on the floor and someone got careless saw the side bashed in so had to junk it. Miss that 40gal. I prefer glass over acrylic I wouldnt trust myself with acrylic due to scratches plus i like big cichlids and well to have to buff out scratched inside and out seems like to much of a hassle also when needing to move my 60gal from one side of the room to the other I have no problems I just push it where i want it while its still filled slowly of course. Its heavy but moveable for me anyways.

 

[squabeggs]

http://www.xpel.com/products/paint.asp

Up to 54" wide @ 38.00/ft
..so yeah it's a little expensive, but might be worth protecting your investment.

The headlight stuff is much thicker and a bit more expensive...plus they only make it a max size of 26" × 36"

There are other brands out there, but probably about the same price.

 

[Star_Rider]

problem with many of the protecting coatings.. they may distort the the acrylic and may also cloud up between the layers. the coating itself may scratch over time.(if it is a thin layer of plastic)