Acrylic vs gl***** [Archive]

AlexKilpatrick

Fri, 28th Aug 2009, 10:28 PM

I was wondering what the current wisdom is on acrylic vs glass for large tanks. I know acrylic scratches easily, but it can be repaired. My main concern with glass is just the sheer weight of the tank, and the difficulty of moving/shipping, along with the possibility of leaks/cracks.

Any other things to think about?

(I can't believe the profanity filter can't handle [g l a s s])

blindside

Sat, 29th Aug 2009, 09:49 AM

I wish my tank was a glass tank, only because acrylic scratches so easily, and because of coraline growth later on down the road. My 240 is pretty light though, well lighter then if it were glass, and easy to drill.

Still Learning

Wed, 9th Sep 2009, 09:01 AM

I have 240 fish only acrylic and have enjoyed it, but there is no coraline. This was an upgrade from an Oceanic 215 glass. That sucker was really heavy. Repairing scratches takes a lot of work in acrylic. Moving a large glass tank takes a lot of work. Just depends which type of work you like better! : D

ErikH

Wed, 9th Sep 2009, 09:15 AM

Go glass. it's less expensive and who are we kidding, does anyone ever REALLY repair acrylic? :D

Mr Cob

Wed, 9th Sep 2009, 09:51 AM

Go glass. it's less expensive and who are we kidding, does anyone ever REALLY repair acrylic? :D

Blindside does/did! Pretty tough chore too.

RayAllen

Wed, 9th Sep 2009, 09:59 AM

The only reason id ever buy acrylic would be to own a full cylinder tank. Outside of that glass is the way to go. Clarity, more scratch resistant, more heat resistant if you are running hot lights etc...

prof

Wed, 9th Sep 2009, 04:48 PM

It is a personal preference.

I would say glass unless you want a custom size or shape.

Crazyeyes

Fri, 11th Sep 2009, 02:25 AM

I agree with everyone, it personal preference. My I would go glass and get a starfire front panel tank. In person they are amazing and the best looking in my opinion. Hope this helps.

mabel_photo6

Fri, 11th Sep 2009, 03:09 AM

Yeah, it is a personal preference.
But, I would go glass.
Mainly because, yes, acrylic scratches then you have to repair it.
Sometimes sand will get in your magnet cleaners... you wipe and there's a nice scratch.
Soooo yeah lol my personal preference is glass.
Plus, you don't get scared trying to scrape off coraline algae from the glass.
Actually, just to be nice to my glass, I use acrylic safe kent scrapers.
Except for my mag-float.

Sort of off subject, has anyone seen that mag-flip and has anyone bought one?
They look pretty darn cool and I actually ordered one but hasn't come in yet. lol