Glass or Acrylic

[elfloyd]

Looking for some input as to pros and cons.

<ul>
<li>Pro: Acrylic is lighter than glass</li>
<li>Pro: Glass is more scratch resistant than acrylic.</li>
<li>Con: Acrylic tanks usually cost more than glass.</li>
<li>Con: Acrylic may be more susceptible to pressure points where it touches the stand.</li>
</ul>

What else can you add?

Which do you prefer... and why?

Thanks!

 

[jeffmuse]

I do not have any experience with Acrylic Tanks (except my sump), but I did a lot of research on acrylic vs glass when deciding on my setup last year. One of the cons that you pointed out was the need to be wary of pressure points on the acrylic surface... this means that you need to have a stand that is made specifically for an acrylic tank. While most glass aquarium stands support the weight of the tank around the bottom diameter, acrylic stands tend to be a flat surface that supports the entire bottom of the tank.

While this may not be a huge concern, it is something to keep in mind...

 

[jennm]

What size of tank are you considering? Cost comes into play (unless money is not an issue - but for most folks it is).

I prefer glass for tanks up to about 300 gallons. After that, it usually becomes more practical and cost-effective to go with acrylic.

Acrylic scratches more easily but it can be repaired. Once glass is scratched, it's scratched.

Jenn

 

[tgriffin]

My first tank was/is acrylic. I really like the clarity and lightweight of acrylic. I won't be going with acrylic with the next one though. I hate having to be so careful when cleaning the surface.

 

[elfloyd]

JennM;476477 wrote: What size of tank are you considering? Cost comes into play (unless money is not an issue - but for most folks it is).

I prefer glass for tanks up to about 300 gallons. After that, it usually becomes more practical and cost-effective to go with acrylic.

Acrylic scratches more easily but it can be repaired. Once glass is scratched, it's scratched.

Jenn

I'll go with a 180 or deep 240.

 

[skriz]

I have both. My large tank is starphire glass, my nano is acrylic.

Cost wasn't a concern since I wanted it to be right and I wanted what I wanted. I went with glass for the large tank for the fear of scratching acrylic.

BOTH tanks have now been scratched. Guess which one has no scratches left..the nano. The glass tank's scratches are permenantly there; nothing I can do about it. The nano can be buffed easily and quickly. With the right tools, it's actually difficult to scratch the acrylic tank.

Even though I have starphire, you still can't beat the clarity of acrylic; it's amazing.

 

[grouper therapy]

Skriz;477053 wrote: I have both. My large tank is starphire glass, my nano is acrylic.

Cost wasn't a concern since I wanted it to be right and I wanted what I wanted. I went with glass for the large tank for the fear of scratching acrylic.

BOTH tanks have now been scratched. Guess which one has no scratches left..the nano. The glass tank's scratches are permenantly there; nothing I can do about it. The nano can be buffed easily and quickly. With the right tools, it's actually difficult to scratch the acrylic tank.

Even though I have starphire, you still can't beat the clarity of acrylic; it's amazing.

Is the glass tank full of water already?

 

[fish_guy]

Makes me think that I want to keep my acrylic 125 now lol

 

[grouper therapy]

There are ways to remove scratches from glass but it is super labor intense and the method I know can not be done underwater as opposed to some of the methods for acrylic.

 

[skriz]

grouper therapy;477733 wrote: There are ways to remove scratches from glass but it is super labor intense and the method I know can not be done underwater as opposed to some of the methods for acrylic.

I have some on the inside (which is now under water) and a couple on the outside.

I tried cerium oxide, but I don't have the patience to really work it, or wait for it to work. Is this your method or do you have something better?

 

[grouper therapy]

Skriz;477748 wrote: I have some on the inside (which is now under water) and a couple on the outside.

I tried cerium oxide, but I don't have the patience to really work it, or wait for it to work. Is this your method or do you have something better?

No my friend that is it, one in the same .You are correct it takes forever and ever and ever. Then you have to do a big enough area to not distort the glass as well. It can be done but I am not sure it is worth it either.

 

[skriz]

grouper therapy;477757 wrote: No my friend that is it, one in the same .You are correct it takes forever and ever and ever. Then you have to do a big enough area to not distort the glass as well. It can be done but I am not sure it is worth it either.

It's not worth it for sure. I worked on it for a couple of hours and think</em> I made a difference; at this point, I don't care if I really made a difference or not, so long as I believe I did!

 

[snowmansnow]

while I love the tank i have (an acrylic 125 from MRC with external overflow), I'm not sure I'll go acrylic again.

Keeping the scratch free is nearly impossible over the course of years. Yes, glass scratches too, but it's harder TO scratch.

Yes, you can remove scratches from acrylic, but it really does take a LOT of elbow grease.

As far as clarity goes It's hard to beat CLEAN acrlyic

Bottom line for me is...

acrylic is light and workable (and MUCH MUCH cheaper when I purchased my tank). Glass may stay looking new longer (scratches)
Acrylic is LIGHTER (not really an issue once in place).

So....

IMO its a toss up that being said... MY next tank will be glass

B

 

[enderg60]

Both my old tanks were acrylic, and I will NEVER again own one.

My new tank is starphire glass, and yes I have already scratched it, but I could not be happier.

Unless your talking about a tank over 300g I wouldnt even consider acrylic as the clarity is pretty much a moot point(comparing starphire to acrylic) when the thickness is less then 1/2"

rather then type out an essay(which would be full of rage), just trust me. get glass and dont worry about it.

 

[elfloyd]

Thanks for the opinions!!!