Acrylic vs. Glass Aquariums

[Zanne]

I may have talked my boyfriend into getting a larger tank rather than getting a small quarantine/hospital tank. With this in mind, I'd probably be able to get somewhere between a 40-70 gallon depending on the dimensions. The area that I have for the tank is approximately 42" wide so it would need to be a tall tank.

Before investing in this, I'm trying to research between acrylic and glass aquariums to see what are the pros and cons between each. Any comments from personal experiences would be appreciated.

 

[The-Wolf]

the only problems I can see with acrylic is the care,
it scratches very easily, from the second hand ones I've seen.

I'm sure that if looked after corectly, then there is no real difference in the two

 

[shrks1fan]

My 29 gallon community tank is Acrylic.

The pros are it's light, very easy to transport and weighs less after you add water (if weight is a concern). Rounded corners for a nicer look. Stonger, less likely to break or crack.

The cons, it scratches easily, can't scrub algae with any ole scrubber, need to use a specific type for acrylic. Certain algae eaters will cause tiny scratches, such as your common Pleco and CAE's.

I prefer the Acrylic, I like the look and the lighter weight when transporting was very nice.

Linda

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I wouldn't buy an acrylic tank unless it was because of it's shape.

I think they look tacky and they can go 'cloudy' as well as being damaged easily.

By the way, you said you'll need a tall tank because of the length. You should think about it being wide. A tall tank means less fish because of the smaller surface space.

 

[Zanne]

Thanks for the replies all. Would love to hear more from others as well

Cheese,

One of the other reasons I want a tall tank (besides the space available) is because I'd like to get at least a pair of angels and figure they would probably do best with the additional room at the top and the bottom.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

True but they will be happy as long as it's 18" high and that's a standard height on bigger tanks.

 

[Teelie]

The pros are, lighter, easier scratch repair and better designs

The cons are, turn yellow with age, they don't crack, they crumble making a worse mess, and they scratch easier and can be harder to clean.

 

[freshwater]

I would rather have a glass tank that is not prone to scratches instead of the arcylic because once you have the tank where its going its not going to make that much of difference in weight of what the tank (Its not like your going to pick it up and carry it around) is made of, the water and the substrate are going to make it heavy. Plus they now even hav curved glass tanks not just plain ordinary rectangles.

 

[dead_letters]

glass is ok if you dont want scratches and a clear tank but glass is heaver to move if the tank needs to be moved.Plastic scratches easyly but it is a lot stronger in ways than glass.

 

[jvis0606]

I have a 25 gallon tall acrylic tank. Love how much lighter the unit is. It is easier to scratch, a downfall, but I really like the rounded edges look. I don't think it is tacky at all, in fact I would find it hard to tell the difference once everything is in and running. Depends on your needs. Acrylic is also stronger. I feel better with the acrylic tank.

Although mine is on the tall size, it is true what someone said above that the surface area is what really matter, not the depth. And keep in mind the temp needs more regulation for a taller tank, to even everything out. I also find it a little harder to clean out, its tough to reach the bottom fo the tank without getting myself a little wet!

 

[Opcn]

If you want sand dont go with acrylic.

 

[digital_run]

weight shouldn't be a concern....when a tank is full you shouldn't be lifting it anyways..glass or acrylic....I'd rather glass as i've seen an old acrylic tank and it looks horrible....but they both have there strong points.

 

[Tropjunky]

Well both are good but plastics are brittle and only good for small tanks so if it's gonna be big then get a class one less problems looks better from my POV

Cracks in a bigg acrylic tank will cause ur tank u explode but not in glass (exept for some types like with a hammer) acrylic tanks will tolerate some warping but not glass and it tends to bend in bigger tanks.