Show Tank

[kramers]

Just wondering, what exactly makes up a "show tank"?

 

[iairj84]

In my experience every show tank I've seen that's a true show tank has had seams that are hardly visible at all. Most, but not all have been acrilic tanks, and a good majority of those have been bowfront tanks. I think a lot of people will use the term show tank when referring to their tank that they put probably the most effort into to make look the best. It's probably the one that's on display in a prominent area of the house and a way of showing of their aquascaping talents.

 

[fish-r-fancy]

I had the exact same question before. Here is the topic that it was answered in:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...mp;hl=show+tank

 

[MikeD67]

In my experience every show tank I've seen that's a true show tank has had seams that are hardly visible at all. Most, but not all have been acrilic tanks, and a good majority of those have been bowfront tanks. I think a lot of people will use the term show tank when referring to their tank that they put probably the most effort into to make look the best. It's probably the one that's on display in a prominent area of the house and a way of showing of their aquascaping talents.

Why are most show tanks acrylic? the only good thing I have heard about them is there more sturdy than glass but I hear after a couple years they turn a yellow tint. Is there a way to avoid the color change in a acrylic tank?

 

[iairj84]

My neighbor only uses acrylics in his bigger saltwater tanks. I believe he has a 135gallon and a 200 something gallon and both are acrylic. He said he has had them for probably 5 years or so and they are still crystal clear. Maybe it has something to do with the upkeep of the tanks and how they are cleaned?

 

[MikeD67]

My neighbor only uses acrylics in his bigger saltwater tanks. I believe he has a 135gallon and a 200 something gallon and both are acrylic. He said he has had them for probably 5 years or so and they are still crystal clear. Maybe it has something to do with the upkeep of the tanks and how they are cleaned?

Thats what i was wondering cuz hearing of this is the reason why I havent went towards a acrylic tank for the amount of money they cost I would be mad if it turned a yellow tint after 2 years.

 

[iairj84]

Ya I agree, I have only ever used glass tanks... Well I have one smaller plastic betta tank, but that's different...
Here's a link that says acrylic doesn't turn yellow

http/www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-differ...s-aquariums.htm

I would imagine a cheaper quality acrylic might, but it must just be plastic that is doing that.

Also from here:
http/www.aatfabrication.com/advanced/faq.html



Doesn't acrylic turn yellow?
Answer: No! Twenty or thirty years ago when acrylic was first introduced to the consumer acrylic it was inferior and not as refined as it is now and tended to yellow over a period of time. In present times the only acrylic of choice for making an aquarium is cell cast acrylic and is 93% optically clear and that is exactly how it stays as long as you own your aquarium.

 

[MikeD67]

Ya I agree, I have only ever used glass tanks... Well I have one smaller plastic betta tank, but that's different...
Here's a link that says acrylic doesn't turn yellow

http/www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-differ...s-aquariums.htm

I would imagine a cheaper quality acrylic might, but it must just be plastic that is doing that.

Also from here:
http/www.aatfabrication.com/advanced/faq.html



Doesn't acrylic turn yellow?
Answer: No! Twenty or thirty years ago when acrylic was first introduced to the consumer acrylic it was inferior and not as refined as it is now and tended to yellow over a period of time. In present times the only acrylic of choice for making an aquarium is cell cast acrylic and is 93% optically clear and that is exactly how it stays as long as you own your aquarium.

thankyou for these they will be help full due to the fact I am in the process of upgrading my 30 gal tank to a bigger tank most likely 75 gal and very possibly may go towards a acrylic tank.

 

[iairj84]

Acrylic is going to cost at least twice as much but the looks on them are great and a heck of a lot easier to move!