Glass or Acrylic? [Archive] - Saltwater Aquariums

JasonL

05-27-2003, 05:39 PM

Okay, so this is the age old question, and I know there has been a great deal of debate. I'm just starting to plan and shop for an aquarium and could benefit from some more experienced advice.

I'm going to get a 180 gal tank (72x24x24). At least that's my plan. If anyone has an opinion there, I'll take it. That seems like a good size. Long enough, but with enough depth that fish can swim around - not just back and forth.

I'm also planning on buying a reef ready tank, to get the pre-plumbed internal overflow. So I'm looking primarily at the Oceanic (glass) or Tenecor (acrylic) reef ready systems.

It seems like the primary advantage of acrylic is that it weighs less and is stronger, but it sounds like it has a problem with coralline algae growth on the acrylic. Glass is easier to clean and scratch resistant. Acrylic is (I think) about 25% more expensive, but (in my opinion) looks nicer than glass. I just think the seams look unattractive on the glass tanks. While I don't really want to throw money away, it is definitely worth laying out more money up front to get the better tank for my long term use.

So, based on all that, I'm leaning towards acrylic. But I would appreciate any and all comments (except about my mother). Thanks.

Mikeaveli21

05-27-2003, 06:17 PM

Honestly, it seems like you have all the basics pretty much figured out in terms of the pros and cons. It really will come down to personal preference. I think the MAIN drawback for acrylic is the whole scratch factor. If you can find away around that, then I would go acrylic because of the factors you listed plus it's lighter than the glass as well. Definitely, as the tank size increases the need to go acrylic increases due to the force exerted on the seams of glass tanks via the water.

I doubt this rambling will help in anyway, but like you said it's one opinion that might help with your decision. Good luck with whatever choice you make, I think both will turn out just fine.

Mike

matrixnyc

05-27-2003, 07:25 PM

you will get many different opinions, and they are just that.

It will basically come down to what you are looking for in a tank.

Glass is easy to clean, but heavy.

Acrylic is Lighter but costs more.

Why are you leaning towards the acrylic tank?

JasonL

05-27-2003, 08:27 PM

"Why are you leaning towards the acrylic tank?"

For a couple reasons. The first is exterior appearance. I think the acrylic looks more... professional. I don't like the seams of the glass tanks. I also like the strength of the acrylic tank. I don't want to worry about the tank springing a leak in 7 years. Also, I really like the idea of a "reef ready" tank, and the acrylic seems like it is better suited for that kind of drilling. I plan on getting a reef ready tank from a manufacturer (rather than making it myself). I know that Oceanic makes a glass reef ready, but I worry that the additional drilling in a glass tank creates more risk in the future of leaking or cracking. Maybe not a rational fear.

The only reason that I would really consider a glass tank (other than price, which isn't a critical factor), is to keep the front cleaner. Especially since I just read another posting which cites a problem with coralline algae growth on acrylic tanks.[/quote]

newby

05-28-2003, 03:04 PM

I'm in the same boat as yourself right now so I can't say which is better. However, the two other things that Acrylic has going for it that you didn't mention (though you may already know these) are that:

Acrylic is clearer than glass (that being said, any of the glass tanks I've seen set up look fine as long as they are kept clean),

Acrylic is better as a temperature insulator.

If anyone out there has had an acrylic tank set up for a few years or so, I'd love to hear your feedback on the algae issue.

matrixnyc

05-28-2003, 03:32 PM

you can also look into the starphire or starfire glass tanks.

They are much clearer than an allglass tank

http://go.to/interamerican

here is a previous post:
http://www.reeflounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=755&highlight=starphire

surgeon67

05-29-2003, 01:54 PM

Well, FWIW, I have a 170 acrylic (tenecor) corner tank. I've been happy with it for the most part since I got it a year ago. Thus far, I have one scratch from where a large sand granule got under my cleaning magnet. It made a small scratch on the inner surface that is only visible when algae gets on the front (grows there first). Scratches on the outside, which I would think would be more common, have not been a problem, despite the children in my waiting room with their toys etc. Also, any scratches on the outside can be polished out, unlike glass. Coralline algae hasn't been the problem I thought it was going to be at first. Some has formed at the bottom near the sand border, but otherwise I've been OK so far. One problem I hadn't anticipated, that you might want to consider though is the cover. The top of mine has a sealed cover with small removable lids for access. Keeping the cover clean is difficult since it can't be removed.

All in all though, I like the acrylic, especially since the corner shape I have wouldn't do well in glass.

Also, you mentioned drilling. If you think you might have to drill your tank later, DEFINITELY go acrylic. You can do that yourself if you want. Glass, HAS to be done professionally, IF you can get someone to do it. Some glass shops wont touch aquaria at all.

Hope that helps 8)

RazerCorals

06-19-2003, 12:50 AM

AWestphal

06-19-2003, 12:58 AM

I purchsed an all glass tank and it still scratched so I doubt the scratch resistance theory behind glass tanks.

But I also rubbed some sand on it with my cleaner brush so that was probally my own fault.

AJ

RazerCorals

06-19-2003, 01:07 AM

I've never scratched an AGA tank that was at least 20G.

AWestphal

06-19-2003, 01:33 AM

Mine is an All Glass Aquarium...75 gallons. I still managed to scratch it. My next perfecto 110 I will be more careful with.

I still cannot find a scratch removal kit for glass? :?

phistio

06-19-2003, 02:23 AM

I'm debating on getting this 30gallon that is totally reef complete. It has built in Power Compact Hood, built in the back wet/dry filter and returns. All pumps and holes are pretty much hidden. Only this is it is acrylic.

that's exactly hom my macro-nano 25 is...

i bought it from steve frosti a.k.a. "the acrylicman"

it's a proven setup, and very easy to maintain! :D

surgeon67

06-19-2003, 04:29 PM

I still cannot find a scratch removal kit for glass? :?

And you won't.... there is no way to remove scrathces from glass - at least without melting it first :mrgreen:

They are readily available for acrylic though... that's one of the advantages - easier to scratch than glass, but you can fix it if you do. Best if used on the outside though as I understand it.

steve1s

06-19-2003, 04:38 PM

Actually you can easily remove scratches from glass. There is a compound known as jewelers rounge which is a very very fine wet pumace paste.

It will allow you to remove scratches from glass, it just takes a bit of elbow grease. You cannot use it inside the tank unless you drain it and are careful to clean it when done.

Cheers
Steve

AWestphal

06-19-2003, 05:47 PM

I will have to look into that. I plan on getting a 110 for the stand and turning the 75 into a refuge/sump.

AJ~

surgeon67

07-04-2003, 09:36 PM

Actually you can easily remove scratches from glass. There is a compound known as jewelers rounge which is a very very fine wet pumace paste.

Hmm... I'd always read you couldn't do that. I'll have to check that out myself. I have a scratch on a 20g I've been looking at far too long.

steve1s

07-04-2003, 11:31 PM