Acrylic or glass for 6x2x2 tank?

[PDRed302]

Don't see much of a benefit in going either way, anything bigger I would go acrylic anything smaller go glass. I would just grab the best deal that can be found which will most likely be a glass tank.

x2

 

[mr.bigglesworth]

If it was me i would go with acrylic. Because my floors cant handle the extra lbs that glass carries. But that's the only reason.

 

[Dan F]

If it was me i would go with acrylic. Because my floors cant handle the extra lbs that glass carries. But that's the only reason.

Actually, a filled acrylic 6x2x2 is only about 10% lighter than a filled glass 6x2x2. Not really significant as far as your floor goes.

A glass tank weighs 348 pounds (according to Marineland's specs) empty and ~1788 pounds full. Acrylic tanks weigh about half as much, for an empty weight of ~174 pounds and a filled weight of ~1614 pounds.

 

[selki]

Actually, a filled acrylic 6x2x2 is only about 10% lighter than a filled glass 6x2x2. Not really significant as far as your floor goes.

A glass tank weighs 348 pounds (according to Marineland's specs) empty and ~1788 pounds full. Acrylic tanks weigh about half as much, for an empty weight of ~174 pounds and a filled weight of ~1614 pounds.

DANG! Good to know! I've had a 300g tenecor and 100g acrylic and for some reason my 180g glass was way nicer looking..Acrylic scratches too easily.. Definitely getting glass again.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Wow, looks like it's personal preference... Hmm, so I am stuck again.

You're right...it's personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer and there are very experienced and knowledgeable hobbyists that swear by each.

I don't vouch that the below is perfectly and fairly worded, so others can correct the statements.

1) glass breaks easier, acrylic scratches easier. If you are careful and avoid the wrong fish, neither should be a problem. Are you careful? (See #4 below if you aren't careful!)
2) glass is cheaper, but acrylic is lighter. Do you have extra cash? Do you have plenty of friends? (Note this relates to moving empty tanks....the difference in weight of filled tanks is almost a trivial issue.)
3) glass will look better if the acrylic scratches and you don't buff it, but acrylic will look better if it doesn't get scratched (unless perhaps you spend money on more expensive glass). Do you care to do maintenance or spend more cash?
4) acrylic can often be repaired, but glass typically can't. Is that a deal breaker?
5) how long do you plan to keep the tank? 5 years? 20 years? Your answer may affect your choice.

So, it's your choice.

 

[aquav]

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with glass. Fact is, I am sometimes not the most careful so I can see scratching acrylic easily. Weight is not an issue, since the tank will be sitting on a concrete slab. The cost difference was amazing, almost $800 cheaper...
Thanks for all the input!