Acrylic Tanks?

[xEchOx]

Hi, I am looking to upgrade from a 55g. I was recently browsing the web for a new one and stumbled upon a site that sells all Acrylic Tanks. The site was claiming that : 1.Acrylic tanks are stonger because the joints are chemically fused together as opposed to using a sealant like glass tanks.
2.Acrylic tanks are clearer. (Glass in general carries a green tint as it thickens, Acrylic is clear no matter the thickness.)
3.Acrylic tanks last longer because they will flex, and reduce the chances or a knick, or a crack.
4.Acrylic tanks are lighter than glass. (that doesnt take much)

Does anyone here have an Acrylic tank, or know anything about them? Is this all Hype? Right now I'm pretty sold on them, but I would like to know if I am being scammed. Your thoughts and advice is appreciated as always. Thanks.

 

[hewhorunswithscissors]

for something up to 150 gal, nothing wrong with glass... especially 100gal or smaller, I would definitel prefer glass. But for anything LARGE (150gal++) I would only consider acrylic, for strength and weight reasons.

 

[gman]

Just make sure you are buying from a reputable builder. I have heard nightmare stories about poorly built tanks. Check out their work before you commit to buying.

 

[Magnus30]

I don't have one but have done alittle research myself, I think the only down fall i've seen is that they will scratch.

 

[zebramoray14]

i would not get a acryclic tank if you breath on it it will scratch

 

[Scottfree]

I only buy acrylic, because of 1-5, but it is also much more thermal.... Acrylic rules a long as you don't ahve 5 year old that want to gouge ur tank....

 

[TankBuster]

I love acrylic. I have both glass and acrylic. The only downside I have with acrylic is that if you use tap water and you get some on the acrylic, you have to dry it right away or you get white hard water spots that can scratch if you try to wipe it when dry. I have all sand in my 250 gallon acrylic and I havnt scratched it yet.. The one thing also to look for is that the top piece is as thick as the rest of the tank because my top piece is thinner than the rest and where the access cut outs are, the top bows pretty bad . I think its from the heat of the lights but the top is not level at all. Thank god for the canopy or it would look like hell.

 

[DeLgAdO]

down side....... they can scratch easily... can be a pain to buff out. I am all for acrylic tanks.

ok,

try this

scratch a glass tank and an acrylic tank

buff out both of them then come back to me and tell me which one is harder

 

[DeLgAdO]

Acrylic is half the weight of glass.
It's easier to ship, move, and set up your aquarium.


Acrylic is several times stronger than glass.
It will not shatter, crack, or leak like glass can.


Acrylic distorts much less and is clearer than glass.
If a transparent object is surrounded by another material that has the same index of refraction, then the speed of light will not change as it enters the object. No reflection and no refraction will take place, and the object will appear invisible and without distortion, even at increased viewing angles. In addition to having a slight green tint, glass has an index of refraction that is considerably different from water. Incidentally, clear acrylic plastics have almost the same refractive index as seawater so there is no bending of light as it passes from the plastic into seawater, providing better and brighter color and sharper shapes in acrylic aquariums. The huge viewing windows in large public aquariums and oceanariums can be more than 12 inches thick, but because they are made of acrylic, they afford a very clear view of the water and ocean life they enclose. Acrylic also allows better penetration of your system lighting, which is especially important for reef systems.


Acrylic insulates better than glass.
Acrylic controls water temperature fluctuations, one of the primary reasons for fish stress, disease, and death. Glass conducts heat and cold causing more fluctuations.


Acrylic seams are stronger than glass.
Acrylic seams are molecular bonds and actually stronger than the acrylic itself. Silicone seams used on glass aquariums can dry out and weaken over time.


Acrylic seams are visually superior to glass.
Acrylic seams are polished and nearly invisible. Silicone seams are clearly visible and have been known to discolor when exposed to certain fish medications.


Acrylic is easily refinished.
If glass scratches it can not be repaired. Acrylic can be repaired with a variety of scratch removal kits. Even internal scratches can be repaired without removing the fish or water.


Custom formed designs are possible with acrlylic.
Acrylic can be formed to create interesting aquarium designs which you won't find with glass aquariums.

 

[Atarax]

Doesnt acrylic discolor or become cloudy over time? I obviously have a glass aquarium otherwise i would know the answer