Glass v acrylic ?

[jakepittbull]

I'm considering getting a larger tank. Is glass or acrylic a better option, advantages and disadvantages for each ??? All info appreciated.

 

[Chromobotia]

There's a lot of good threads out there. Did you see this one?

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78249

I went acrylic when I got my 500 gallon. The biggest downside to acrylic is that it scratches easily and it does, doesn't matter how careful you are.

 

[BODYDUB]

Acrylic is lighter, stronger but scratches easier...........

 

[Bderick67]

Though is does scratch easier, scratches are easily buffed out. Also acrylic, depending on type damage, can be repaired without removing the entire panel.

 

[jakepittbull]

how much more do they cost over glass ?

 

[Chromobotia]

how much more do they cost over glass ?

I believe, in general, for smaller tanks, acrylic costs more than glass. For larger tanks, glass costs more than acrylic. I could be wrong, maybe someone can confirm or disprove.

 

[Bderick67]

When I was searching to buy my 450g early in 2009 acrylic tanks were about 1/3rd more then glass tanks. Currently I believe that acrylic is even more expensive then when I bought my tank.

 

[Clay]

When I priced out a 300g recently, it came in just about even for glass vs acrylic. I ended up going a little bigger and went with acrylic.

 

[Egon]

You almost have to go acrylic for larger tanks. Anything over 500 gallons is 90% acrylic and anything over 750 is 99.9% acrylic. If your getting a large tank there's no choice.
I have three acrylic tanks a 180, 360, and 450. They scratch easy! Scratched one using paper towels to clean it! However, they buff out just as easy.

When making a decision remember acrylic is lighter, stronger, and clearer than glass. It's also very easy to work with. Regular wood hole saw will put holes in acrylic, if you wanted to add a canister filter or something?

So if your "larger tank" is 500+ go acrylic. If large means a 125 then stick with glass and buy used on Craigs list. I just saw one in Phoenix for $200 with stand hood and filters. Can't beat that! I think I might buy it

 

[philfreenode]

Go for acrylic, your back and friend's backs will thank you. Likely to never have a leak, too.