Ok...so I know this is like the Ford vs. Chevy argument (in the US anyway) but I was just curious what people on here prefer...glass or acrylic aquariums? Pros and cons kinda thing.

ikkie78 wrote:

it depends on the point of reference. there was a discussion similar to this.
you may opt to scroll over it
www.oscarfishlover.com/oscar-fish-advice...hing-like-this#42009

I don't think I would mind as long as it stayed clear. if it started to fade/go foggy I would mind. getting cold feet? i don't know the life of acrylic?

acrilic is defenatly inferior to glass ask your self if the tank was available to you in glass which would you have gone for???? the only advantage acrilic has is it is obviously lighter acrilic will discolour over time and cleaning is a chore no scourers or scotch pads or algea magnets sorry just my opinion what i was asked for

with large tanks acrylic is a better option if you live upstairs. I have concrete floor so it makes no diff to me.

Acrylic will not crack like glass, is also much easier to drill.

marcus wrote:


Haha...no cold feet here! Just curious what people preferred. My only problem is how much money it'll take to get my big tank going and it'll be a few years before i'm able to set it up! haha! Its torture...did have one guy offer me what I paid for it and his complete, brand new, 180 gallon setup...was very tempted to take his offer but then he backed out cuz his wife wouldn't let him!

I think the difference in wieght is a pro for acrylic.
Years,Ikkie?
Yeah, right....I know you can be patient that long.
Lol, i like the 180Gl swap idea...
I got a 180Gl here...

some other benefits of acrylic:

1) it's totally clear - no coloration or tint (i.e. sometimes glass has a greenish color)
2) stronger - so it doesn't have to be as think
3) acrylic has the same light refraction as water - so no distortion (size or color); glass distorts both colors and size

one thing to remember - an acrylic tank requires support across the entire bottom - where a glass tank does not

if hit with a sharp object; glass can shatter (although I would bet this is very rare). The ability to exert enough force to shatter an acrylic tank is virtually impossible

My first acrylic tank was purchased in 1998 and has stayed crystal clear (no yellowing or coloring - although I've heard if they're kept in direct sunlight they can yellow). I've taken very good care of it and have zero scratches.

When I bought my 135 gallon recently, I bought acrylic; I didn't even consider glass because of how pleased I was with my first one.

I have to day I do love the look of your new acrylic you posted! Very nice! The weight savings is a nice thing as well!

I guess basically you can't go wrong either way...just more of a personal preference or weight savings in very large tanks (or smaller as well).