I've heard fish tanks described as plexiglass... but are acrylic tanks and plexiglass tanks the same? If not, which one is more resistant?
2007-03-15 12:37:55 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
There exactly the same thing.
Acrylic fish tanks are more impact resistant than glass, and also weigh much less. But they scratch if you look at them wrong, and you have to be very careful about any source of heat near them because they will warp or even melt if overheated.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a seamless acrylic aquarium is going to cost at least 1 1/2 times as much as glass.
Good luck.
E.
2007-03-15 13:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by > 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes -Polymethyl Merthiolate (PMMA) or poly (methyl 2-methylpropenoate) is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. This thermoplastic and transparent plastic is sold by the tradenames Plexiglas, Perspex, Plazcryl, Acrylite, Acrylplast, Altuglas, R-Cast and Lucite and is commonly called acrylic glass or simply acrylic.
Most aquariums however are constructed of glass, while there are plexiglass tanks, they tend to be smaller and other then the traditional rectangular shape, and are more resistant to leaks and breaking, however not always as translucent as glass, glass has pristine translucent properties and is more resistant to scratching and bio-organic residues bonding with the surface...
2007-03-15 12:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, Plexiglass is a brand name, a company that makes acrylic material.
So yes, they are the same because they are the same type of material.
It's like asking the difference between a Ford and a vehicle. lol
2007-03-15 13:17:17 · answer #3 · answered by fish guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are the same thing. Plexiglass is just acrylic with a fancy brand name. Also depending on where you live you will also find things made out of "Lucite".... same thing, different name.
2007-03-15 14:34:27 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy to Boys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only thing I dont agree with, is that the cost is lower than glass by far... I bought a 50 gallon on ebay NEW! for 110.00, generic, mind u.. but I can do anything with it...and a glass one at say, Petsmart, would be 250.00 or more...I love my acrylic tank, and dont regret at all not getting a glass one..
2007-03-15 15:43:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is an easy way to tell which tank is bettar. The tanks with rounded edges that arent sharp are better because they dont break easily.
2007-03-15 17:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋