2007-03-17 16:11:09 · 9 answers · asked by here_4_1_day 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Would you go with an acrylic fishtank or a glass fishtank?
2007-03-17 16:11:50 · update #1
PROS OF ACRYLIC
Acrylic is much lighter than glass. You can easily move a large tank in acrylic but you better have at least two people to move glass tanks 55 gallons and up!
Acrylic is seamless. It is molded in one piece so it will never leak. All glass tanks leak eventually. Glass tanks are made by sealing five pieces of glass together with sliicone. It will eventually leak.
Acrylic is clearer and causes less distortion. Glass distorts the fish somewhat and all glass (unless it is a pricier brand like Starfire) has a blue or green tint to it which affects the colors of the fish that you see. Don't believe me? Look at the edges on a glass tank.
CONS OF ACRYLIC
Acrylic scratches MUCH easier than glass. You really have to be careful when putting in gravel or rocks, rearranging the tank decor, or cleaning the interior sides of algae or diatoms. Never use a razor on acylic and make sure what you are using in safe for acrylic tanks. There are scratch repair kits but you have to drain the tank and you often cannot remove the scratch completely.
Acrylic is expensive. Expect to pay 3-4 times more money for an acrylic tank than a glass tank in the same size.
Depending on the design of the acrylic tank you buy, your options for hoods and equipment may be restricted. Acrylic tanks have smaller openings on the top which might limit you.
I would go with acrylic if I could afford it. It is possible for acrylic in some cases to crack but this is rare. I worry about glass tanks leaking and breaking. There are a lot of people out there with horror stories about how a pane on their glass tank cracked and subsequently shattered pouring everything out onto the floor!
2007-03-17 17:22:40 · answer #1 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say glass is better then an acrylic fish tank I bought one and it had a leak so I had to take ALL of my fish stuff out and moved it to a glass tank . No problems with this one . The acrylic tank may get discolored and not so clear after time goes by, some people say you have to wax them to prevent that but I m not sure about that yet but on a good note I have heard that there harder to brake then glass tanks . But I personally like the glass tanks I guess I'm still bitter about that leak ^.^
Hope I could be of some help!
2007-03-17 17:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by Betta boo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought about this for a long time and ended up going with glass. Now, I wish I'd got an acrylic tank, instead. If I had gotten an acrylic tank, I'd probably wish I had gotten a glass one!
Glass
Has a slight tint to it unless it's lead free which is much more expensive.
Is HEAVY and difficult to take outside and clean. (I have a 120 gallon)
Can Break.
Doesn't come in as many shapes/styles as acrylic.
Acrylic
Can get a yellowish tint over time. (especially with a basking light that I use for my turtles)
Is generally clearer than glass.
Can be scratched, but is pretty difficult to break! (turtles can scratch)
Can be VERY expensive.
2007-03-17 16:21:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have both glass & acrylic tanks, most of the pro's & cons were covered. There is one that was missing that I could think of, involves stands and support. Acrylic tanks need a solid bottom stand, where glass tanks can go in a "frame" type stand.
2007-03-17 18:11:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
about the only con I could see is that afer time, the acrylic may start to get cloudly (milky colored) but the chances of that are slim, where as glass will always stay clear( but have a larger chance of getting cracked or break. . I guess it's just what you feel works best for you.
2007-03-17 16:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by mom tree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the situation. If you have a lot of activity and kids in your house, I would suggest acrylic, but glass usually looks much nicer otherwise.
2007-03-17 16:57:32 · answer #6 · answered by Leafy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd always go for glass...it doesn't age and discolour like acrylic and it also doesn't scratch as easily.
2007-03-17 20:38:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a bit more flexible-should not crack or break= it will show scratches- is an oil based product=I certainly don't like scratches- looks ugly on the acrylic-- D
2007-03-17 16:17:55 · answer #8 · answered by Debby B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
acrylic is heavy duty but it is not appealing to the eye
2007-03-17 19:30:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋