Glass vs. Acrylic for large tank...

[Chris]

Not sure where to put this but this seemed the best place (Jim if theres a better location please move for me... Thanks in advance).

We'll if the wifes prego test is right, my dreams of getting a big tank are going to be coming true (we had a deal... she can have a kid if I can have a big tank LOL). So I am looking for input as to what is better for a LARGE tank, glass or acrylic... any pros/ cons you can think of would be appreciated. I know acrylic is lighter, stronger, but scratches easier. Glass still can get scratches, but not as easily.

I am thinking 6-8' L x 24-36" W x 24-30" T, but more then likely 8' x 30-36 x 24 (30w is 300g 36 is about 360g). This will be my angel + trigger reef And unless I can find a sweet deal on a used one this tank is still going to be a while in the making.

[kgood1]

I like glass my self.
pros: won't scracth as easy
less expensive
you can hide the water level line
eazy to clean
cons: heavy
can't fix scratches.

[Manoj's Reef]

Chris,

My opinion would be acrylic. You are kind of at a border line, you can go either way. But at about 300g the tank starts to get heavy and glass gets very expensive. Also the glass gets thick which may make it look more green. so you might have to think of a starphire glass for the front.

There are some tank experts in our forum am I sure they will pitch in and provide more information.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by kgood1

I like glass my self.
pros: won't scracth as easy
less expensive
you can hide the water level line
eazy to clean
cons: heavy
can't fix scratches.

Yeah I like my current 75g that is glass. The only intank cleaning I really have to do though is the corners of the glass where the mag float doesn't seem to get as good with the silicone. I try to hit it daily with the mag which I think is the main reason I don't have to do much cleaning besides the corners. I definitly like the cost aspect too, but the strength in that size does scare me which is why I am trying to consider both choices.

Also, sorry didn't specify before, but I plan to have this either inwall, or as a room divider, either way I would imagine the water level would be able to be hidden with either the wall or a canopy. (not trying to knock your input, just wanting to add to the knowledge of my plans to help everyone help me lol)

Originally Posted by Manoj's Reef

Chris,

My opinion would be acrylic. You are kind of at a border line, you can go either way. But at about 300g the tank starts to get heavy and glass gets very expensive. Also the glass gets thick which may make it look more green. so you might have to think of a starphire glass for the front.

There are some tank experts in our forum am I sure they will pitch in and provide more information.

Yeah I should have added, that I am thinking this tank will either be in wall a room divider, if its a room divider 2-4 panes of starfire would definitly be expensive lol. Either way its going to be pretty heavy even empty I would imagine, but yeah glass would definitly be alot heavier. I've got to admit I am leaning towards the acrylic myself because of the weight and strength but trying to keep an open mind and find what will truely be the best.

Thanks to both of you for your quick responses and opinions I really appreciate it and look forward to more input

[stunreefer]

I would still go glass for that size tank personally. Although it will be more than acrylic through most places at 8' long.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by stunreefer

I would still go glass for that size tank personally. Although it will be more than acrylic through most places at 8' long.

Why would you go glass? Just personal preference, or for other reasons?

[Crow]

I've always owned glass tanks till this acrylic 300+, and already I wish I went with a glass tank, but I did get a killer deal on it, since it was used. If I had to do it over I'd get glass all the way!!

The big reason is cause of the amount of bracing the acrylic tank needs on the top, I mean you have little port holes cut out of the top, not big enough for anything and since my tank is 30" tall, being able to reach the back or front corners with these small holes will be next to impossiable. I like the full open tops of a glass tank, and then you have the scratching problem with acrylic..

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Crow

I've always owned glass tanks till this acrylic 300+, and already I wish I went with a glass tank, but I did get a killer deal on it, since it was used. If I had to do it over I'd get glass all the way!!

The big reason is cause of the amount of bracing the acrylic tank needs on the top, I mean you have little port holes cut out of the top, not big enough for anything and since my tank is 30" tall, being able to reach the back or front corners with these small holes will be next to impossiable. I like the full open tops of a glass tank, and then you have the scratching problem with acrylic..

I have been told, you can get the holes bigger, and where you want them. If you could have built the acrylic tank instead of buying used and got the holes in the bracing the way you would have liked them (bigger/ more open and better placement) would that effect your decision at all? Do you have a really bad problem with the scratching and if so what has caused it?

More then likely either way I will have to have the new tank built to my design anyways, due to the way I want to run my overflow and everything anyways.

[Crow]

Originally Posted by chort55

I have been told, you can get the holes bigger, and where you want them. If you could have built the acrylic tank instead of buying used and got the holes in the bracing the way you would have liked them (bigger/ more open and better placement) would that effect your decision at all? Do you have a really bad problem with the scratching and if so what has caused it?

More then likely either way I will have to have the new tank built to my design anyways, due to the way I want to run my overflow and everything anyways.

no that wouldn't change my mind as acrylic tanks always have huge covered up tops, since the sides can't hold the water like glass can the bracing on top has to be huge and border the whole top..

As for scratching, its so easy to scratch that if you brush against the tank with something as simple as a paper towel, it will leave scratch. tho you can buff out most scratch's, its still a pain if you have children like i do. (4 Year old)

[lemonyx]

If built correctly, you would not need all the bracing on top as mentioned (aka/used tank). I have seen tanks using 1/" thick acrylic and have a 6"-8" euro brace on top and I have built a couple like this. So no, you don't need to have those "port" holes.

I would suggest acrylic unless he goes with starfire front panel, then it's gonna to be spendy.