startingasaltwatertank

When considering the purchase of a tank is wise to look over the pros and cons of both acrylic and glass aquariums.  Each has unique benefits.

Scratches

One of the biggest drawbacks with an acrylic tank is that it is so easily scratched.  Almost anything will scratch it, even substrate.  Glass is less likely to be scratched; but when it is, it’s permanent.  You can always buff out scratches on an acrylic tank.

Weight

Glass is heavier than acrylic, making it more difficult to move.  Acrylic is so light that setting it up is often a breeze.

Shape

Shape with glass aquariums is very limited.  Most glass aquariums are retanglar or box shaped.  However the possibilites for acrylic are virtually endless.

Clarity

Glass has a slightly greenish tint to it, so colors are not as true.  However the clarity will remain throughout it’s life. The exception to the rule is starphire glass which is completely clear and is even harder to scratch.  Acrylic is also clear.  Colors and size truer than a regular glass aquarium.  However, acrylic tends to yellow over long periods of time.

Price

Generally, acrylic is more expensive than glass.  However the opposite can be true of the smaller sized tanks and sumps (a filter of sorts).

Personally, I prefer glass.  Sure, it can be a pain to move (I have a large tank) but it just seems more stable to me.  The only complaints I have is that glass does scratch over time.  I have a 6 year old that has always loved to clean the glass with the mag-float (lets you clean the glass from the outside of the tank) and from time to time a piece of sand or coraline will get stuck in it and scratch up the glass.  I always cringe when I see her go for it, and an inevitable “no!” will follow.  I have decided that when we do our upgrade that we use starphire on the front for the express purpose….and no mag-float!     

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