Terrie Lee Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Whilst looking online for 50 gallon aquariums I noticed that many offered are of the acrylic variety. My 20g is glass and I am quite satisfied with that, but if acrylic is better for a bigger tank perhaps I should go that way? I was wondering what people on AA thought, and why you prefer one over the other. Also what is the availability of each? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osprey Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) I prefer glass. They're cheaper and don't scratch as easily. BUT acrylic is supposed to last longer, and apparently, minor scratches in acrylic can be repaired. I have no direct experience with acrylic, that's just what I've read. Bob Fenner recommends acrylic, I believe. Edited February 3, 2007 by Osprey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vapor Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 I have also heard that they scratch or scuff up easier. I've only owned glass though, so can't say for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanker Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 I have heard that acrylic is better than glass once it gets thicker (as in 1/2 inch and up) as it doesn't 'warp' the image as much, allowing for better optics. Refraction I suppose is the technical term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Chicklets Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Glass is far more scratch resistant but acrylic is more resiliant to breakage depending on what you are keeping. Also if you want a Panaque they cannot be kept in acrylic tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snaggle Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 For a tank that small I would go with glass. My 150 and my 165 are both glass. When I build my 400 sei cube with center overflow I will be useing glass as well. It will be 60x60x26. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrie Lee Posted February 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Thanks for the info everybody, I think I will go with glass as well. The higher expense of acrylic doesn't seem worth it for a 50 gallon. That way I have a great tank and more money to spend on fish, wich is what I really want to spend my money on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc_Polit Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) I would agree with your choice to go glass in this case. Acrylic does tend to be cost prohibitive on smaller tanks. Some added information for future reference: Glass Pros: Cheaper, somewhat scratch resistant, can be cleaned with ammonia based products (Windex), readily available, allow for wide selection of filters. Glass Cons: Heavier than acrylic, prone to "stress fractures", tinted - this is not so noticeable on smaller tanks but those with thicker panes look green compared to acrylic. Acrylic Pros: Much lighter, resistant to warping and/or breakage, not tinted - give more accurate representation of colors, scratches can be buffed out. Acrylic Cons: $$$, not always readily available, scratches very easily, tends to "yellow" if cleaned with ammonia based products, many tanks are designed for wet/dry and don't allow for use of HOB filters. Just my $0.02 Edited February 3, 2007 by Doc_Polit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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