Acrylic v. Glass

[reeffirstaid]

So, what are the pros and cons of each? More importantly, what do you guys prefer?

 

[digitaledge]

I live in so cal, so I go acrylic.....I lost a 60 Gal glass and (carpet) when one of our larger quakes hit years ago. One bad thing about acrylic very easy to scratch.

 

[Intricateart]

Yup, glass breaks, acrylic scratches.

 

[mcarroll]

I live in so cal, so I go acrylic.....I lost a 60 Gal glass and (carpet) when one of our larger quakes hit years ago. One bad thing about acrylic very easy to scratch.

I don't know if there's any way around this for "earthquake lovers" but I'd sure dig for one...acrylic is horrible for a tank that's gonna grow coraline. Horrible.

-Matt

 

[docs911]

Acrylic=scratches. I have a glass main tank and a acrylic frag tank. If I could do it over again, I would go all glass.

 

[Polyp Addict]

Glass, I dont like being so paranoid scratching my acrylic tank. So sensitive to scratches.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Starfire Glass only.
Acylic may be lighter and stronger, but the bonds can still break, just like glass, and once you've had it for 8-10 years, you have to break it down to buff out all the scratches.

 

[LAX Noob Reef]

Glass all the way, Acrylic is way too hard to clean.

 

[fishroomlady]

I really think acrylic is "clearer" though

 

[1.0reef]

I really think acrylic is "clearer" though

It is, Starfire glass is really close in terms of clarity, but is harder to scratch.
I prefer glass.

 

[reeffirstaid]

One positive to acrylic, is insulation. Acrylic is a far better insulator of sound and temperature, than glass. Glass actually allows temperature to dissipate through it, acrylic does not. One negative to acrylic, the algae magnets required to clean them, are so soft, they require a bit more work, than the course glass ones.