Glass or acrylic??

[RJKain-777]

Why not roll with Miracles? And I've gotten quotes from a few manufacturers and Concept definitely wasn't Reef Savvy prices lol They were by far the cheapest and that played a big part on why I didn't go with them.

When I got the original quote from concept for my old tank vs reef savvy, they were very close in price.. maybe $1000 off.

I changed the size to 72x30x24, and the price dropped a bit from the 96x30x30 size. Removed the external over flow and the polished edges and I was at $2200 for just a glass box.

Original quote for the 96x30x30 was $7200 from concept...

 

[RJKain-777]

40 MP40’s ? Nice!

Acrylic is nice for the lighter weight, and I guess hou can get scratches out of it..... but not without emptying it if the scratches are on the inside, and that’s ALWAYS where they are!!!

My acrylic looks as clear as the more expensive low-iron glass tanks though...

Definitely a typo! Lol meant to say 4! That would be some insane flow!

 

[RJKain-777]

I wanted a big tank. The cost to have someone build it was out of this world. I built my own. Its 5 x 5 x 3. Since I could not handle panes of glass that heavy (1" thick) I went with acrylic. Saved a ton of money. With the proper tools and some care you can keep it clean.

I was thinking of building my own, but have no idea of where to buy the acrylic in Canada. Or even if the cost difference would be worth it.

 

[RJKain-777]

Why not roll with Miracles? And I've gotten quotes from a few manufacturers and Concept definitely wasn't Reef Savvy prices lol They were by far the cheapest and that played a big part on why I didn't go with them.

I may go with miracles, they are Canadian, so it helps our economy. -

 

[JoshH]

When I got the original quote from concept for my old tank vs reef savvy, they were very close in price.. maybe $1000 off.

I changed the size to 72x30x24, and the price dropped a bit from the 96x30x30 size. Removed the external over flow and the polished edges and I was at $2200 for just a glass box.

Original quote for the 96x30x30 was $7200 from concept...

Odd, when I went looking for quotes for my tank, arguably smaller but Concept landed at $1700, Miracles was $2300 and Reef Savvy was $2600 US so just over double what Concept wanted with the current exchange rate.

 

[jwilliams860]

Im the same boat. I used to have an acrylic 300 96x30x24. I remember there being some scratches, and when I got lazy it required a little more elbow grease to clean the panes. I currently have a rimless 150 that is glass, its great to be able to stick the scraper in there and just clean it.
I have the opportunity to get another acrylic tank that is 120x48x30 and a great price i just cant decide if I want a bigger tank would it be glass or acrylic, I got quotes from custom aquarium, they have a lifetime warranty I believe and are just across the line in the states for you.
It really just comes down to preference and budget. I think they both have their pros and cons.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

One thing that i dont think has been mentioned is that acrylic is MUCH stronger than glass. Once it is welded together it is one soild piece. So is you want 1200 gallons of water held togther by four 3/4" seams of caulk... well you are braver than me.

Yes, acrylic scratches. Quite easily in fact. The upside is..the scratches are EASILY removed, inside or outside the tank. Glass scratches as well..I have a AGE custom glass tank that has three scratches. That tank cost me 6k all in. I spent two hours with diamond paste, cirium oxide and a power buffer to get the scratches out... nothing.

Lastly is weight... you are NOT going to move an 8' x 8' tank without a forklift.

Give envision acrylics a call. James is a HIGHLY skilled professional. Tell him Brian sent you. Wont hurt to get a quote.

Cheers

 

[italquam]

Midwest Customs Aquariums are a great tank builder , he will be making my next tank.

With acrylic , you don't have to worry so much about chipped corners. I might go bare bottom so it eliminates the sand factor

 

[Feet4Fish]

Also another plus for acrylic is that is is a superior insulator compared to glass. Also in my opinion the clarity is superior.