Acrylic vs Glass

[ljr]

I know this is sort of like asking Windows or Mac... but if you were going to get a big tank today, and prices were similar, would you go with an acrylic tank or a starfire glass tank? Both have their advantages.

 

[daves-reef]

Seeing as I just purchased a 120 Oceanic Tech with starfire. I vote for glass. It really is that much clearer than regular glass. As far as I can tell it is as clear as acrylic. The only disadvantage I can see with a glass tank now is the weight for transporting.

 

[delta]

I would pay more for starfire glass(I own starfire) everyday of the week and twice on sunday. For one reason, scratches. It is just too easy to scratch acrylic.

 

[Behrmon]

I voted Glass, preferable Starfire (Mac )

 

[delta]

I voted Glass, preferable Starfire (Mac )

Nice Try Kevin

 

[cakemanPA]

I went with the Starfire front glass. Awesome stuff... But a 120 tech tank is an injury in the making getting it up a semi-spiral flight of steps

 

[paulthomas]

The only disadvantage I can see with a glass tank now is the weight for transporting.

I've had both and would choose glass over acrylic due to scratches.

 

[smcnally]

I too prefer glass over acrylic. Starfire looks great and I've always felt I didn't need to be nearly as cautious with glass as acrylic.

 

[estubbaly]

Glass glass glass glass...it doesn't scratch easily or warp and get brittle under the heat of mh lighting...lasts for years

 

[Jim Tansey]

I just don't know why anyone would opt for acrylic, I have never had a Starfire tank but my next one will be.

Jim

 

[Arthur1]

Glass all day long. Acrylic only if the shape can't be done with glass.

 

[JayM]

I've had both and would choose glass over acrylic due to scratches.

Hey Paul...you can only vote on your experience with the tanks if they've actually had water in them.

 

[paulthomas]

I am. They just happen to be over five years ago.

 

[afboundguy]

This is more lopsided than my Bartelby name thread... At least I got 2 or 3 votes

 

[SaltCreep]

I voted acrylic.

Optically clear......a better insulater (easier to heat tank).....lighter....(you can carry it around easy)......just be careful with your rocks and algea scraping.


I still have my SeaClear 40 in my basement collecting spider corpses......it was a nice tank.

 

[Brian92]

I chose glass, but the only reason I would ever use acrylic would be if I was building my own custom tank because I personally think its easier to work with.

 

[Liam]

I am in the process of setting up my first acrylic tank,having never owned an acrylic tank i don't feel i'm in a position to vote yet

 

[saltwaterB]

There are two types of acrylic tanks. Those that have scratches, and those that do not scratches, yet...

As stated, unless weight or actual design are a major factor. Glass all the way!

And yes you can buff most scratches out, but talk to someone that has...you do not want to waste your time and energy.


Honestly, even if I got the tank for free, I would never use an acrylic tank as my display tank.
Now for a sump, fuge, or frag tank...sure.

 

[ceige]

glass all the way...acrylic scratches very easy

if glass does scratch (IMHO) you wont see it as much

 

[steve214989]

Glass here. Have owned both. Would rather set myself on fire than own another acrylic tank.