Acrylic vs. glass - large tanks

[techreef]

I know, I know. This is such a tired topic. Trust me, I'm tired of debating it in my head, and I'm already leaning one way over the other, but nothing is better than real-world opinions from hobbyists already doing it.

So, given that everyone in this forum is playing w/ lots of water, what are the opinions on acrylic vs. glass aquariums. I'm planning things out for a display tank that's about 300G in size. I know a glass tank that large will weigh a ton, but the point has been made, once you get it delivered and set up, you don't need those 8 guys helping you again, whereas an acrylic tank will always have the increased tendency to scratch.

My other area of concern that I can't seem to separate the experience posts from the heresay posts is when people state that large glass tanks are likely to fail, and that acrylic tanks are better able to fight this tendency of large aquarium failure. Needless to say, the notion of 300 gallons of saltwater on my floor is not something I want to deal with. Ever. Any opinions on the frequency of large tank failures?

Thanks everyone!
-Tech

 

[nyvp]

Yes it has been said its a 50/50. You either love em or hate em from both camps. Its all you its either scratch or seam is what it come down to. there are the same amount of acrylic /glass fails in these forums.
IMO it was I couldn't keep the acrylic from scratching so all my tanks since have been glass with never a fail from any of them. I think most of the fails in both glass/acrylic come from two things either manufacture or stand/floor. there are both kinds that have been up for 20 years all going fine its all on you now.

 

[techreef]

thanks nyvp. it's impossible to know if failures were due to unlevel stands/floors, but I hope that your guess is right, 'cause that's something that I can control. and if that's the case, then if I spend more $ on a better-built glass aquarium, I can pretty much be as relaxed as possible that I did what I could to avoid a calamitous tank failure/leak.

BTW, are you a former member of the Manhattan Reefs club? i think i remember your avatar...

 

[tom obrecht]

I vote for glass. Heavy yes, but like you said it is a one time move and then you are good to go. I have seen acrylic tanks that have huge scratches and they look terrible as time goes on. Yes glass can scratch but IMO if you are careful you have a better looking tank for a longer period of time. I also think if you go with a quality builder your chances of having a seam fail is minimal and once again I have seen acrylic tanks leak and fail as well. In my eyes glass is the only way to go. Just my $.02.

 

[nyvp]

nope originally from ny but avatar is just south florida.

Yes i sleep well as would any other acrylic or glass owner Just find the pro vs cons that suit your needs the most and have fun.

 

[bullitr]

i was leaning more on starphire for my 420 gallon upgrade because i hate tiny scratches but this week i broke 3 glass tank and living in California earthquake is always a threat i can sleep better knowing it will survive better than glass like my current 300. now i realized that i can live with tiny scratches i just do almost bare bottom tank for my 96x36x29 gallon upgrade

 

[ReeferKing]

just go with the glass...

1. beautiful and clear
2. doesn't scratch easily
3. like 1 and 2

 

[Untamed12]

Once you get up to 300 gallon tanks, glass starts to become pretty thick. Even Starfire doesn't compare to acrylic's clarity once you get to good thickness. That's one main reason we end up with acrylic at large sizes.

If you are concerned with strength, you can overbuild acrylic and there is no real downside (aside from cost). If you build a 300 gallon using 1" acrylic and a reputable builder, you would have a pretty bombproof tank.

As an example, I can jump on top of the cross beams of my 400 gallon (1" thick) tank without any risk. I don't know anyone who would be willing to try that with glass.

 

[madmike]

Acrylic....just learn to sand and polish it out yourself and do it once a year or so!

 

[bigreefer1978]

my vote is for glass especially for something like a 300 now 1000+ acrylic

 

[techreef]

1000+?? LOL. easy, big fella! Let's take 'er slow and steady.