Acrylic vs Glass

[Zaphod]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6932362#post6932362 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakersfan0014
Sure it is. With micro-mesh you just go thru the series of sandpapers and eventually you can't even see what you're doing anymore, scratch removed. Took abot 20 min on my tank.

Mabye you could take some pics on a piece of scrap acrylic to demonstrate?

 

[RobbyG]

Great Idea! I would really love to see that, it would change my mind about Acrylic. Someone have a before and after photo?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6933548#post6933548 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nicholasvilppu
Mabye you could take some pics on a piece of scrap acrylic to demonstrate?

 

[lakersfan0014]

Man I wish I did. We had a real big scratch right in the middle of our tank, got a baby snail shell caught in the magnet, scratch was in the shape of an "e". Started with 400 grit and then the micro-mesh kit. Got to about 3200, which is about the 4th step (400,1500,1800,2400,3200,3600, ect. up to 12000), and couldn't even see where we were sanding. Now you can even see even a hint that a scratch was removed. The key is that the tank has water in it, if the tank was drained, then you could see the sanding marks (haze). Also, we have successfully removed scratches using micro mesh in many tanks, just really takes more time and effort. Next time we get a scratch, I'll be sure to document it so everyone can see really how easy it is.

 

[RobbyG]

The problem I have always seen with sanding Glass or Acrylic is that a Hazy area is left where the sanding was done. Are you saying that the sanded Acrylic ends up having the same sheen as the rest of the area? That would be good news.

 

[supernareg]

acrylic's clarity hazes over time, glasses doesnt. i'll never buy an acrylic again after my experiences. i have NEVER seen a tank thats older than 2 years thats crystal cleaer like glass

 

[Reefrookie2006]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6935601#post6935601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakersfan0014
Man I wish I did. We had a real big scratch right in the middle of our tank, got a baby snail shell caught in the magnet, scratch was in the shape of an "e". Started with 400 grit and then the micro-mesh kit. Got to about 3200, which is about the 4th step (400,1500,1800,2400,3200,3600, ect. up to 12000), and couldn't even see where we were sanding. Now you can even see even a hint that a scratch was removed. The key is that the tank has water in it, if the tank was drained, then you could see the sanding marks (haze). Also, we have successfully removed scratches using micro mesh in many tanks, just really takes more time and effort. Next time we get a scratch, I'll be sure to document it so everyone can see really how easy it is.

I love to see it, please post some pictures next time.

 

[Fmellish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6927175#post6927175 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mikedege
This is how i choose.

with kids = Glass
w/o kids = Acrylic

-good luck, Mike

I am the exact opposite:

with kids = Acrylic for sure
w/o kids = Then the debate begins with ACrylic still pulling ahead.

Simply because glass breaks so easily. As a kid I witnessed many glass tanks break due to contact with common child hood toys and sports equipment. With the acrylic tanks I've had I could throw a bowling ball at them and they won't bust, they just get scratched.

When it comes to kids, its about safety. If you have active children don't get glass.

 

[Fmellish]

Also, I think what people don't consider is that glass has color to it. I have a glass tank next to an acrylic tank and the glass has a green tint to it. You wouldn't even notice unless you see them side by side. I'm sure there are higher qualities of glass available, (starphire), but I doubt any glass is completely colorless.

The other thing with glass is that glass tanks don't commonly have lips. With a glass tank it is easy to splash water out. With acryic tanks an overhang of a couple inches usually exists and you don't get watered splashed out of the tank.

I really think THE ONLY con of acrylic is its softness. But consider that glass can scratch too, and scractches in acrylic are removeable.

My 2 cents, again.

Josh