Anyone have a large acrylic tank?

[t4zalews]

I got a steal of deal on a large acrylic tank. Dunno if I wanna take it or not. Don't really see a lot of large acrylic tanks on here. Besides price, is there another reason why not to get a large acrylic tank?

I'm aware of acrylic and scratches, this would not deter me if that is the only issue I would have.

 

[khaosinc]

I'll never go back to glass personally. I've never had acrylic fail on me, but I've had several glass one leak/blow out. Scratches are annoying, but not as annoying as a leaking tank.

 

[dzfish17]

I agree, where I live (Ca) earthquakes are a real threat. I didnt want to take a chance on having 600g of water on my living room floor so I went acrylic.

It does scratch easily but I sleep better at night. If you plan on keeping the tank for 30 yrs. then acrylic is a good choice.

Dave

 

[Chihuahua6]

Only negative with acrylic is that it scratches easier than glass. Personally I love acrylic and haven't scratched the 280 gal that I had up for six months. I was very careful when I cleaned it. If it does get scratched accidentally acrylic can be buffed out, even under water.

If you clean the tank with a magnet cleaner haphazardly it could pick up a grain of sand and scratch. Just keep checking the magnet and take a little extra time when you clean.

 

[t4zalews]

Thanks for the inputs...this deal is just so good I would need a real reason why not to take it. I'll just make sure I'm careful when I clean it. Hopefully the dimensions are too my liking..still waiting on them. But it sounds like the tank is 250g+

 

[90ct]

Thanks for the inputs...this deal is just so good I would need a real reason why not to take it. I'll just make sure I'm careful when I clean it. Hopefully the dimensions are too my liking..still waiting on them. But it sounds like the tank is 250g+[/QUO

I will double check on the tank and make sure it's scratches free. Acrylic can buff out. But with the deep scratches, it's a pain. Sometimes it's cheaper to end up to buy a new tank. Good luck.:beer:

 

[t4zalews]

yea..im gunna make a full inspection of the tank. I trust the guy selling it to me, I'll probably make a visit to check it out sometime soon. I've already been looking online for what to look for and warning signs of acrylic tanks

 

[dwdowney]

I have a 675. It scratchs like crazzy but I cannot take the risk taht comes with a glass tank in my house. I am not that happy with it. There are many underwater scratch removal kits that seam to work you just need a strong arm and 5 hours.

 

[t4zalews]

I have a 675. It scratchs like crazzy but I cannot take the risk taht comes with a glass tank in my house. I am not that happy with it. There are many underwater scratch removal kits that seam to work you just need a strong arm and 5 hours.

I appreciate the honesty, I need someone to play devil's advocate.

 

[albano]

I'll never go back to glass personally. I've never had acrylic fail on me, but I've had several glass one leak/blow out. Scratches are annoying, but not as annoying as a leaking tank.

+1...Been 'glass free' since 1991

Only negative with acrylic is that it scratches easier than glass.

Exactly...EASIER than glass...glass also scratches, and would be more difficult to fix

If you clean the tank with a magnet cleaner...

Do NOT leave the magnet on the tank...friends, relatives, and ALL children will try to 'HELP' you clean the tank...that will be 99% of the scratches!

 

[t4zalews]

I have a scratch on my current glass 65g....its lower on the front...not really noticable..but drives me crazy knowing I cant do anything about it.

 

[on the spot]

I got a steal of deal on a large acrylic tank...

So, (pausing while rocking back on his heels) where is this mystery tank? Not that I would try to snatch it away, no no :worried:, I'm just...interested, yeah, just curious is all.

Be sure to give the seams a good going over. There has been a revival of a semi-local manufacturer with past performance issues, specifically poor seams and subsequent blow outs. Just be thorough.

Over 6', the typical 180/220 I'd switch to acrylic. 220 and under the used tank market is just saturated. The glass tanks are cheap and easy to find, and light enough you can manage with 1 or 2 people.

Good luck with the new tank.

 

[t4zalews]

its at this guys house...he just wants to get rid of it. Of course..I still have to inspect it to see if its worth it.

 

[MMA]

Both have their pluses and minuses. I've used both. Although I don't see glass as the worst thing in the world people are making them out to be.

 

[t4zalews]

I just helped my buddy move his 225 glass tank....with 6 guys on it (3 were professional movers) we still had a tough time with it. I like blew out my forearms and shoulders when I had to stabilize one end for like 3 seconds. Im sure it's easier tho when you have suction cups to grip. Either way...I will never volunteer to help move a tank like that again.

 

[sbleile]

With a 300 Gallon glass it takes 8 guys to move it, with my 335 Gallon Acrylic, 3/4" thick, it takes 4 guys. I will tell you buffing out the tank takes time, but it's really not that hard. (I recommend Novus Acrylic polish) GREAT STUFF!

 

[mrfish55]

Nothing wrong with acrylic as long as it's from a reputable company, you will be happy with a 250, I have one in use as a sump for my big tank (also acrylic) both are 6 years old and I have yet to notice a scratch anywhere, the clarity compared to glass is unbelievable (and my glass 300 is starfire)

 

[Chihuahua6]

Ok guys buffing is not as difficult as you're making it out to be (on an empty tank or the outside of a filled one.) Use a random orbit sander with micro mesh and it's a piece of cake. I did the whole inside of a badly scratched 280 over a few days, several hours per day with about six different grits. Looked beautiful when I was done.

T4 don't be discouraged if the tank needs to be buffed. I can dig up my old build thread of that scratched tank if you want.

 

[t4zalews]

thanks for the help..I might need to gander at that thread if need be. I'm still waiting on the dimensions of the tank. I'm looking for at least 24" of depth. If it doesn't fit the bill...I will have to unfortunately pass the offer. If I do, I'll be sure to post the dimensions for people who would want the tank.

 

[zojro]

Do not let the scratches worry you. If the tank is a good enough bargain and you are up for some hard work it can be done. I did it on my 8'x30" tank.

Before
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mys69GbPHpFttN69WKKmMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_chlaI068CkU/SxV9tRLhsdI/AAAAAAAAAI8/_VdpjzuFnnA/s400/scratches2.jpg" /></a>

After:
(Mesh pad there for clarity reference)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-zT5FPdZGoEQhTHAoxRSjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_chlaI068CkU/SxV9tNT0KwI/AAAAAAAAAI0/0cHzAoX2QcM/s400/progess1.jpg" /></a>