Glass or Acrylic

[t12345]

Of those with acrylic tanks, have you had any issues with metal halide lighting? On the top bracing, any problems with warping or yellowing of the acrylic bracing? I have an acrylic 300 bowfront which I was concerned about using 400watt metal halides. The top is 3/4 acrylic with two large openings and a center brace. The openings have lexan covering lids. Would appreciate anybodies experience on this thought.
Thanks, Tim

 

[mcrist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9943360#post9943360 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Princess Di
Envision Acrylics e-mailed me and they are willing to deliver the tank since they are only several hours away. Guy named James...hhmmmm...wonder if it is the same James here under the name Acrylics?????

Yes it is and he is the best acrylic manufacturer out there.

 

[mcrist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9944142#post9944142 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by t12345
Of those with acrylic tanks, have you had any issues with metal halide lighting? On the top bracing, any problems with warping or yellowing of the acrylic bracing? I have an acrylic 300 bowfront which I was concerned about using 400watt metal halides. The top is 3/4 acrylic with two large openings and a center brace. The openings have lexan covering lids. Would appreciate anybodies experience on this thought.
Thanks, Tim

Just make sure the halides are not over the braces. I went euro braced so that I wouldn't have any of those concerns.

 

[nyvp]

when I was deciding on my tank 120x36x30 I went through the same thoughts. The weight never was a deciding factor because I don't intend to move it often. Cost was and glass came out 1k cheaper. clarity wasn't a difference once you go low iron( sapphire ) thermal properties glass wins in my book. acrylic is a better insulator and keeps the heat in better. I have a 3 sided tank that ATM runs between 75-76 degrees with no chiller. I think having 74 degree a/c surrounding the tank helps a lot. As for the tank breaking if you look at the amount of tanks breaking or splitting seams either glass or acrylic they both dont have problems often . One of the reefers down here had a acrylic seam go from a well know manufacturer. It happens not often but it does.
last thing is scratching. I have had 3 tanks 2 acrylic and now the third is glass and will never go back. What a pain in the butt it is to keep it scratch free. I have to clean/scrape twice a week 8280"s of glass (120+120+36x30) cleaning it takes me less then 2 mins with my razor/magnet combo. Up to you but as I say I will never go back to acrylic
mballant I bought my tank from exotic in Miami ask for the owner her name is Karen Elder.

 

[Princess Di]

I have MH lights over my acrylic. There are 3 openings and I have a 1000W over the center opening. Then (4) 250W on the outside corners. They do overlap the center bracing. I've had the tank for almost 4 years and see no sign of yellowing or warping. The lights are a good 12 inches above.

 

[steve the plumb]

where is that in miami.My buddy has a friend who drives there alot so if I buy it in Miami I can get it shipped dirt cheap.The biggest hassle for me is getting the tank shipped without getting raped on the price.Can you let me have the web site of this builder.It may be more cost effective to buy from him.Unless anyone knows a good builder in New York

 

[nyvp]

Exotic Aquariums:
Karen Elder
7399 Bird Rd
Miami, FL 33155
305-266-0978
Tell her Joseph Shulman sent you.

 

[steve the plumb]

thanks how is her price ?Is she fair.How is the build quality.I will give her a call maybe it may be worth it for me to get the tank from Florida since my buddy has drivers that go there.Thanks again for the info