Thoughts on used acrylic tank

[livfortoday]

I am thinking of upgrading to a 90 gallon acrylic cube (36X24X24). It is used and comes complete with a nice looking stand with matching canopy and a 45 gallon sump. I have not seen it in person yet but I asked about scratches and am told that there are the usual suspects from a used tank and that the outside was just treated. It does not leak.

Any thoughts on buying used acrylic tank? anything specific I should look out for? I have never owned acrylic so not sure of any specifics. I am hoping to pay around $175-$200. Is that a fair price.

I look forward to your responses.

 

[Top Water]

I can't stand acrylic! Never again Glass only period! The only reson to get it is if you want a 300 gal plus size tank cause glass is too heavy to make a tank that big.
It scratches it warps it holds too much heat with the small top openings and salt build up blocks light.

 

[brettnleslie]

There are pros and cons for both acrylic and glass. Acrylic will scratch but you can sand the scratches out with a kit. Can be a pain though. I find them harder to work on since the top is usually just an access hole. Acrylic can have better clarity. With a used tank, make sure that the acrylic is still crystal clear. If they are exposed to some chemicals or they were not cleaned right, the acrylic can become hazy.

I have had both and my preference is glass. I agree they are good for very large tanks and I use them for coral flats. Other than that, I too am sticking with glass. I think glass tanks are much easier to work on.

Good luck!

Brett

 

[acer]

You "can" buff out scratches- but you have to drain the tank to perform this task- So that means moving rock that is even close to the wall you have scratches on. If you want to see a acrylic that is a pain to clean - stop by my office in Wexford. As Breattnleslie pointed out the top is not open which makes any cleaning more difficult. If you have a fish only tank = no heavy lights- then I can see this working out as the algae is much easier to control on the wall of the tank, but if your going for a reef- DON'T DO IT.

 

[Yinzer]

I have a 180 acrylic and I would not recommend. I bought mine used for cheap with the canopy, sump, lighting, pump and all the plumbing. For $500 it was well worth it, I've had it for almost 2 years. I have a scratch kit that u can use in the water, but it's a total pain in the @zz. I will surely go glass when it's time to upgrade.

 

[livfortoday]

Thanks for the response.......it seems as though my mind was made up for me...I think I will hold out and find something else.

 

[DripN.Wet]

This is not what I wanted to hear fellas, as i am in the process of installing a 300 gal acrylic reef. now I am second guessing that...

 

[Yinzer]

It's good for a huge tank like that. Don't sweat it!

 

[adambirk]

i now have a 150 acrilic and there are alot of pros and cons that have been pointed out. my favorite is that it does hold heat better. i run t5s and this means that i dont have to run my heater as much. yes they scratch easier but you can fix the scratches even though it can be a pain if the tank is set up. glass you cannot take scratches out of period.

now having said all that i am getting ready to down size and i will be going back to glass for the simple reason that it is so much easier scraping coraline. in my tank it will cover my sides in a month. so really not fun.

new tank will be rimless 3x3x2 cube with 3 sides starfire and externall overflow with coast to coast. (sorry still really excited done hyjacking)