Acrylic Regrets?

spikehs · #1 03-04-2008, 06:44 PM

I was just curious if anyone who switched from glass to acrylic tanks has had any regrets, or things they would have done differently? I will probably be moving soonish (well summer time) and wanted to start planning for the movie with regards to what I was going to do with my fish tank. I was contemplating going with acrylic for a few reasons

1. Increased strength.. this is probably the biggest reason, i've always been somewhat paranoid about my tanks breaking (had one bust one me)

2. Clarity

3. Weight.

Thanks!

untamed · #2 03-04-2008, 07:06 PM

I decided to go with acrylic on my 400 for exactly the three reasons that you mention.

I would do it again...especially because of points #1 and #2. Brute force or build on site can overcome point #3.

While everyone always said "scratches..scratches..". I thought I could overcome this by being careful. What no one told me was that it is the FISH that cause ALL the scratching I have. In fact, I've had to remove my Triggerfish from the system because their skin was too abrasive. Tangs leave the occasional nick from their spines. I have polishing pads on the way, but it remains to be seen if I can remove the damage.

I have also found it especially useful to be able to crawl over the top of my tank while doing maintenance (the tank is 1" acyrlic all around). The builder (Envision, Oregon) demonstrated the strength of his build by jumping up and down on the cross braces across the top of the tank. Try that with a glass tank!

GreenSpottedPuffer · #3 03-04-2008, 07:17 PM

I used to have an 125G acrylic tank with a puffer...big, big mistake. He dragged his teeth all over that thing and really made it ugly. So I would be careful about what fish you keep in an acrylic tank as untamed said. But you really notice the clarity difference once you back to glass.

Before I sold my acrylic tank, I buffed out most of the scratches no problem. The tank was empty though and it was very easy.

Oh and I was able to pick up the tank very easily with my fiance...Neither of us are very big people. We even carried it up a bunch of stairs no problem. Try that with a 125G 3/4" thick glass tank

fkshiu · #4 03-04-2008, 07:22 PM

One other downside to acrylic nowadays is price. While they've never been cheap, I've noticed that their prices have been steadily increasing with the price of oil since it is a petroleum-based product.

Reefer Rob · #5 03-04-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Before I sold my acrylic tank, I buffed out most of the scratches no problem. The tank was empty though and it was very easy.

Is there a way to buff out the scratches with the tank full?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #6 03-04-2008, 07:53 PM

Yes but I don't remember the name of the product or how its used. I have seen a few threads on ReefCentral about buffing out acrylic scratches.

fishoholic · #7 03-04-2008, 08:06 PM

The only thing I didn't like about our acrylic tank was that it was a PITA to clean. I had to lean on the tank and scrub with an acrylic pad soaking my arm in the process. I much prefer my magnet and attached razor scraper.

Chin_Lee · #8 03-05-2008, 01:02 AM

My first SW tank was acrylic and I'll never ever get one again. Every mistake, every grain of sand in your magnet cleaner, and every rock that tumble that hits the side of the tank is "engraved" into your tank. Biggest PITA tank i've ever owned. In the end, that 180g SW tank became my sump for my current system.

dsaundry · #9 03-05-2008, 01:14 AM

I had a 100g acrylic and I won't ever get one again. Just like Chin says, every little pebble or anything that touch's it leaves a mark..Glass is heavy but I like it better. Way better!

spikehs · #10 03-05-2008, 02:04 AM

hmmm, interesting... i never knew that the fish would cause scratches, although it does make sense!