Here's a basic run down on the differences between acrylic and glass.
Acrylic has a higher durability than glass. Some acrylics are 5-7 times
stronger than glass per unit thickness. Acrylic has a higher impact rating,
meaning it can take a harder hit (from a hammer for example) than glass of
equal thickness. Acrylic is lighter than glass. Although big tanks are
still heavy, an acrylic tank will be lighter than a glass tank. Something
to think about if you even need to move the tank. When bonded corrctly,
acrylic is molecularly stronger at the seams than it is in the middle witout
seams. This is because the acrylic is bonded at a molecular/atomic level.
A proper bond will look perfectly clear with no air bubbles or
imperfections. Glass seams require an adhesive (commonly silicon) which can
peel as well as age. Acrylic does scratch easily if not careful. Although
glass is more difficult to scratch, compared to acrylic, it is possible to
fix the scratchs in acrylic with scratch repair kits. You cannot repair
scratches in glass.

Acrylic is known to be more flexible than glass. This means that it will
appear to bend under stress more. Some people don't mind the bending, other
do (as I do). One of the custom features of my 240 was a thicker than
normal acrylic so I don't see any of the bending that acrylic is known for.
If memory serves me correctly, glass tanks are cheaper in cost compared to
an acrylic tank of similar size.

I know a lot of this sounds like it is in favor of acrylic, but remember as
I stated in my last post, I prefer acrylic so there might be some bias
inserted. Others might be able to help with more information regarding
glass for a more objective point of view.

On a side note, I currently have a 100 g freshwater tank make from galss. I
purchased it used and have owned it for nearly 10 years. I'm not sure how
old it really is, but lately the silicon in the glass seams is peeling and I
have been watching those seams _very_ carefully. I currently can't afford a
replacement, but when I can, I am most certainly going acrylic.

HTH,
Justin


"Von Fourche" wrote in message
news

"Justin Boucher" wrote in message
...
I purchased my 240 acrylic from a specialty marine pet store. We have a
few
of them around the city and I visited as many as I could to talk to the
owner/manager for pricing and info. Some of the shops I visited stocked
125s and 180s even. You can also order from online sources. A quick
search
for "acrylic tanks" can give you a few good hits. If you're aiming for
glass rather than acrylic, an online source may be better if fish
specialty
stores can't help.

Some people prefer acrylic over glass for larger tanks (myself
included).
Just keep in mind that there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Wiegh them out and decide what's best for your needs.
(More continued in text)


Can you give me a brief rundown of the different benefits from
glass/acrylic? Do acrylic tanks last as long as glass? My little 29
gallon
tank hasn't sprung a leak since I got it, more than ten years ago.