Acrylic or Glass?

I'm buying a new aquarium, probably a 46 gallon bowfront and would like to
know:

1. which material is best, acrylic or glass?
2. which manufacturer is best?
3. One acrylic unit I am looking at has a wet/dry filter built-in the back.
Is this a good idea?
4. are there online sources of independent aquarium reviews?

Thanks in advance.
--
Larry Bohen
www.audiobooksonline.com

"Larry Bohen" wrote in message
...
I'm buying a new aquarium, probably a 46 gallon bowfront and would like
to
know:

1. which material is best, acrylic or glass?

Define 'best'. They are both transparent ;~). Acrylic is lighter, will
absorb impacts better, marks easier, repairs easier.

2. which manufacturer is best?

Again, define 'best'. All-Glass & Oceanic are often referenced as very
high quality manufacturers in North America (like pieces of fine
furniture). DAS systems also has some nice pieces being introduced.
Hagen makes quality tanks which are more conventional glass rectangles.
The 46 bow is (I believe) an Oceanic glass construct, guaranteed for life
when used on their stand (and usually bowfronts are used on bow stands
;o).

3. One acrylic unit I am looking at has a wet/dry filter built-in the
back.
Is this a good idea?

If you want a built-in wet/dry filter, it might be (if the size is good
and it's accessible). I personally would not see it as a selling point,
as I like more flexibility in selecting the filter I will use by the
application. ymmv

4. are there online sources of independent aquarium reviews?

You can google the newsgroup archives, as it's been discussed ad nauseum.
Acrylic has won over many fans.
http://www.tanked.netfirms.com/acrylic.html

Sometimes your choice depends on what is available, in the tank
size/shape you want, at the price you want.

NetMax

Thanks in advance.
--
Larry Bohen
www.audiobooksonline.com

(snipped)
Subject: Acrylic or Glass?
From: "NetMax"
Date: 12/1/2003 9:22 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

Define 'best'. They are both transparent ;~). Acrylic is lighter, will
absorb impacts better, marks easier, repairs easier.


How would youre pair a scratch on acrylic?
I only have one acrylic tank and I'm SO careful. However, it's in a busy
kitchen on the counter and I know my hubby isn't as careful of it as I am.
It would be good knowledge to have in the back of my head. = )

"TYNK 7" wrote in message
...
(snipped)
Subject: Acrylic or Glass?
From: "NetMax"
Date: 12/1/2003 9:22 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

Define 'best'. They are both transparent ;~). Acrylic is lighter,
will
absorb impacts better, marks easier, repairs easier.


How would youre pair a scratch on acrylic?
I only have one acrylic tank and I'm SO careful. However, it's in a
busy
kitchen on the counter and I know my hubby isn't as careful of it as I
am.
It would be good knowledge to have in the back of my head. = )

They sell rubbing compound for acrylic. Then you sand it with fine
wet/dry sandpaper using the rubbing compound. It's basically the same
procedure as fixing scratches in glass (with different compounds), but
because the acrylic is much softer, it take less effort. As with
anything, ymmv depending on the location and depth of the scratch.

NetMax