GLASS VS. ACRYLIC

[Lonewolfblue]

yea, the thing with glass cages is they wont ship glass tanks via UPS for obvious reasons. So it cost alot to ship because they actually a truck shipper. So if you pick it up at one of the shows, it saves you alot.

The weight, time, and shipping is all on the acrylics side. I like glass better but wouldn't use it for large tanks because it jsut weighs to much.

but then again with the ammount of money you will spend on filtration and lighting and decor and the fish. You may want to save $700-$800 dollars.

but if you dont have a friend with a truck you will be spending some money on a truck and gas.

May want to check with them again, kind of sounds like they do use UPS. I just got aresponse from them in anemail, here's what part ofit said...

"The freight co. will hold the tank about 2-3 days, and then they'll start calling, and possibly adding on storage charges. UPS uses a local freight co. in your area, so I don't know their name."

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I just noticed a 1000 gallon GLASS tank for sale on E bay. The metal stand is part of the assembly and it's designed to be moved (when empty of course...) using a forklift. This is also a very low lead (very clear) glass that obviously set someone back a fair piece of coin.

Strangely enough...those of us old enough to remember back that far can remember that when they came out...acryllic tanks were not only clearer and lighter than glass they were also about 35% cheaper as well for the same sized aquarium.

One thing I'm not sure anyones concidered yet is that acryllic tanks... even the cell cast ones... tend to yellow with age and will eventually get more and more difficult to see through than glass.

That's why I prefer glass. Weight isn't a factor if you got friends, LOL. And concrete slab for the floor.

 

[prophets]

The guy I spoke with today at glasscages stated its not UPS, but the other items they sell/carry will be shipped via UPS.

The tanks are from a trucking company as I was told by them.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I also noticed in a previous post that someone mentions black silicone. Just curious, does the tank look better using black silicone? Just curious because it sounds interesting. In fact, it was you, prophets..

 

[Wolf3101]

I was going off a LFS that converted 25 55gal tanks over to acryllic about 15 years ago. Both salt and fresh water. 10 have been replaced and the remaining 15 are yellowed and dingy looking. The same store still has the original banks of 40 gal glass tanks they opened up with (about 150 or so) even though the place has changed hands a dozen times over the years. All of the glass tanks still look great.

 

[prophets]

I also noticed in a previous post that someone mentions black silicone. Just curious, does the tank look better using black silicone? Just curious because it sounds interesting. In fact, it was you, prophets..

Yeah..they wanted 35 extra for the black silicone (glasscages). I think it looks better instead of the standard white silicone.

 

[prophets]

Well, hopefully the components used in the newer acrylic won't yellow. But if you look at public aquariums they use acrylic. Maybe because its a hell of lot thicker than home aquariums has a factor in it.

I guess its just a matter of preference. There is no wrong or right in either choice of tanks.

Bottom line is, whatever makes you happy...go for it.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Well, hopefully the components used in the newer acrylic won't yellow. But if you look at public aquariums they use acrylic. Maybe because its a hell of lot thicker than home aquariums has a factor in it.

I guess its just a matter of preference. There is no wrong or right in either choice of tanks.

Bottom line is, whatever makes you happy...go for it.

Could be they use a much more expensive acrylic as well, one that would cost us an arm and a leg, and then some, for just a home aquarium.

And I agree, there is no wrong or right for the aquariums, it's a personal preference. It's like I mentioned above, my preference is glass. I may just send a couple emails to see if the newer acrylic still yellows over time, or if they've changed something to where it doesn't. Would be good to know, if someone could get a straight answer from the manufacturer. Then I might go acrylic. I don't want to have to replace a tank after 10-15 years because of yellowing or being harder to see through.

 

[TCZeli]

I have heard that acrylic does turn yellow over time, but have not seen it as i am a glass fan. But I doubt the manufacturer will say "yep iour product will turn yellow in a few years"

 

[CichlidsGoneWild]

There is a lot of good education information on this thread. After reading all 17 pages of this thread I've learned a lot about acrylic and glass tanks that I didn't know about before. Based of what I'm seeing repeatly is that most people prefer acrylic with bigger tanks for stability and weight issues and most prefer glass with smaller tanks due to cost and less prone to scratch. This is where I stand on the topic. I am one of those that hated the look of a silicone between the glass seam on a rectangular tank. I was pretty close to getting an acrylic tank for $650 by TruVu until I found Jebo made rounded corner glass tank. I did some research online and was fortunate enough that Jebo distributor warehouse was located within 10miles from my house. I went to the warehouse and asked about purchasing direct from them and they were willing to sell to me. So here is a pic of my glass tank with rounded corners for those that have never seen a rounded corner glass tank. It's still bare because I'm not done with aquascape yet. For more pics of other Jebo tanks you can find it here. http://www.aquareal.org/Galery/jebo.html

T1, you have a great looking tank. You're so careful with your tanks that whether it's glass or acrylic I can tell your strive to keep it 110% crystal clear. Please post a picture of the top of the acrylic tank. I want to see how is this tank top brace is different from the one we get in the US. BTW, I live in the US so our choices for acrylic tanks are limited to what's available. I'm sure those better brand acrylic can be had or order in the US but not too many consumers are willing to drop $2000-$3000 US currency on a 100+ gallon setup.

Berserker, I have great respect for you to keeping your kids in check with your tank and at the fish stores. One of my pet peeve is seeing kids at aquarium stores out of control. I hate it when my nieces and nephew tap on the glass and make the fish goes berserk.