from http://www.tenecor.com/info_lib_2.html
Acrylic vs. Glass Aquariums & Why Tenecor?
Customer's frequently ask Why Acrylic? and Why Tenecor Acrylic Aquariums? Hopefully this section answers some of your questions about the advantages of an acrylic aquarium and why you should do business with Tenecor.
WHY AN ACRYLIC AQUARIUM?
An acrylic aquarium is half the weight of a glass aquarium.
It's easier to ship, move, and set up your aquarium.
Acrylic fish tanks are several times stronger than glass aquariums.
An acrylic aquarium will not shatter, crack, or leak like glass tank can.
Acrylic distorts much less and is clearer than glass.
If a transparent object is surrounded by another material that has the same index of refraction, then the speed of light will not change as it enters the object. No reflection and no refraction will take place, and the object will appear invisible and without distortion, even at increased viewing angles. In addition to having a slight green tint, glass has an index of refraction that is considerably different from water. Clear acrylic panels have almost the same refractive index as seawater so there is no bending of light as it passes from the acrylic into seawater, providing better and brighter color and sharper shapes in acrylic aquariums. The huge viewing windows in large public aquariums and oceanariums can be more than 12 inches thick, but because they are made of acrylic, they afford a very clear view of the water and ocean life they enclose. Acrylic also allows better penetration of your system lighting, which is especially important for reef systems.
Acrylic insulates better than glass.
Acrylic controls water temperature fluctuations, one of the primary reasons for fish stress, disease, and death. Glass conducts heat and cold causing more temperature fluctuations.
Acrylic aquarium seams are stronger than glass aquarium seams.
Acrylic seams are molecular bonds and actually stronger than the acrylic itself. Silicone seams used on glass aquariums can dry out and weaken over time.
Seams in acrylic aquariums are visually superior to glass aquarium seams.
The seams of acrylic fish tanks are polished and nearly invisible. Silicone seams are clearly visible and have been known to discolor when exposed to certain fish medications.
Acrylic is easily refinished.
If glass scratches it can not be repaired. Acrylic can be repaired with a variety of scratch removal kits. Even internal scratches can be repaired without removing the fish or water.
Custom aquarium designs are possible with acrylic.
Acrylic can be formed to create interesting aquarium designs which you won't find with glass aquariums.
WHY TENECOR ACRYLIC AQUARIUMS?
Tenecor's Reputation.
Tenecor has been in business in the acrylic aquarium industry for nearly 20 years. We have been a pioneer in acrylic fabrication techniques and custom designs. We are not perfect, but we do stand behind our product and if we make a mistake we will correct it.
Tenecor's Lifetime Warranty.
By using only the finest domestic acrylic we are able to offer a limited lifetime guarantee. You will never worry about a disastrous aquarium leak again.
Tenecor's Selection.
We provide the widest selection of sizes, shapes, and styles. If you don't find what you want in our standard line of acrylic aquariums, we'll design a custom aquarium just for you.
Tenecor's Workmanship.
Our engineers and craftsmen are known for their attention to every detail. All Tenecor acrylic aquariums are manufactured in the U.S.A. with the finest materials available.
Tenecor's Standard Features.
Most of our standard aquariums are available with bent corners and colored backs at no extra charge. Our Simplicity Plus and Marine Ready aquariums include pumps and bio-media for one low price. Other companies charge a premium for these added features.
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Acrylic vs. Glass Aquariums & Why Tenecor?
Customer's frequently ask Why Acrylic? and Why Tenecor Acrylic Aquariums? Hopefully this section answers some of your questions about the advantages of an acrylic aquarium and why you should do business with Tenecor.
WHY AN ACRYLIC AQUARIUM?
An acrylic aquarium is half the weight of a glass aquarium.
It's easier to ship, move, and set up your aquarium.
Acrylic fish tanks are several times stronger than glass aquariums.
An acrylic aquarium will not shatter, crack, or leak like glass tank can.
Acrylic distorts much less and is clearer than glass.
If a transparent object is surrounded by another material that has the same index of refraction, then the speed of light will not change as it enters the object. No reflection and no refraction will take place, and the object will appear invisible and without distortion, even at increased viewing angles. In addition to having a slight green tint, glass has an index of refraction that is considerably different from water. Clear acrylic panels have almost the same refractive index as seawater so there is no bending of light as it passes from the acrylic into seawater, providing better and brighter color and sharper shapes in acrylic aquariums. The huge viewing windows in large public aquariums and oceanariums can be more than 12 inches thick, but because they are made of acrylic, they afford a very clear view of the water and ocean life they enclose. Acrylic also allows better penetration of your system lighting, which is especially important for reef systems.
Acrylic insulates better than glass.
Acrylic controls water temperature fluctuations, one of the primary reasons for fish stress, disease, and death. Glass conducts heat and cold causing more temperature fluctuations.
Acrylic aquarium seams are stronger than glass aquarium seams.
Acrylic seams are molecular bonds and actually stronger than the acrylic itself. Silicone seams used on glass aquariums can dry out and weaken over time.
Seams in acrylic aquariums are visually superior to glass aquarium seams.
The seams of acrylic fish tanks are polished and nearly invisible. Silicone seams are clearly visible and have been known to discolor when exposed to certain fish medications.
Acrylic is easily refinished.
If glass scratches it can not be repaired. Acrylic can be repaired with a variety of scratch removal kits. Even internal scratches can be repaired without removing the fish or water.
Custom aquarium designs are possible with acrylic.
Acrylic can be formed to create interesting aquarium designs which you won't find with glass aquariums.
WHY TENECOR ACRYLIC AQUARIUMS?
Tenecor's Reputation.
Tenecor has been in business in the acrylic aquarium industry for nearly 20 years. We have been a pioneer in acrylic fabrication techniques and custom designs. We are not perfect, but we do stand behind our product and if we make a mistake we will correct it.
Tenecor's Lifetime Warranty.
By using only the finest domestic acrylic we are able to offer a limited lifetime guarantee. You will never worry about a disastrous aquarium leak again.
Tenecor's Selection.
We provide the widest selection of sizes, shapes, and styles. If you don't find what you want in our standard line of acrylic aquariums, we'll design a custom aquarium just for you.
Tenecor's Workmanship.
Our engineers and craftsmen are known for their attention to every detail. All Tenecor acrylic aquariums are manufactured in the U.S.A. with the finest materials available.
Tenecor's Standard Features.
Most of our standard aquariums are available with bent corners and colored backs at no extra charge. Our Simplicity Plus and Marine Ready aquariums include pumps and bio-media for one low price. Other companies charge a premium for these added features.
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