Weight difference between 125-gallon GLASS or 125-gallon ACRYLIC?

[Damon0306]

I've never owned a Acrylic aquarium before..

In the past I did own a 180-gallon AllGlassAquarium which measured 72x24x24.

I remember that this tank weighed a LOT and it took myself and 2 other guys to move it into a basement through a house with standard sized doors.

Right now all I have is a 55-gallon and I want to get a 125-gallon for an UPSTAIRS bedroom.

The 125-gallon would be the standard size at 72x18x22.

I am worried about weight, and the fact that some parts of my floors upstairs are not 100% level.

Tank would be bare with just a thin layer of fine gravel.

My only reason for going the Acrylic route would be for weight difference even though I know it may cost me more in the end.

 

[Reiner]

The difference might be about 50 pounds but with a 1000 pounds of water 50 pounds up or down really don't make a difference anymore.

 

[rallysman]

The only time weight is an issue is when you're moving it. Once it's set in place, it means nothing.

If a couple hundred pounds more will make the floor bow or break, you shouldnt even be standing next to it lol......

 

[Jesse]

All Glass Aquarium's website lists the weight of an empty glass 125 at 206 lbs:

http://www.all-glass.com/services/index.html

Click on "Technical Information."

Acrylic aquariums generally weigh around 40 to 50% of what an empty glass aquarium weighs, so around 100 lbs would be a reasonable estimate for an acrylic 125.

IME, an 18-inch wide aquarium is much easier to carry than a 24-inch wide aquarium since it's easier to get your arms around it. Besides, a glass 180 is listed at 338 lbs, which is much more than the 206 lbs weight for a 125. I once helped a friend move a glass 210 (7' x 2' x 2') that must have weighed close to 400 lbs dry. Quite a workout for two average sized guys. I've done my share of moving glass 180s too.

 

[rallysman]

I've moved a few 180s

JD_man and myself carried his without much problem at all. 2 decent sized guys can handle it. Stairs are another issue though lol

 

[Sunpoe]

I've moved a few 180s

JD_man and myself carried his without much problem at all. 2 decent sized guys can handle it. Stairs are another issue though lol

Yeah going down stairs is definately the hard part!! My 180 was a b!tch

 

[Damon0306]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I may have to pass on Acrylic because of cost.

I was on Tenecor's website and if I am correct a 125-gallon with stand would cost me around $2000 not including shipping!

Not sure what the current prices are on AllGlassAquariums 125-gallon setups, but I'm sure tank and stand is no where near $2000.

I really want to get my JAG out of the 55-gallon, He is kinda cramped.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I may have to pass on Acrylic because of cost...


...I really want to get my JAG out of the 55-gallon, He is kinda cramped.

Don't rule out a used tank. The rule of thumb for anything used is 50% of the new cost. (yes it is vague and barely applies to anything, but it is the idea that counts). Often you can find them for around a dollar a gallon and sometimes you can find deals with really good equipment. Pay attention to ads with lousy pictures or dirty tanks. If you have to clean up a mess, you can save a bundle...or have a bigger tank within your budget. I am picking up a 75 this weekend for 65 dollars. The ad was three days old when I saw it. It is badly calcified or just has a ton of dirt on it. Either it will need a sponge and water or it will need some muriatic acid. Either way, a little work on my part means I will have a little more cash to blow elsewhere.