Glass vs. Acrylic Aquariums by greg.chernoffStarting a new aquarium requires hobbyists to make a lot of choices. What kind of corals, if any will be kept in the aquarium? Where is the aquarium going to go? What size will it be? How much will be spent on equipment? Will the aquarium be glass or acrylic? All of these questions could have their own articles, but I will be talking about the difference between an acrylic aquarium and a glass aquarium and possibly which is better. What is the difference between these two materials? Acrylic, also known as poly (methyl methacrylate), is a type of transparent plastic. It is lightweight and shatter-resistant. Glass, on the other hand, is a heavier material made of mostly silica. When it comes to the actual material comparison of glass and acrylic, acrylic seems like a more reliable material. It is light and durable. Glass is heavier and more likely to break, but does this matter when it comes to choosing aquariums? Weight and durability: does it matter? When it comes to aquariums, using a heavier material does not really matter. Moving your aquarium is not something you will often do or something you should do often. Having a lighter material may be convenient when first setting up the aquarium, but it will not make a difference afterward. It is the same thing for durability; after the aquarium is set up, it should not matter much. You should be careful around your aquarium either way. You actually have to be more careful with acrylic. While it is less likely to shatter or crack, it is inevitable that it will get scratched up. An aquarium is more susceptible to scratches than a high force impact. Visibility Now we come to the factor that depends the most on what kind of glass you choose. Being that the hobby rewards you in ways of looks, it is important to have a material that will offer the best visibility. The problem with some types of glass is the blue tint that comes with it. While acrylic does not have this tint, it sometimes gets a cloudy or foggy look as it ages. Scratches will impede visibility as well. This should not be much of an issue as long as you are careful. So does this mean acrylic is better for viewing? No, it does not. Like said, it really depends on what type of glass the aquarium is made with. Finding a glass aquarium with that undesirable blue-green tint used to be common, but most commercial aquariums are now made with high clarity glass. This glass is crystal clear, much clearer than acrylic. This is possible by making the glass with low iron properties. Acrylic, on the other hand, can yellow over time, which is ugly looking. Overall glass is better for viability because it does not scratch as easily. You will often find that acrylic aquariums have a “rough” look to them, which is not ideal when displaying elegant fish and beautiful corals. Price We all know this hobby is not cheap, so it is important to make sure that you always get the best value for what you are buying. If you have ever built your own aquarium or sump, you have likely seen the difference in price between acrylic and glass. Most people may think acrylic is cheaper, but it isn’t. The plastic material is more expensive than glass. This does not mean that a glass aquarium will always be cheaper than an acrylic aquarium. There are many reasons why some aquariums are more expensive than others. Some aquariums have far more features, while others are just plain boxes. Nonetheless, by using glass, aquarium makers can spend more money on other features. This does not mean that glass is a low-quality material. The main reason glass is cheaper is simply because it is more popular for aquariums. More glass aquariums are manufactured than acrylic aquariums, making them cheaper. More on picking an aquarium The aquarium material is important, but it is not everything when it comes to picking out an aquarium. You will also need a stand and some form of filtration. It can be an all-in-one style, hang-on-the-back filtration, or a sump. If you can, get a tank with a sump. It is also important to ensure that the aquarium you purchase is built with quality. Both the aquarium and the stand should be reliable and built to last. Don’t buy a tank that is poorly designed or poorly put together. CADE reef S2 aquariums The CADE Reef S2 aquariums are made of OptiClear glass. This glass is extremely clear and lacks blue-green tints. OptiClear Glass is titled as the clearest glass you can buy. It is used for things other than aquariums but is great for aquariums. CADE reef S2 aquariums are built with the best materials that will make viewing fish and corals an amazing experience each time. These aquariums could easily be many hobbyists dream tank. They come with a stand, sump, plumbing, and auto top off. The ATO is part of the tank between the intake and returns section. There are five size options. The smallest has a display of 57-gallons and the largest has a display of 171-gallons. CADE Reef S2 aquariums are extremely well engineered. The actual aquarium, the stand, and the sump have had a lot of thought put into them. This aquarium line-up certainly raises the bar. When it comes down to it, glass is the better material over acrylic. Still, you should make sure that everything else about the aquarium is good as well.
Brian Smith says November 24, 2020 at 12:24 pm Same! With the exception of some cheap nano tanks, I’ve only ever used glass! Reply
jeffanddeannawilliams says November 3, 2020 at 9:34 am Had an acrylic tank in the past and I now have a glass tank. I definitely prefer my glass tank! Reply
cronamator says November 9, 2020 at 8:29 pm They both have their advantages but glass always seems to work out better Reply
jeffanddeannawilliams says November 3, 2020 at 9:34 am Had an acrylic tank in the past and I now have a glass tank. I definitely prefer my glass tank! Reply
Greg Jackson says November 4, 2020 at 9:33 am I had a small acrylic tank before and it scratched way too easily – have gone with glass ever since and it seems much more durable. Reply
wanda.phills says November 16, 2020 at 7:47 pm Yup! Display = Glass Sump = Acrylic until I had a glass sump! Reply
wanda.phills says November 16, 2020 at 7:47 pm Yup! Display = Glass Sump = Acrylic until I had a glass sump! Reply
Christina Wahrmund says November 20, 2020 at 8:34 pm I have glass now. When I upgrade, I will stick with glass. Reply
gigi222255 says November 29, 2020 at 8:30 am Always been a fan of glass. Reefing for 30 years…glass all the way! Reply
George says April 19, 2024 at 2:24 pm I have both and prefer acrylic. Yes, they do scratch easier than glass, but they are more stronger than a glass aquarium. With glass, the silicone will eventually wear out and you have to replace the silicone. Also, once glass is scratched it’s permanent while acrylic on the other hand you can polish it right out. I agree that glass is more superior for clarity. For me, it’s acrylic aquariums. I don’t have to worry about blow outs. Reply
Daniel Bucher says November 2, 2020 at 1:41 pm Acrylic looks awesome when clean. And is lighter. But glass will be my next tank. Reply
Tanner Vermule says November 3, 2020 at 7:24 am I second that opinion. A single grain of sand destroys acrylic. Reply
trevorpem10 says November 2, 2020 at 1:52 pm I’ve always leaned towards glass… nothing against acrylic. It’s a touchy-feely thing for me hahaha. Reply
taylorator101 says November 2, 2020 at 1:57 pm I’ve always done glass so I don’t want to comment on acrylic but glass has been nothing but perfect for me. Reply
Jadin Devito says November 4, 2020 at 1:42 pm glass all the way! Never really messed with acrylic either Reply
marybeth.jirasek says November 10, 2020 at 7:00 am Same for me…I’ve only ever had glass and I don’t think I want to try acrylic since glass has been great. Reply
marybeth.jirasek says November 17, 2020 at 7:06 am Me too. Glass only. And hearing everyone’s comments on acrylic scratching so easily, I’ll stay with glass. Reply
Jeremy says November 2, 2020 at 2:32 pm Definitely chose glass over acrylic! Glass has come a long way! Acrylic scratches super easy!!! Reply
ANTHONY CANDELORA says November 2, 2020 at 2:45 pm Glass is better if worried about the easy of scratching Reply
kweisen-1082 says November 2, 2020 at 2:45 pm Had an acrylic tank 20 years ago, glass is the only way. Stays clear and scratches less likely during maintenance. Reply
Mr Papu says November 2, 2020 at 2:46 pm I’ve only had glass. Don’t see myself going acrylic either. Reply
Michgander reefer says November 2, 2020 at 2:48 pm Love the look of a sid acrylic tank but glass is nice as well. Reply
Shimi Belen says November 2, 2020 at 3:04 pm I’m a glass guy. Less prone to scratching and clearer. Reply
William Leonard says November 2, 2020 at 3:39 pm I love the look through good glass better than acrylic Reply
Scott Forbes says November 2, 2020 at 3:58 pm Glass is heavy but acrylic is a little lighter. Acrylic also scratches very easily so you must be careful when cleaning. Reply
Thereasa says November 2, 2020 at 3:45 pm I’m so bad at accidentally scratching things, I’ll probably always do glass for my own sanity! Reply
spencershawnallenward says November 2, 2020 at 3:47 pm I’ve always had glass personally I prefer it. Reply
spschiebel says November 2, 2020 at 3:48 pm Glass for me. I don’t have confidence I could keep acrylic scratch free. Reply
mlashawnbenton says November 2, 2020 at 3:49 pm All I’ve ever had is glass, one day of maybe like to do a comparison, but right now I’d take glass. Reply
Aaron Sutton says November 2, 2020 at 4:15 pm acrylic is light and strong, but scratches easier than glass. Reply
Tran Phan says November 2, 2020 at 4:18 pm I prefer glass but acrylic has its role in certain applications. Reply
teresaannehand says November 2, 2020 at 4:23 pm Glass is easier to clean. However acrylic is much lighter and just as beautiful. Reply
Alfie Henshaw says November 2, 2020 at 4:59 pm I prefer glass, it is a better view and easy to clean Reply
Russell George says November 2, 2020 at 5:08 pm Glass for sure. I don’t want to always have to worry about scratching the acrylic and glass can take a lot of that abuse. Reply
Jemma Hussey says November 2, 2020 at 5:19 pm I always heard that acrylic can stratch easily. I have a turtle tank that is made out of glass and I haven’t had any issues. Reply
Deva-dan says November 2, 2020 at 5:20 pm glass, that said my 1st large reef was a 240 acrylic man that was nice to move. fast forward to today move both a res sea reefer 650p as well as 750XXL. let me say this when your are move a big tank you are wishing for acrylic when its up your a wishing for glass… Reply
sublunarynature says November 2, 2020 at 5:24 pm I’ve only ever had glass. I’m a little afraid of how easily acrylic scratches. I am a clutz. Reply
Mike says November 2, 2020 at 5:54 pm Go glass! You will get one scratch and lose your mind with acrylic Reply
Michael Pimental says November 2, 2020 at 6:01 pm I like glass simply because I have never owned an acrylic tank. Reply
dwalters1017 says November 2, 2020 at 6:05 pm Always had glass tanks… Acrylic scratch s to easy…. wouldn’t be apposed to trying one… Glass tanks are easier to keep clean Reply
Juan Carlos Perez says November 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm Im more for glass. Never had acrylic but always heard that it scratches easily Reply
Nick Ryan says November 2, 2020 at 6:20 pm I’ve always thought glass just looks nicer. And it doesn’t scratch nearly as easily! Reply
Bill Kroll says November 2, 2020 at 6:31 pm I think for display tank Glass, but maybe the sump should be acrylic, I think I might be scared to chip the sump moving equipment in and out Reply
Bryan says November 2, 2020 at 6:32 pm Glass for me….. but that’s all I’ve used so a bit biased! Reply
Kyle says November 2, 2020 at 6:34 pm Never had an Acrylic tank. I have only had glass ones and I can’t complain. Reply
John Worthington says November 2, 2020 at 7:07 pm I was definitely into using acrylic tanks for a long time but have since changed my mind and gone back to glass acrylic scratches so easy Reply
enordstrom says November 2, 2020 at 7:18 pm Acryilc is ok but glass looks so clean especially the opticlear glass. Reply
Ashley Servee says November 2, 2020 at 7:23 pm I currently have an acrylic and it is super scratched up. They scratch way too easy! Reply
David says November 2, 2020 at 7:45 pm I only have glass but have heard that acrylic scratches easier but you can buff it out easier than scratches in glass which requires chemicals to buff out scratches. Acrylic is lighter but more expensive and I hear it is a bit clearer. Reply
David Sheffield says November 2, 2020 at 8:02 pm after my children “helping” clean the tank…I will never buy acrylic again. so easy to scratch Reply
Gary Edwards says November 2, 2020 at 8:09 pm Can’t afford acrylic but I like the seamless look you can get from it Reply
Compy Ginorio says November 2, 2020 at 8:57 pm Glass its the best choice. Less hazzard of scratching while cleaning it. Reply
Tilor Teegardin says November 2, 2020 at 9:03 pm Glass is way better than acrylic! Much more durable and takes less care. In my experience at any rate. Reply
Tilor Teegardin says November 2, 2020 at 9:03 pm Glass is way better than acrylic! Much more durable and takes less care. In my experience at any rate. Reply
mtreiber0416 says November 2, 2020 at 9:22 pm Looking at my scratched acrylic tank right now wishing I had went with glass Reply
Dee says November 2, 2020 at 9:36 pm Dee from Brooklyn says glass has stood the rest of time. It’s easier to clean and harder to scratch Reply
Andrew Welsh says November 2, 2020 at 9:43 pm Generally prefer glass, but acrylic does have its place. Design-wise, there are things that are easily done with acrylic that would be absurdly expensoce with glass. Also, because acrylic is stronger, it has major benefits for very large tanks (the kind that don’t come in a box). Its also nice that acrylic can have scratches removed, which is basically impossible with glass (not that you’d want to) It’s also worth noting, some of the higher clarity glass is also easier to scratch. Win some, lose some, but material science can be very interesting. Reply
justin dejesus says November 2, 2020 at 9:50 pm ive always used glass. never really tried acrylic Reply
Jay-Jay Agnir says November 2, 2020 at 9:52 pm I prefer glass just for the clarity and durability. Reply
Mike Brown says November 2, 2020 at 11:41 pm I like glass! I would be too worried about scratches. Reply
Chris Segraves says November 3, 2020 at 1:40 am Never had an acrylic tank so I have no opinion on it. Si I say all glass for me Reply
Kevin Johnson says November 3, 2020 at 4:35 am I like glass. I am too afraid I would scratch the acrylic. Reply
Tj says November 3, 2020 at 5:39 am Glass, those little scratches in acrylic, you can stop seeing. Reply
shawn vest says November 3, 2020 at 6:25 am Glass 100%, acrylic definitely has its bonuses but it is soo much harder to keep clean Reply
zmaldon says November 3, 2020 at 6:35 am always glass…. good quality and beautiful looking glass, your fish and corals will love you for it. Reply
Rushil K says November 3, 2020 at 6:48 am I prefer glass tanks than acrylic. For acrylic, it’s easy to scratch it. However, glass is more heavier. Reply
Astrid Hopkins says November 3, 2020 at 7:46 am I think acrylic has passed it’s time. There is such huge improvement on the glass used today that it’s the only way to go! Reply
Zachmazepa says November 3, 2020 at 7:48 am Glass will always be my choice for main display. Use acrylic in fish room where it doesn’t really matter what the tank looks like long term. Reply
devon.mccauley says November 3, 2020 at 7:56 am My tank is acrylic and it scratched way to easy Reply
aaron says November 3, 2020 at 8:21 am I find that glass is much easier to take care of and lot harder to scratch Reply
ed.leslie says November 3, 2020 at 8:30 am Glass is the best, in my opinion, until see through aluminum is invented……………. Reply
Ron Oppor says November 3, 2020 at 9:45 am For me I prefer the acrylic. I’m able to customize the tank to fit the area. Reply
Cody Maier says November 3, 2020 at 9:49 am Glass definitely gives a more crystal clear view of your animals. Reply
tonymininno says November 3, 2020 at 10:29 am Plan to upgrade and am considering acrylic due to weight factor and my location. Have a glass tank now and see the advantages f glass. Reply
Mike Alsgaard says November 3, 2020 at 10:37 am Glass All the way, know it’s heaver but never gotten a scratch in it either Reply
Mike Alsgaard says November 3, 2020 at 10:38 am Glass All the time, know it’s heaver but never gotten a scratch in it either Reply
Robert Paniagua says November 3, 2020 at 11:22 am Glass all the way. Easier to clean and not many worries Reply
Ryan Hughes says November 3, 2020 at 11:49 am I prefer glass but wouldn’t be upset if someone gave me an acrylic tank Reply
Sean says November 3, 2020 at 11:53 am I had a reef in an acrylic and switched to glass. Glass is much better. Reply
Bryan Sees says November 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm Glass will always get my vote. Acrylic scratched way too easier in my experience. Reply
Michael Roth says November 3, 2020 at 1:18 pm I like Glass better, acrylic, while you can buff out some scratches, scratches too easily. 😉 Reply
Rebecca Watson says November 3, 2020 at 1:22 pm I’ve always used glass and will stick with glass for saltwater for sure! Can’t risk the easy scratches while cleaning the glass daily! Reply
kchristensen8064 says November 3, 2020 at 2:44 pm Glass all the way! It may be heavier but once you have it in place you shouldn’t have to move it. Acrylic just scratches way to easy for my liking. Reply
Micah Stelling says November 3, 2020 at 3:05 pm Glass feels more sophisticated. So I’m going glass. Reply
tony_garcia18 says November 3, 2020 at 4:28 pm I like the acrilic cuz it’s a little more derable and shatter proof Reply
arlan says November 3, 2020 at 7:13 pm I have a tough time on this, glass is heavy but don’t get scratches, acrylic is much lighter but does get scratches much easier. When you have health issues where heavy isn’t a choice without help, makes rubbing scratches out look easy. So it is a personnel choic e Reply
bluekab says November 3, 2020 at 8:23 pm I’ve always had glass tanks and I think I always will. Reply
Tesia Oliver says November 3, 2020 at 9:38 pm Hate my acrylic. Looking forward to my future glass tank! Reply
Todd says November 4, 2020 at 7:44 am My tank is glass. If I could go acrylic I would but my glass one works fine. Reply
brotherdave44 says November 4, 2020 at 9:52 am Glass definitely, will never own a scratch box again. Reply
jeffanddeannawilliams says November 4, 2020 at 10:16 am I’ve had both and definitely prefer glass! Reply
Shawn Lyons says November 4, 2020 at 10:51 am I like glass displays but would use acrylic for sumps. Reply
theladdiefamily says November 4, 2020 at 1:25 pm Would love acrylic but I have dogs, cats and kids. Glass is the only thing I’ll buy! Reply
motor795 says November 4, 2020 at 6:52 pm I like glass, as it is stronger and less scratch prone, but they also weigh a million pounds. Reply
Sean says November 4, 2020 at 10:27 pm Acrylic is only nice until it is scratch, and it will scratch. Glass is better all around. Reply
scottjung says November 5, 2020 at 11:37 am Glass if you want to view what is inside. Never had a tank break and don’t usually move them around so weight and breakability less of a concern than scrubbing. Like non-stick pans, the more you use them and “clean” them, the sooner they start getting imperfections. Reply
John smith says November 5, 2020 at 4:21 pm Never owned and acrylic tank but really interested in trying Reply
lkysvnchop says November 5, 2020 at 8:59 pm I’ve owned acrylic and never again will I. No matter who makes it or what they promise all acrylic will end up yellowing over time. Reply
Kris ligon says November 6, 2020 at 5:19 am I’ve always liked glass bc I don’t have to worry about scratches as much. Reply
Kurt Kidder says November 6, 2020 at 6:39 am I have ideas for a tank just not sure what material to use. Reply
sweetestone04 says November 6, 2020 at 5:06 pm Glass 100% to scared of the scratches of have acrylic Reply
bradley.harden says November 7, 2020 at 8:15 am Acrylic is easy to scratch but if you’re like coralfish12g and you needed to move your tank maybe semi annually then you’d have a much easier time with that than a glass. That said I prefer glass for the clarity and scratch resistance. Reply
Paul Marvin says November 7, 2020 at 2:04 pm For a long term reef tank, I would definitely go with glass! Reply
Stephen Offutt says November 7, 2020 at 2:37 pm Enjoy them clarity, insulative properties of acrylic Like the more difficult to scratch nature of glass Reply
justan jenkins says November 8, 2020 at 9:29 am as long as you are careful around your tanks, no reason why you shouldn’t choose glass.. acrylic.. well.. just DONT! Reply
Angelica says November 8, 2020 at 10:05 am Glass all the way. I don’t scratches, and at big tank sizes, things will be heavy anyway. Reply
Rick Garant says November 8, 2020 at 3:42 pm Definitely glass dont scratch as easy dont get etched Reply
Michael Mooney says November 8, 2020 at 4:14 pm I like glass but I’ve never owned an acrylic tank Reply
M Morgan says November 8, 2020 at 4:42 pm Going on record that these tanks by CADE re bad ass and well thought out. Who would not want such a beautiful piece of engineering? That said, I worked in a commercial museaum / aquarium. We had multiple 300 gallon peninsula tanks in acrylic. These met with school kids touching them all the day long and they held up very well. Simply put… there is fantastic glass (CADE) and cheap glass (petco). The same can be said for anything. Reply
Rj reyes says November 8, 2020 at 5:33 pm Glass all the way for me! Easier to clean and maintain! Reply
Burke says November 9, 2020 at 12:21 pm Glass seems superior but acrylic surely has its benefits Reply
john-3645 says November 9, 2020 at 3:14 pm Glass is definitely the way to go! unless its a frag tank. Reply
Lucas Turman says November 9, 2020 at 4:06 pm Personally glass will forever be my go to, first tank was acrylic and if I looked at that thing the wrong way it got scratches lol Reply
Jennifer Reichardt says November 9, 2020 at 4:23 pm I prefer super clear glass to acrylic. We have both. I feel like the light reflects better off of the glass. Reply
Aaron Gilka says November 9, 2020 at 7:47 pm Glass preferred not so easy to scratch up vs acrylic Reply
Rebecca Whitley says November 9, 2020 at 9:28 pm I hve only ever used glass, was debating a small acrylic now less likely! Reply
Leon Maldonado says November 10, 2020 at 1:13 am Over the years I have had both custom acrylic and low-iron glass tanks. Each has their pro’s and con’s but I lean toward the low-iron glass tanks simply for the fact that they have the clarity of the acrylic tanks (especially in the larger sizes) and will resist accidental scratches far better. However, costs for low-iron are much higher than the standard glass aquarium and weigh considerably more than same sized acrylic tanks. View each in person at a friend’s home or local fish store and decide which looks best to you. Reply
salparmar says November 10, 2020 at 2:06 am If you can take care of it then acrylic but if not then glass Reply
scotty8284 says November 10, 2020 at 5:52 am Glass for display, and all other uses as well. Acrylic for utilitarian uses, like frag or QT. Reply
Marco says November 10, 2020 at 6:52 am Acrylic is definitely stronger and should last longer, but glass just looks better to me and acrylic scratches way too easy. Reply
Natalie Neace says November 10, 2020 at 7:10 am Tanks are a lot to consider! Loved hearing all the differences! Reply
Leo Minegishi says November 10, 2020 at 7:27 am I always say go glass or go home. Acrylic looks great, as long as I’m not the one maintaining it. Reply
mattporpora says November 10, 2020 at 7:30 am If only glass tanks could be epoxied like the acrylics Reply
Wynonah D Bates says November 10, 2020 at 8:17 am Always had glass, but worked with acrylic… Each have their strengths and weaknesses but I choose glass to own. Reply
joshuameadows989 says November 10, 2020 at 10:25 am I have had nothing but glass but I would try it Reply
purelakerfan says November 10, 2020 at 11:37 am I have both glass and acrylic. I like the lightness of acrylic but the scratching is the fallback. Glass is what I prefer. Reply
Natasha Brodsky says November 10, 2020 at 1:07 pm I didn’t know this! Thank you for the information. Reply
Dennis says November 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm I prefer high quality low iron glass. I think that they look better and it is harder to scratch. Thanks for sharing the pro’s and con’s of each Reply
jasonrsimpson says November 10, 2020 at 5:10 pm I’m very much a glass guy. To nervous that I will scratch acrylic. Reply
Jeremy Rankin says November 10, 2020 at 7:21 pm I like glass, maybe I am old school. I really just don’t like the responsibility and upkeep of acrylic. Plus I would always worry about scratching it> Reply
jayfl77 says November 10, 2020 at 9:41 pm Glass unless it’s a large tank. Acrylic makes it easier to move Reply
heather.palafox says November 11, 2020 at 7:46 am I definitely prefer glass tanks as I advance in this hobby. Reply
dsims369 says November 11, 2020 at 8:58 am I’ve had both now, and although acrylic is more expensive, I definitely say it’s worth it for the weight & clarity alone! Reply
rpkneumann says November 11, 2020 at 11:12 am Love good quality crystal clean glass. Regret the curved corners of my BioCube since it distorts the view quite a bit. Reply
Tanner Funai says November 11, 2020 at 1:37 pm A lot of people don’t know this but acrylic is porous and will absorb water overtime and bend as opposed to glass with superior optic quality (light transmission and color rendition) but also lasts years longer… Reply
animeman988 says November 11, 2020 at 2:32 pm I prefer the look and ease of a glass aquarium, not having to worry about scratches or sturdiness of the tank. I feel since glass is heavy and sturdy that it is stronger and is going to last longer than acrylic. This is just my preference though. Reply
Jeff says November 11, 2020 at 4:55 pm glass even acrylic knows this hence the name plexiGLAS(S) Reply
miamma3 says November 11, 2020 at 7:50 pm Unless someone comes out with a 100% scratch-proof acrylic tank I will have to choose Glass. Reply
l.lozaja says November 11, 2020 at 9:41 pm Glass all the way save yourself the headache of the scuffs and scratches Reply
Adam Prato says November 12, 2020 at 6:17 am Glass. I’ve scratched glass…if I owned an acrylic tank it would be scratched even if I just looked at it haha Reply
Joe Willis says November 13, 2020 at 1:28 pm I’ve always had glass tanks. In my situation, the tradeoff has never been worth the cons of acrylic. Reply
hostetterdawn says November 13, 2020 at 10:33 pm Both have their good and bad qualities but ive always been a glass tank fan myself. ? Reply
Carl Heller says November 14, 2020 at 4:23 am All my tanks are glass tanks I’ll love to try Acrylic tanks and see the difference. Reply
Steve Coffman says November 14, 2020 at 10:19 am I feel that the glass tanks age better with time. Reply
kyron_cochran says November 15, 2020 at 6:50 pm i prefer glass, only because it has better scratch resistance over acrylic. not as big of a concern in a freshwater setup as it is in a marine tank. Reply
Joe says November 16, 2020 at 1:51 pm I’ve had both and prefer glass, less worrisome when it comes to scratching. Reply
Echo Rodetsky says November 16, 2020 at 3:04 pm I’d rather have glass. I like the idea of a lighter tank but scratches look so terrible. Reply
galetichtrey1 says November 16, 2020 at 3:05 pm I have always liked the clarity of acrylic but it scratches very easy. Reply
kmaves22 says November 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm I have acrylic and it does scratch so easily and then the scratches fill up with film and makes just cleaning the view a chore Reply
Matthew Gary says November 16, 2020 at 4:21 pm Never had an issue scratching glass, so never a need to try acrylic. I don’t believe I will ever own an acrylic tank Reply
Soren Shurtleff says November 16, 2020 at 4:56 pm glass is cheaper and doesn’t scratch as easily Reply
stroja62 says November 16, 2020 at 8:09 pm I want to try acrylic but think I will stick with glass Reply
monicaalto1 says November 17, 2020 at 11:44 am I prefer glass because of the other glass where it will be. Reply
jaywelle says November 17, 2020 at 12:28 pm Glass has come too far in quality to have a meaningful disadvantage to acrylic. Reply
John Vermont says November 17, 2020 at 3:59 pm Nothing compares to the style of glass. Simply elegant Reply
Teri Embum says November 17, 2020 at 4:13 pm Glass aquariums all the way. Had acrylic – scratched no matter how careful I was. Reply
georgearena25 says November 17, 2020 at 4:49 pm I personally will always buy glass I just think its alot more durable. Reply
Claude Duprez says November 17, 2020 at 5:36 pm I’ve had both through the years. Now that aquariums use low iron glass I’m all in on it. Acrylic tanks do have maintenance to keep them from becoming yellow, it just requires polishing them every 6 months or so. My next display tank will be a Cade beautiful workmanship. Reply
Andre Phills says November 17, 2020 at 8:30 pm Glass all the way! I have only used Acrylic with sumps and prefer my Glass sumps over them for ease of cleaning. Reply
Arlan White says November 18, 2020 at 9:18 am glass is heavy but doesn’t scratch acrylic is lighter but does get scratches Reply
echurch549 says November 18, 2020 at 2:21 pm Glass for me. But I do worry about larger “monster” tanks being glass. Reply
Robert C says November 19, 2020 at 8:48 am Not even a question. Acrylic looks awful as it ages. Reply
Robert C says November 19, 2020 at 8:51 am Could never pull the trigger on acrylic, it just ages terribly. Reply
Robert C says November 19, 2020 at 8:52 am Could never pull the trigger on acrylic. Too many examples out there with how bad they look in the long run. Reply
mhorton says November 19, 2020 at 12:22 pm Unless I wanted a complex shape ( which are impractical IMO) glass would almost always be my preference because of scratch resistance. Reply
mhorton says November 19, 2020 at 12:22 pm Unless I wanted a complex shape ( which are impractical IMO) glass would almost always be my preference because of scratch resistance. Reply
Ray Gonzalez says November 19, 2020 at 1:02 pm Glass! Definitely glass. Not as easy to scratch. Reply
markkrider68 says November 19, 2020 at 5:55 pm Glass for sure easier to keep clean and scratching Reply
James Reed says November 19, 2020 at 6:29 pm I’m a glass guy as I like razor blades and acrylic doesn’t! Reply
Joseph Stmarie says November 19, 2020 at 7:19 pm I always like glass because of the fact it don’t fade. But hate the scratches it gets Reply
michael.cox.ii says November 19, 2020 at 10:17 pm I have always been a fan of glass tanks. They provide something acrylic can’t. The clarity and weight is nice on an acrylic but high quality class can add durability and clarity as well. Just heavy as all hell Reply
Ryan Skinner says November 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm Glass can be buffed out sometimes vs Acrylic your just adding fuel to the fire with scratches. Reply
michaelgtcaruso says November 21, 2020 at 4:39 am Glass may be heavier, but I like how it doesnt scratch as easily. Reply
specialname76 says November 21, 2020 at 10:26 am I had a acrylic tank, scratched it myself. Just not to bad. Reply
Christina Wynn says November 21, 2020 at 8:09 pm After much research, weighing pros and cons, glass only for us. Reply
brad.crow84 says November 21, 2020 at 8:29 pm Never had an acrylic tank before. Looks really nice. Reply
Keith Taylor says November 23, 2020 at 3:16 pm I could go with either. I think I prefer glass though Reply
MATTHEW REED says November 23, 2020 at 4:54 pm Advantages and disadvantages for both, just depends on what you value more. Reply
arin0913 says November 23, 2020 at 5:30 pm I’ve owned both, acrylic does scratch easily but glass limits me in size and design at times. Reply
david.portholepub says November 23, 2020 at 7:07 pm I like glass just because it doesn’t scratch as easily. Acrylic it’s still good though, lots of options Reply
Conner says November 23, 2020 at 8:11 pm I definitely prefer acrylic you just have to know how to care for them Reply
Oscar Saavedra says November 24, 2020 at 8:37 am acrylic is good for sumps , but in my opinion not good for the tank because it scratches very easily Reply
jeremywenz says November 24, 2020 at 10:17 am Deffinately glass over acrylic these days! Though I’ve had several of both Reply
jeremywenz says November 24, 2020 at 10:17 am Deffinately glass over acrylic these days! Though I’ve had several of both Reply
Will Humphreys says November 24, 2020 at 1:43 pm Glass is my preference. I didn’t know that my current 90 is acrylic until I started cleaning it and scratched t with the magnet… Reply
Kenneth Frasian says November 24, 2020 at 5:28 pm I prefer Glass over Acrylic! Having built dozens of acrylic tanks all the way up to a 250 Gallon Predator Tank the luster of acrylic died. Its far too expensive and preparation takes all too much effort all in the end for scratches to easily appear. Low Iron Glass is far superior in the long run and looks great for years to come! Reply
Laura Sloan says November 25, 2020 at 3:06 pm I think glass is the way to go – I’m glad to see Cade tanks are made from glass Reply
hannah_roo41 says November 25, 2020 at 8:16 pm Glass because it doesn’t scratch as easily as acrylic Reply
Billy Koch says November 26, 2020 at 10:07 am I have seen the beauty of glass tanks and they are jsut more beautiful than anything else. Plus heard aryclic can tend to scratch. Reply
shirley devera-Caldwell says November 26, 2020 at 5:50 pm Thank you for the info! good to know and contemplate Reply
brocklehurstmatt says November 26, 2020 at 7:52 pm Glass, my sump is acrylic and i’m always afraid of scratching it up or messing it up some way Reply
nannasumpty says November 28, 2020 at 12:08 am acrylic is much better then glass because glass leaks fast Reply
Jim T says November 28, 2020 at 10:14 am I have had both and the both have pros and cons so go with your budget Reply
Edward Thayer says November 29, 2020 at 10:26 am Glass for smaller tanks, acrylic for LARGE tanks. Reply
marshallbros59701 says November 29, 2020 at 4:46 pm I have a 30 gal acrylic just can’t be careful enough it seams Reply
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