Hey fellow Reef2Reefers!
I’ve been planning for my next build which will be a 36X36X20 cube lagoon SPS DT, and I'm torn between glass and acrylic.
Initially, I was all in for low-iron glass, but a youtube video showcasing a stunning ¾ inch acrylic tank - exactly the size I'm looking for - threw me into a whirlwind of research and self-debate. It's been two weeks of poring over every thread and video I could find. I'm tired of doing more research so I’m currently 90% settled on a low iron glass tank, to end my own agony of choice! I'm creating this thread to share my thoughts and add another data point to this age-old topic on R2R.
A little about my experience: I've owned a 50-gallon acrylic freshwater planted tank for the past four years. Initially, I was very cautious about avoiding scratches. Over time, as the tank stabilized, the minor scratches became less noticeable, and there were no significant damages. This tank has endured two house relocations, which I managed by myself, although the back panel has somewhat bowed. Overall, I remain quite satisfied with it as a freshwater setup. In contrast, I've maintained five low-iron glass tanks, ranging from 3 to 30 gallons, with two currently active as reef tanks. Switching to saltwater has highlighted the challenges of algae cleaning, I can't imagine how hard will it be with acrylic tanks.
Here's my internal debate on acrylic vs low-iron glass:
Acrylic is so easy to get scratch:
So I'm leaning towards glass, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or anything I might have missed in my thought process before I put the order. Thanks!
PS， is it possible to have a screen protector for the inner side of acrylic panel? like those we use for cell phone.
I’ve been planning for my next build which will be a 36X36X20 cube lagoon SPS DT, and I'm torn between glass and acrylic.
Initially, I was all in for low-iron glass, but a youtube video showcasing a stunning ¾ inch acrylic tank - exactly the size I'm looking for - threw me into a whirlwind of research and self-debate. It's been two weeks of poring over every thread and video I could find. I'm tired of doing more research so I’m currently 90% settled on a low iron glass tank, to end my own agony of choice! I'm creating this thread to share my thoughts and add another data point to this age-old topic on R2R.
A little about my experience: I've owned a 50-gallon acrylic freshwater planted tank for the past four years. Initially, I was very cautious about avoiding scratches. Over time, as the tank stabilized, the minor scratches became less noticeable, and there were no significant damages. This tank has endured two house relocations, which I managed by myself, although the back panel has somewhat bowed. Overall, I remain quite satisfied with it as a freshwater setup. In contrast, I've maintained five low-iron glass tanks, ranging from 3 to 30 gallons, with two currently active as reef tanks. Switching to saltwater has highlighted the challenges of algae cleaning, I can't imagine how hard will it be with acrylic tanks.
Here's my internal debate on acrylic vs low-iron glass:
Acrylic is so easy to get scratch:
- Acrylic side: The fact that acrylic is so easy to get scratched kinda forces me to be super careful on it. This will be my dream tank build and I want to make it a precious piece that I can’t be lazy on. Also Acrylic is repairable, this youtube video convinced me scratches could be fixed from inside without emptying the tank, it does cost some effort but it’s doable without any high technology.
- Glass side: Being a display tank in the living, I'd rather not have to constantly remind guests and family members to be careful. I want them to be able to enjoy looking at the tank without any worries. Also I won’t trust myself to be consistent on being extremely cautious when cleaning the tank every time, none of my tanks are crystal clean since I'm too lazy.
- Acrylic side: Instead of the scratch issue, I’m actually OCD on the reliabile issue, where I worry about glass tank seam failing or earthquake might happen and bust the tank and destroy the living room. All my existing tanks are nano/small tanks and It's be my biggest tank build. While an acrylic tank is bullet proof which gives me relief.
- Glass side: 112g is not a big tank and with a 15mm glass panel it should be reliable enough if built by a good builder.
- Acrylic side:I want to be able to move the tank all by myself, especially during the early tank design stage.
- Glass side: Weight is a one-time problem. Getting a 250-pound glass tank into my living room will need some friends, or maybe I’ll rent an electric jack. Once it’s on the stand with leveling casters, I should be able to move it around on my own.
- Acrylic side: I prefer the Acrylic tanks' smooth and transparent corners instead of the sharp, black edges on glass tanks. Since it's a corner tank, the edge would be very noticable
- Glass side: 2 years ago I actually prefer the sharp edge so aesthetic preference could change. Afterall they’ll all look the same after being filled with water and lit up with blue light. Acrylic tank just looks better when it’s brand new in the first week.
- I found some negative reviews about Advanced Acrylics on R2R, I know I could shop around for different builders, but it’s their youtube video drove me into the debate, so it’s definitely push me back to glass a little bit
- iInnovative marine lagoon 112 is the exact size I want so I don’t need to go custom, it’s even on sale now.
So I'm leaning towards glass, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or anything I might have missed in my thought process before I put the order. Thanks!
PS， is it possible to have a screen protector for the inner side of acrylic panel? like those we use for cell phone.
