I second everything that was said here except I believe for nearly all situations (except maybe major earthquakes) glass and acrylic bonds are strong enough
as long as they are made correctly.
Acrylic is stronger. Further, acrylic bonds are supposed to weld together and the weld should be stronger than the acrylic. So if Acrylic cracks something most likely wasn't built right or worst-case, was impacted just right. Ouch
That being said I would go with glass for <=180gal but anything larger consider acrylic or plywood or something else.
As far as larger tanks just go see what the aquariums like Monterey use - Acrylic (actually, I'm not sure but it is some form of plastic).
