Glass or Acrylic for bigger tank?

Brent Thomann · #1 10/03/2007, 09:58 AM

I am starting to plan my upgrade from my 180. I am thinking around 300 to 400 gal display, not sure if I should go with glass or acrylic.

some pros and cons guys?

I am worried about scratching the acrylic and keeping the coraline off. with my tank now I wait until it builds up a bit (lazy) and then I hit it with a razor blade attached to my magnet, don't think it will be that easy with acrylic, can't use razors with acrylic right?

much appreciated,
brent

RandyO · #2 10/03/2007, 11:08 AM

Glass Pros

Easy to clean.
Does not scratch.

Glass Cons

Heavy
not 100% clear, unless you get Starfire

Acrylic Pros
Light
Clear

Cons
Scratches
Can't use a razor
Large bracing on top sometimes makes working on it hard.

I'm my opinion, if it's going to be a reef tank, go with glass. Acrylic can be good fish only tanks, since you don't have to worry about coralline as much.

As for pricing, they are pretty close at that size, so that shouldn't matter. Though it might cost more to get a big glass tank into your house.

rjrobert · #3 10/03/2007, 11:25 AM

Dito what Randy said.
I personally would go with a Starphire front. You will be happy you did when you see the difference. Here's a picture showing the difference on my tank. You can see how green normal glass is compared to the starphire.

75galreef · #4 10/03/2007, 04:11 PM

Really, if you are planning to go that big check out this thread.

http://fingerlakesreef.com/forum/vie...b8cd84bb556fcc

Gary Majchrzak · #5 10/03/2007, 04:20 PM

300- 400 display?
reef aquarium = glass
fish only = acrylic

remember not to make it too deep! (30" max IMO)

chrisguy · #6 10/03/2007, 08:26 PM

You've got some good feedback. I just had to post and say "WOW!!!" I'm trying to upgrade TO a 180 and you are ugrading FROM a 180. YOU DA MAN!!!!

acdraindrps · #7 10/04/2007, 01:25 AM

Definately go glass Brent.

Brent Thomann · #8 10/04/2007, 10:16 AM

glass it is then, thanks

its going to be a few months, just realized I have to fix a settling problem on my house. non basement side of house dropped quite where the tank is going to be, from this dry summer we had, errrh!

if anyone happens to see larger glass tank for sale in the near by states let me know, be nice if i could get used. needs to be viewable through front and back, room divider kinda. 7 to 8 feet Long x 30ish x 30ish.

Willistein · #9 10/04/2007, 02:33 PM

I would stay away from Starphire due to its softness, others can attest to this.

Any plans for the 180?

Willistein · #10 10/04/2007, 02:33 PM

dp

Gary Majchrzak · #11 10/04/2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent Thomann
7 to 8 feet Long x 30ish x 30ish.

That's my ideal size aquarium. I'd be happy with regular ol PPG and no Starphire.

rjrobert · #12 10/04/2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Willistein
I would stay away from Starphire due to its softness, others can attest to this.

Any plans for the 180?

What softness?

Brent Thomann · #13 10/04/2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjrobert
What softness?

I think Starphire would be awesome, just don't think it would be worth the extra easy grand.

RandyO at areefcreation.com has two tanks next to each other (filled) and you can't really tell a difference. If money wasn't an option I'd definitely get the Starphire.

I wish I could go with higher tank like 36" high, just cost to much to light it. I really like the duce bigalow tank.

Gary Majchrzak · #14 10/04/2007, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjrobert
What softness?

there are several brand names of low iron glass (Diamonte, Starphire, etc.). There are many threads on RC documenting low iron glass's propensity for scratching easily. In some cases, pits develop. Example of such a thread:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...+AND+scratches

'Reef Creations' has some low iron glass holding tanks in the store. You'll probably have to have someone point them out to you.

Brent Thomann · #15 10/04/2007, 09:33 PM

ha, posted the same time

thanks for sharing gary.

Gary Majchrzak · #16 10/04/2007, 09:46 PM

Hey Brent- I don't know if you've researched custom aquarium builders, but you ought to.

rjrobert · #17 10/04/2007, 10:10 PM

That's really interesting. I have never heard of that before. Not sure how true it is or isn't but looks like I'll just have to treat it with more care. thanks for the details.

Brent Thomann · #18 10/05/2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gary Majchrzak
Hey Brent- I don't know if you've researched custom aquarium builders, but you ought to.

only talked to Randy briefly about Miracles in Canada.

http://www.miraclesaquariums.com/