The Right Stuff – Acrylic Fish Tanks

by Trevor J Rockberry on March 29, 2010

Buy a Smaller Vresion of an Acrylic Tish Tank

A Huge Acrylic Fish Tank- Buy a Smaller Vresion Today

There are a number of differences between glass and acrylic fish tanks.  Many aquarists favor glass fish tanks because it is traditional and that has a loyal following.  Those who choose the glass fish tank think that acrylic happens to be an inferior choice because it is able to scratch easier than glass. Although this is true, acrylic fish tanks have a variety of advantages over glass.

For one thing, acrylic fish tanks are softer, stronger, and more flexible than glass, which makes them 17x stronger than glass.  This makes the acrylic tank highly impact resistant.  They also weigh 50% less than glass and this makes acrylic fish tanks easier to clean as well as to transfer.  Acrylic acts as a good insulator and this makes this particular fish tank easier to maintain a steady temperature.  This is very advantageous because glass typically conducts both heat and cold.  Acrylic fish tanks are virtually leak proof because their seams are seamlessly melted together.  Therefore, the acrylic type of fish tank is able to insulate 20% better than glass.  This will reduce temperature fluctuations and you will be able to save on heating as well as chillier bills.

Acrylic fish tanks are virtually leak proof because their seams are seamlessly melted together.  The seams in these tanks are welded molecularly.   The substance that is used is resin.   It is resin’s job to chemically seal them and thus melding the two pieces to form one solid piece.  This will give a seam that is clear and polished and one that is virtually not able to leak.

Clear-for-Life Rectangle 29 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium (Black) w/ LS Black MDF Stand & Canopy

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Another known advantage of acrylic fish tanks is that they have a 93% transparency rating which happens to have the same clearness as optical glass.  In fact, out of any other known materials acrylic passes the most light.

For all of the above reasons just about all modern public aquariums are composed of acrylic.  Even though acrylic scratches easily from regular cleaning   and wiping, they can easily be buffed out if the proper type of equipment is used.  There is not even a need to remove the fish or the water.

Many myths have surfaced over the years about acrylic.  There were some people who believed that over time acrylic could turn yellow or brittle.  It is true that plastic can do this but not acrylic.  Other people believe that acrylic fish tanks distort and bow.  An acrylic tank that is made to specific specifications will neither bow nor distort.  However, there is one piece of information that you may wish to keep in mind, and that is that acrylic is flammable.  Therefore, do not ever set a burning candle on top of your acrylic fish tank!

If you are looking to purchase an acrylic fish tank, the best type of acrylic is domestic cell cast acrylic.  Rohm and Haas, Polycast, Lucite and Cyro Acrylite are only a few brands that will make excellent aquariums.  Stands are also necessary for your aquarium in order to support the tank’s bottom so that the weight is distributed evenly.

Each day more aquarists are switching over to acrylic due to its many advantages.  If you happen to be one of them, make sure you use acrylic tools to clean your tank’s walls.  There are large plastic blades that can be purchased for this purpose.



If you are looking for an alternative aquarium that is both funk and new please check out the fluval edge

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