Glass vs Acrylic Aquarium - Which One Floats your Boat?

[@TheWaterBox]

Glass or Acrylic? Let us know!

[@TheWaterBox]

OMG, you opened me up! You love me... you really, really love me! *sniff*

[@DBbyDesign]

anyone who says glass has never had a glass tank fail. An acrylic tank built properly is almost impossible to fail. The single only downside to acrylic is it scratches easier.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I am old school so glass is the way to go for me...especially the low iron glass now-a-days.

[@TheWaterBox]

Right on!

[@gregdepot]

Tried the dobie sponge over the magnet this week game changer for cleaning acrylic. Id say over 75 gallon id lean towards acrylic. I do have a 150T glass and its hard to move but got it at a good price. In the process of Replacing my 30 year old acrylic 180 with a custom ordered acrylic 270 gallon.

[@deneng0259]

Chung i do not think you addressed it, but what about light reaching the plants.

[@TheWaterBox]

You have to consider the height on the tank as well as anything between the light and plant and that's harder to determine exactly without a meter

[@anthonybrown8158]

Enjoy the video . I agree with 90 gallons or bigger go acrylic

[@TheWaterBox]

Awesome. :)

[@iwantosavemoney]

Am leaning towards acrylic and dealing with scratches for the longevity of the tank but why is their not a hybrid with both like an acrylic tank Incased in glass if this was a option you could have all the benefits of acrylic along with the scratch resistants of the glass just a thought 💭

[@ninorivera5560]

Glass is life, man! With all the maintenance one need to keep a nice tank, for me, the glass can take more beating than an acrylic. But yeah, depends on one's preference or comfort zone when it comes to using.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching Nino.

[@Bryanx1964]

Man, I like this guy so much, I would gladly help him move his tank!! Ive only had glass so far.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks

[@Bobby11]

The hardest choice for me is actually figuring out where im going to fit another tank, once i figure that out the rest is easy :) Im yet to own an acrylic tank however. because in my mind Acrylic makes sense for a large tank (In my mind it seems stronger) and i have no space for anything larger than a 1/2 gallon left :D then again there is space in the middle of the room... hmmm

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha time to tetris your living room up?

[@jrawles87]

I have 55 gallon glass which is cool but I'm now having a 65 gallon acrylic customized. The reason for me doing that is our aquariums are on the second floor of our house and I'm just afraid of the glass leaking or breaking. Plus the room that I'm adding the 65 gallon is a smaller room and the 65 gallon that measures 36X18X24 fits just right. If this works out good then maybe about another year I'll be ordering a 75 gallon.

[@kye88]

I've had both Acrylic is good for tanks that people want to ''show'' off as the clarity is much higher than glass. Yes I am aware of low iron glass however there are different grades. ADA tanks are made with super clear glass that looks just like acrylic and other tanks are made with a medium grade with more bluish tint to them, (Which I own) so they can also be pricy just as Acrylic. For large tanks acrylic all the way as you don't have to deal with the weight over glass, however if your careful acrylic tanks will last a lifetime.

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@reddawn7128]

Nano glass . love the low iron glasses ow so clear

[@TheWaterBox]

They are, aren't they. :)

[@theresaabshire711]

I've had both glass & acrylic. I like them both but as a 60 yr old woman, I like that the acrylic weighs less & it's easier for me to handle/move/clean. Also I was always extremely paranoid about breaking the glass ones.

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, I get funky around messing with glass myself!

[@mattmonteith2175]

Acrylic aquariums they say the last 7 10 years so what do you do with them after that ?

[@star37021]

I've had both. I love my 46 gallon Bowfront acrylic tank though.

[@TheWaterBox]

Nice!

[@jeffp2935]

I know you are from LA, UsA. Just wanna let you know your videos are seen transatlantic in the Netherlands.

[@TheWaterBox]

I know but I can't cover every single location in the world unfortunately.

[@jeffp2935]

Just keep on doing your thing and I’ll keep watching. My comment was more like an encouragement fo you to let you know that your videos are seen outside the USA. Please change nothing :). Btw, I like glass aquarium. Not sure if you even can get acrylic aquariums overhere.

[@TheWaterBox]

@@jeffp2935 All good! :) ?They don't have acrylic over there at all?

[@jeffp2935]

@@TheWaterBox I did a search. There are a few nano aquaria with exotic shapes like BiOrp which are being sold. I believe those are acrylic. For traditional shapes it is all glass. There are a few companies that build costum tanks. Honestly myself I never considered buying a plastic/acrylic tank. The only thing I think about that could be a possible advantage is the light refraction. I’ve got a Aqualantis Elegance 80 and looked from the corner light refracts differently through the side compared to the front. That makes me see the same fish twice, slightly bigger watched through the side glass. Also, there is a bit of a mirror effect. I see the fish twice but I am not sure if the fish sees a reflection of itself. I have a feeling that this makes them swim up and down a lot. I can imagine that a Acrylic aquarium has a different light refraction, either positive or negative compared to a glass aquarium. I can’t compare that difference. I know aquariums are being sold with special white glass. Haven’t seen one in real life. The brand name is Ila I believe and they cost a lot, like 5 times more expensive. Fanatical aquascapers buy them as the light getting in and out is near perfect. Maybe you can tell me if light refracts differently?

[@TheWaterBox]

@@jeffp2935 Through the glass itself??

[@Diosesdepapel]

Hi Chung , i will have to agreed with you 100% Glass under 40 Gl and Acrylic over 40 Gl Tks for your video glad to see you back with new videos . Long time Subscriber ..

[@TheWaterBox]

Right on Dioses! Thanks for watching!

[@vigneshroosler4970]

Hey buddy I am from India I am planing for an acquarium could you pls suggest me acrylic or glass I'm planing for a 4 feet tank that is nearly 200 gallon

[@TheWaterBox]

That's really up to you. YHou have to weight the pros and cons of either and see what fits you best.

[@badman187ification]

From what's I know and what I've read with glass the taller the tank the more risk of failing seals. Marine land glass 220's have a life expectancy of around 10yrs. Mine didn't last that long before the vertical seals were pushing out and the bottom busted. Maybe 5yrs. Waste of money and time in my opinion. If your going big get acrylic. Jmo! 👍👍👍✌️

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, that happens, the taller the tank, the more force it's going to exert on the walls of the glass. Failure are usually due to bad or poor silicon

[@AlexTheLi0n]

Exactly this is what people in through hobby don’t plan for the cracked, breaks and leaks that eventually happen with glass tanks

[@James_Hande]

Well I'm old school from the 60's and always had glass tanks up to 75G. I bought a used 125G all glass and wow was that a beast to carry. I've fixed and built lot's of glass tanks which was no problem. But wondering which would have been easier with my 125G now that the bottom cracked. I'm thinking acrylic instead of glass. I've buffed out scratches in glass tanks successfully even my badly scratched 125. I'd imagine if it was acrylic there would be tons more but probably easier. Maybe some day I'll try acrylic when they don't cost a fortune.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks fro posting your insights!

[@AlexTheLi0n]

I always go with acrylic. It’s way stronger than glass. Actually reflects the light better so it looks better. Sure it may scratch easier but you will never need to reseal it. As the viewer mentioned larger tanks have to be acrylic. Yup and it’s not as heavy, lol 😂 I see the KZbinrs buying 200 and 300 gallon tanks and calling 6+ people over to move it. Ridiculous. Also that tank will need to be resealed at some point. Good luck with that 🤣😂

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, glass is pretty but I hate the part where you have to get 50 people to come help you move it. lol

[@Pearl_Gt]

Acrylic ❤️

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for your vote!

[@marka9556]

Maybe I missed it but for me, the curved front edges of an acrylic tank is a huge advantage over glass. They look so nice compared to glass.

[@TheWaterBox]

Nice, thanks for the comment.

[@coletran3451]

Glass

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@vb2377]

All about the plants!

[@TheWaterBox]

For sure!

[@prince151ful]

Never had an acrylic tank olny glass, but the large acrylic tank are nice.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for the share!

[@4foxsake571]

100% glass. I do reef tanks only. When you get that coralline algae on the viewable surface, and sand in the scrubber, the glass is much more resilient. Specially when you get into high end tanks that are starfire, and tempered. Acrylic is easier for the DIYer, but you can also DIY the glass with a little for site about measurements and where the overflow hols are to be drilled. I stick with glass 100%

[@titosanchez6963]

Chung I never had an acrylic aquarium before so you know what my answer was but after a 5.7 earthquake tremor I've been looking for a tank made out of acrylic but can't find one in P.R. so I'm stuck with glass aquariums awesome video great content well thought of and original and there's always something fishy going on in The 💦Water 📦 Box take care Chung have a awesome and happy day 👌✌️

[@TheWaterBox]

Well, if an earthquake can take down an aquarium, it'll still fall over regardless but I'm assuming you're looking to mitigate broken glass if it ever happened to be that big?

[@titosanchez6963]

The Water Box Chung that is just one of the reasons why I want an acrylic aquarium tank I want a tank that is 6 feet long 2 feet high and 30 inches wide so I can Aquascape with big rocks and plenty of aquatic plants and fish I don't mind if it is on the floor it will be easier to maintain it will be in my bedroom and I don't have to worry about glass cutting me in half when I try to run out of my house when another earthquake hits P.R. What is your advice Chung

[@titosanchez6963]

The Water Box the earthquake was that big and a lot of people lost their lives and homes in P.R. and we still get tremors that comes and goes once and while in 1996 hurricane George hit the Island of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 in 2016 Puerto Rico got hit by 2 hurricanes,hurricane Erma and hurricane Maria which was the largest and strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico and with everything that is happening now I need my dream tank and this hobby and my fish family support more than ever Chung I hope that you and your family and your love ones are safe,healthy and happy ❤️love ✌️peace and 😊happiness ‼️💦📦💦🌱🐌🦐🐟

[@TheWaterBox]

No, that makes sense. As for advice, go acrylic then. I'd probably try and DIY one honestly with something that big. Might be chaeper.

[@titosanchez6963]

The Water Box I knew you would say something like that Chung thank you for your advice and your knowledge,wisdom and understanding and for your support thank you Chung

[@monlegaspi]

Well i added a little more cash and bought the nano low iron glass and returned the acrylic 👌 glass all the way 👍🏻🍸

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Glass for me. Comes down to the acrylic scratching too easily which is the most likely thing to happen.

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, that's super annoying. :/

[@beerprem]

I have mostly glass tanks and a 60 g acrylic.guess which one out of 12 tanks that has bad scratches. Glass for me all the way.

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@sagrath1982]

The new generation of glass aquarium specially the frameless tanks are much attractive than the acrylic ones I have a unique bubble aquarium made of acrylic that makes you rethink and look different angles of the aquascape, I’m workin on my KZbin channel to have a different perspective of aquariums.

[@TheWaterBox]

Cool. good luck

[@gladboy7722]

Glass...👍👍👍🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹...

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@mohieddinedaaboul3052]

For sure glass, i will give u an info nobody know it, i was cleaning my acrylic tank with pure alchohol and cotton, at the same moment started to crack and it explode, give it a try with a piece of acrylic and wipe it with alchohol and gv me yr feedback bro, glass is the best

[@TheWaterBox]

Uh, yeh, you don't use alcohol (or even acetone) on acrylic because it can dissolve the polymer chains acrylic.

[@dhvid7912]

Glass. Keeps the temperature low from where I'm living. Acrylic retains heat better.

[@TheWaterBox]

Good point!

[@jackanddan]

glass baby....for sure....acrylic is too expensive and too high maintenance....unless you have an acrylic oven like ATM it’s just not realistic for most people👍

[@TheWaterBox]

Great point!

[@Megatog615]

if you gave me a 120 gallon aquarium I'd find a way to sell it, lol. I don't have the room for that.

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha

[@bwcritch]

I personally don't care, I am more concerned whether I can find the tank in the size/shape I am looking for. Sometimes glass fits the bill, sometimes acrylic does.

[@TheWaterBox]

Right on

[@roundedrob1483]

Glass for me, scratches stand out more on an acrylic tank.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for sharing! :)

[@barang23]

For reef tanks, acrylic will present the true colors.

[@TheWaterBox]

Good point!

[@colinmitchell9212]

As a wise man once said "Ask Fish". I guess as long as the fish are happy everything else comes down to owner preference and what money you have to spend on it.

[@TheWaterBox]

Good insight! :) Thanks for sharing!

[@erwinthuis2092]

Glass or Acrylic ? Glass is better for me, less Scratches and tank build from glass no problem i buy pre-built tanks from Juwel company in Germany they are nice and good whit built-in intern filter and standard Led lights + heater and also whit complete nice tank stand whit 3 doors. Complete set of 120gallon tank kost in europe 750Euro's and you ready to go. Yes most people hate the intern filter but it can bet removed by the store if you want a canister filter or something else for filtration so no big deal. They make even Corner tanks up to 120gallons whit tank stand complete and made in Germany so its quality glass and silicone that last for years. So i am not in for own build tanks or acrylic tanks.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for sharing!

[@toomanyhobbies8351]

Glass. I’m too clumsy. Scratches on the acrylic tank would bug me.

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@frankallen3634]

Always glass I cant get myself to spend on acrylic. My cats and grandkids would scratch the hell out of my tanks if they weren't glass.

[@TheWaterBox]

Makes sense!

[@tastyfishsauce4410]

My budget says glass. Acrylic would be nice, but so does winning a lottery.

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha

[@gregory7414]

Glass up to 75 gallons. Else acrylic!!

[@bradhardy2777]

Glass all the way!!!! If you ain’t got no friends to help you move bigger tanks than you’ve got deeper problems than a glass/acrylic argument.....

[@TheWaterBox]

LOL! Good point! But maybe that person has trust problems? Ya know, when he/she was young, the BFF was responsible for the death of his/her parent when he/she built a death ray to stage for world domination but was ultimately thawed by said person.

[@mattmonteith2175]

Glass