Why I Won't Buy Another Acrylic Aquarium...

I've had my 350 gallon acrylic aquarium for 3 years now, here's why it might be my last...
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[@onehundredhourchallenge836]

I have an acrylic aquarium my parents bought me in 1972, and they bought it as a USED tank, then. It's still in use today. No glass aquarium can match that.

[@c.miner573]

There are still glass aquariums around fully functional from the victorian era with steel framing without ever being resealed

[@hopelfreyamikaelson9348]

?? Little knowledge is dangerous

[@Ali-Muscle]

Acrylic is the best , hands down

[@MarijkeWillemsen990]

I have a glass tank with silicone from the firm Juwel from 1970, still working perfectly, with an all aluminium gold colored light unit! Will easily last another 50 years.

[@peterschulties3258]

Just sold my 220 and 240 acrylics. I used micro fiber cloths from day one. No noticable scratches. I would never own a glass tank over 125 gallons. A well made properly cared for acrylic will never leak. I'll take peace of mind over some scratches any day. Awesome tanks and fish!

[@Ali-Muscle]

Exactly

[@bgs9man]

This is an excellent video of pros and cons. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@anthonymarkowitz6824]

Beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL TANK! I love it man, inspires me to up my aquarium game, and did I say how being it is?!?! Seriously I give this a 10 out of 10 I give you props on your tank!

[@Cichlids23]

nice share bro...always good to hear the good the bad and the ugly, from someone that actually has a big tank!

[@underthebus5801]

I equate owning an acrylic aquarium (my 180 gallon) with my watch or car: They'll all eventually get scratched. As much as I hate those scratches, I embrace the item, regardless, because they bring me joy.

[@amnr7588]

💯

[@100bgeagle]

Can easily be buffed out.

[@dreamqueen317]

Those fish are GORGEOUS!!

[@MagnaRads]

Better clarity with acrylic

[@InteraktywneAkwarium]

Thanks for this opinion!

[@Raitis.F]

Grat video… I was split between two options and I’m sure to stay with glass… might do DIY from harden glass, but that is a new choice to make. Thank you!

[@TripleJAquatics]

great info! thanks

[@Ralfscho]

Thx for the video. I hate scratches in my aquarium too. After seeing your video. I know for sure, I'll be sticking to glass tanks.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

My 500 gallon acrylic bowfront no longer gets new scratches. I have learned to use magnetic cleaners with sheets of magic eraser sandwiched between the magnets. Zero new scratches in two years. I also learned how to buff the scratches out with the tank full and little disturbance to the fish using progressively finer sand paper and magnetic cleaners. Silicone on glass tanks does break down. I have had to reseal my 200 gallon glass aquarium and I can see degradation of silicone on all my glass aquariums. Time does fly and you end up with worrying about tanks breaking when they are glass. I can send you a youtube link on how to buff out acrylic scratches?

[@dwsdarius]

Thats a great idea with the magic eraser/ magnetic scrapper combo that i'll be trying. I'll take that link if you have it. Thanks

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

here is part 1 of 2. I used this information to re-do the front panel on my 500 gallon acrylic bowfront aquarium. The fact that it was a bowfront made it more difficult. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2nIhYqQiLN_ja8

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

Once I redid the front panel, I started using the Mr. Clean majic eraser sheets on the inside and outside, sandwhiched between the magnets. Have not created a new scratch in more than 2 years. I discovered that the majority of the scratches I had in the past were because of a grain of sand or gravel getting into the mag cleaner. Using the sheets solved this problem and they do a good job of cleaning off the algae- better than the mag cleaner by itself. Hope this helps. May seem like a lot of work, but when you are done, and with this new approach you will never do glass again for large aquariums.

[@DjPosey3]

Thanks for this info as I'm about to buy an acrylic 135

[@mmh5481]

Let me get that link. My 300g has a few scratches

[@theadventuresofmooseandluc4737]

Wow!!!! Your aquariums are incredible!!!! My dream!!!! I always go saltwater, but I haven’t had one in 10 years, and the itch is back! Only thing, I literally can’t figure out where to put a new tank! I don’t want it in my basement as that’s my studio, so, I need it upstairs. I never thought the struggle would be so hard! Keep up the great work!!

[@jbondmont1256]

Thanks for the info. I have a 110 glass aquarium that's super heavy so I am considering an acrylic upgrade for that reason alone!!!

[@moonlightman7885]

Been following you for years now....I wish you more subscribers ✨

[@dwsdarius]

Thank you!

[@scottgordin9709]

I have a large glass aquarium and it does have a couple scratches on the inside from the sand substrate from weekly maintenance, I can only imagine how many more scratches there would be if it was acrylic. It would make me crazy after spending 4x more for acrylic just to scratch 4x easier, Beautiful set up by the way.

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks, yes after my experience I'd say acrylic is over priced!

[@calcifiedbonecollector3222]

Yeah but can you polish out the scratches from a glass aquarium ?

[@danielflorio7728]

That tank is awesome...

[@andersontaylor2933]

Very informative man. Its my dream to one day have a tank like you bro. Nice setup

[@dwsdarius]

Thank you

[@davidleach4689]

Acrylic aquariums are way better than glass they don’t have to be resealed they are ten times stronger they are way lighter they insulate a lot better they are clearer and you can get scratches out don’t use sand

[@CarlosAlvarez-fv3di]

Thanks for the video. I was trying to make up my mind on my upgrade and I think I just did that would bug me like crazy sorry you’re dealing with that issue .but that’s a beautiful tank . 🐟🐠

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks!

[@JasonSupremebeing]

I have the same problems with my acrylic 40 gallon. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to get rid of it.

[@jbbartles7015]

The bad thing about big glass aquariums is, they always run the risk of an old one busting a seam. I had a 125 bust a seam one time and flood me dining room.

[@LarryWater]

That’s my worse nightmare.

[@Aquascape_Dreaming]

An understandable and legitimate concern. I have a 26 and a 28 gallon tank in my living room and even they worry me plenty. Especially the 26g. It looks really old. I bought it 2nd hand and had it for 10 years 😱😰

[@raoulwilliams3817]

I have 3 125's & 3 150's i bought used *very old* I reinforced all 4 corners on them with a piece of glass on the inside

[@danielsanders1479]

Well if you’d ever want to know an aquarium needs to be resealed., use gasoline to completely dissolve the old sealer! No half measures. If your going to do a complete tank rebuild don’t try covering old sealer! Start clean sheat and gas just completely melts clear sealer! Mineral spirits to completely clean the glass and I could get really involved in explaining how to build a plywood box on 5 sides to secures large glass and using large wood clamps to put necessary pressure on the glass for a bullet proof seal!

[@raoulwilliams3817]

@@danielsanders1479 gas only works on clear sealer? I do remove the old sealer, reseal it & add another strip of glass top to bottom with sealer for reinforcement Lol The price of wood right now is ridiculously expensive 😫😩😭

[@nateavis5686]

Great video. I have the same tank based on one of your videos. Still love mine. Its been set up just over a year. I have a few minor scratches. I use Fritz acrylic cleaner with a microfiber cloth on the outside. Check out the Tunze Care Magnet. There is no way to get sand trapped in there to scratch it.

[@dwsdarius]

Thank you, thats awesome that yours is still in tact...I guess part of the blame is that I clean my tank rough and reckless...which has painful consequences!

[@nateavis5686]

@@dwsdarius Time will tell. I guess the scratches can be buffed out. A little difficult to do with fish in the tank. But you are correct glass doesn't scratch that easy.

[@TheReal1953]

I built acrylic aquariums, custom, for a summer job......pet shop in St.Louis. There are a lot of reasons for a acrylic aquarium;MUCH clearer than glass, light weight and easy to do custom shapes/colors. We also sold standard glass aquariums. The shop had both in service for yrs....both hold up about the same. But since then acrylic has gotten a lot more expensive. I would talk to a plastic company about wiping tanks underwater....there has to be a way without scratching. We also custom built the filter on the back with an acrylic enclosure...even slid a saltwater pump into acrylic rails glued to the back. It was a three stage filter system with glass wool, glass marbles and a ultraviolet bulb.....all based on a six foot long tank.....undergravel was custom built, again with acrylic. We were pulling the water in a loop which started at the top, ran through the filter system and up through the undergravel. We had very low death rate with the salt water fish and that filter system. We used black acrylic for the back....made it look like the fish were swimming into infinity. We made tops out of acrylic that were sectional and easy to take off. We had some sort of sealed fluorescent lights that just laid on the top.....pick different color bulbs etc. Acrylic for me......

[@driftindriftwood7301]

Nothing worse than a scratched tank. I hate scratches. But remember it is only us who see the scratches. In time I have learned to live with scratches on the tank, and don't fuss over it like I used to.

[@jeffk464]

you can buff them with acrylic, glass you are kind of stuck. Glass is more scratch resistant but gravel and rock aquascapes have no problem etching glass. Now reef tanks with coraline algae you should probably have glass. You need to remove the coraline algae with a razor blade. By the way ich is easy and cheap to treat, all you need is kosher salt. Treat with kosher salt, or the salt they use for salt water aquariums, as soon as you see ich and you wont have any losses.

[@danielsanders1479]

How do you feel about the Waterbox aquariums I’m debating purchasing the reef LX 320?

[@danielsanders1479]

Your frickin awesome!

[@mattmonteith2175]

I agree with you this why I have all glass. And salt water don't mix to well

[@heatherclough8233]

I have owned two since I live in a travel trailer and wanted the more even temperature fluctuation and lighter weight. I just use a microfibre cloth in Circular motions and have kept scratching to a minimum thankfully.

[@oscardean6351]

Your setup is beautiful you definitely know 100% what you’re talking about I love the way your tanks look so natural proper beautiful no other channel has natural looking beautiful well-kept Environments like you you’re a credit to the hobby dream fish room keep it up Son 😳🤙🏼

[@Aquascape_Dreaming]

Sorry Dean, but you're not watching many other channels if you think this is the only one with naturally scaped aquariums. There are literally hundreds more.

[@oscardean6351]

@@Aquascape_Dreaming not as common with very large fish most want to keep their aquariums easy to clean because they’re quite lazy I have seen others with nice aquariums nicelyDecorated I was begin this guy up because I was on his channel you’re very touchy aren’t you 🤫🤮😡

[@cutefish7317]

I prefer acrylic. Everything looks better in an acrylic. I don't have many scratches in my acrylic. I love how light weight the acrylic is. The only thing I don't like is acrylic is 10 times more expensive than glass.

[@tessloneill7978]

I am thinking about buying an acrylic because of how light it is. I think my goldfish need a bigger tank -100 gallon, but you are right. The cost is quite a bit difference. Also, I heard that your fish look so more clearer. But how do you attach the air filter if they don’t stick to acrylic?

[@cutefish7317]

@@tessloneill7978 I use Zoo Med Magnetic Suction Cups for all my aquarium heaters and airline tubing, etc. Never replace your suction cups again! You can buy Zoo Med Magnetic Suction Cups at Amazon. I use sponge filters in all my tanks.I have one 29 gallon acrylic tank. I have three 10 gallon glass tanks. I like the acrylic tank the most.

[@azanositepu9381]

What kind of sand did you use?

[@robg915]

I've had my acrylic tank a few months and no scratches but I don't have sand in mine. I'm just really careful and I do daily water changes. I use suction cups with no problem.

[@fernandomonramos1129]

Suction cups for what

[@robg915]

​@@fernandomonramos1129for the heaters and inlet tubes. The trick is to use a microfiber cloth to clean. I've had mine 2 years still no scratches.

[@robertjohnston25]

I’ve bought quite a few used tanks, and scratches are the main reason I decided to buy my 210g brand new. So no I don’t think you’re crazy lol. I fully understand the annoyance of cleaning algae out of scratches.

[@carlespr]

For me the best point of an acrylic aquarium is that plastic "sheets" are not glued or siliconed, they are kind of soldered, so there are no joints, another story is if under heavy stressful forces the plastic would break, but in that case it would rather break in the middle or close of a flat panel than in an edge. Asuming that the unions are correctly done. But for normal weights the acrylic is safer than glass. Another point, yes, acrylic scratches much easily than glass, but acrylic can be fixed and look like new while a scratch on glass will stay there forever. It only needs a mistake using somethig with a grain of sand to have a line that won't ever go away. Acrylic is also more transparent than glass, even than that so clear glass. And that so so so clear glass, according to the experience from a colleague, scratches easier than normal glass, acrylic still scratches easily but he threw two aquariums because of that, without doing anything out of normal, nor having any incident. And without the aim of giving a lesson, but with shrimp, some fish and snails, plus UV light, plusless nutrients in the water, maintenance is very reduced. Add plants, many, to get rid of the excess of nutrients floating in the aquarium so water also looks nicer.

[@brihan24]

can you show us how your filter works? Thanks, i like your setup looks cool!

[@dwsdarius]

Coming soon

[@stephenfrisbie3108]

I owned an aquarium shop for 7-8 years back in the late 80s and early 90s, had both glass and acrylic tanks, fresh and salt. No scratches except where big coral heads got knocked over. We were cleaning those tanks all the time, but we used the acrylic safe pads. The saltwater tanks were loaded with crushed coral, so we’d just be careful when working down low.. fan it away, clean the spot, fan it back. I used to have people tell me all the time they’d never get an acrylic tank because of the scratches. I had a keyring with about a dozen keys on it and I’d pull it out of my pocket then I’d lob it at an acrylic tank, not super hard but not super soft either, and then I’d pick it up off the floor and rub the tank with it, not super hard but not super soft. Then I’d say ‘I’ll never try that on my glass tanks”. Never scratched until some guy said “Yeah, but what if you hit it with something sharp like the blade of a scissors?”. Well you know what? It cuts like butter. I had to sand it out. From straight on it was hard to tell, but from an angle there was an obvious spot the tank had been worked. After that I’d say just don’t hit them with a razor blade or those pad cleaners for glass, use acrylic safe cleaners. Can’t say if people had luck with my advice or not, but I’ve seen plenty of scratches on glass tanks over the years, and those generally aren’t readily buffed out.

[@stephenfrisbie3108]

Note, we used the white acrylic cleaning pads, those multi colored blue things in the video don’t look the same. Those sure don’t look like what we used, look more like the typical glass cleaner pads. Not sure if that’s the difference or not.

[@saifal-badri]

High clarity glass all the way, can’t agree more!

[@muhammadfazli3875]

Awsome

[@stellarlivingstoned]

Glass looks so much more crisp too

[@BType13X2]

I've always been of the mind that when you go large you go plywood and put in glass viewing panels, you can move 1 panel at a time to your desired location, build everything in place and use the weight of the glass as an advantage for holding itself in place while the silicone cures.

[@scottmerrow7617]

Put in an acrylic panel.

[@BType13X2]

@@scottmerrow7617 where I live glass panels are half the price of acrylic and when you are talking glass that is 3/4" thick and 7' long x 40" high were talking in the 3,500 to 4,000 range for the glass. Hard pass on spending 7- 8k on acrylic and having to deal with something that is so easily scratched.

[@scottmerrow7617]

@@BType13X2 You'd be better off buying a tall 8ft long aquarium to get your window

[@TheLegendOfPsychopath]

Ahh I can't say this enough man you have always inspired me with your fishes! And thanks for you and your video on how and where to look for driftwood and how to cure it I have found some amazing specimens! By the way how is the red devil doing?

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks, the red devil is being a jerk...as usual. Eventually I make rehome him

[@TheLegendOfPsychopath]

Ahh that's a shame I have someone in mind that may help with that mabye you could hit up Ohio Fish Rescue to take the red devil! They rescue and give fish a good home!

[@mikesanders28]

I am considering this same tank. I actually like acrylic tanks but was wondering if you’ve had any trouble with it bowing?

[@dwsdarius]

So far no signs of bowing and and feels like a solid built tank

[@annie.76]

Thank you! I’m only looking to get a 40 gallon and was considering changing from my glass cube to acrylic because I heard acrylic is safer and I’m worried about possible leakage. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for this review.

[@dwsdarius]

Acrylic is less likely to leak, however unless your glass tank is old (10 years or older), I don't think the acrylic is worth it, its much more expensive. As long as you give your glass tank a level (balanced) stand and it's still young, I wouldn't worry. BTW not saying you should worry about a 10 year/ older tank, I have glass tanks that have been running for 15 years with no problems. It comes down to wear and tear on the silicone over the years, and you should be able to visible see if a tank has that problem

[@leagueleaders]

HOLY SMOKES THATS AN EPIC ROOM!!!

[@edwardippoliti626]

Hi ,and thank you for your great advice ,and awesome looking fish, I was wondering aside from the scratches ,is an acrylic tank stronger ? I have a 100 gl. Glass tank for my Cichlids ,a green Texas cichlid ,a Jack Dempsey,and a Convict ,I just recently moved ,and had to remove the the fish for the transport ,the fish survived, but I noticed the tank is showing signs of minor leaks , I found a 100 gl. Plexiglass tank for online for 80 dollars ,but not sure if it's safe ,since I don't know the difference between acrylic or plexiglass ,and if they're the same ,any advice you could give ,the glass is not leaking real bad ,and I could probably be alright for awhile ,the water here in Arizona is real hard too ,so it creates alot of calcium ,thank you

[@dwsdarius]

Acrylic is less fragile, but I can't really say which is stronger because it depends on how it was built, what epoxies were used and a few other elements. 100 gallon plexiglass tank for $80, sounds unreal. I'd ask questions and even ask to see if it holds water in person because the price is unrealistic to me...far too cheap. As for your leaking glass tank, I recommend that you reseal it ASAP. The longer you wait the worse it will get. If its a tear in the silicone thats an easy fix, if the glass is cracked then the tank is totaled.

[@edwardippoliti626]

@@dwsdarius I think it is just the silicone, and since it's empty right now ,I'll just reseal it ,thank you ,awesome !!

[@ryanryans3438]

I love seeing all of your wet monsters in that 350! Especially love the Viejas. I’m inspired by your success & hope that I can mix some Vieja species myself & have some semblance of peace or power balance in my tanks too. Good luck with that Ich. Have you ever used any Fritz Copper safe Ich treatment? Just curious.

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks, no I haven't. I use Kordon's Rid Ich and that got the job done

[@scottmerrow7617]

You had good reasons.... That said, acrylic is way lighter and stronger than glass, more color neutral and holds heat better. Most scratches can be buffed out. But they are way more expensive. I have only a 29 but wish all mine were acrylic and of course larger.

[@rockerma1987]

Acrylic is not stronger, you need to have thicker acrylic aquarium then glass aquarium. Almost double im thickness. Also, it's more expensive at the end.

[@scottmerrow7617]

@@rockerma1987 Acrylic is 17 times stronger at the same thickness and I said it was more expensive.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

it isnt stronger than glass when it comes to certan things but yes it is way stronger than glass.. I know people in california who went through an earth quake and all the acrylic tanks cracked, the glass didnt do anything..

[@100bgeagle]

How many tanks do you have? Exactly I have 2 one acrylic one glass. I take my time cleaning and still looks beautiful no scratches yet. I'm sure you can't take the time I can to clean.

[@Ali-Muscle]

Acrylic is the absolute best ! Definitely the most bang for your buck, HANDS DOWN.

[@dwsdarius]

I love how light weight they are, but that's about all I like

[@connorschmidt3614]

Try NOVUS 1,2, or 3. It’s a cleaning product meant for removing scratches in plastic. But a rotating brush on your power drill and apply the product with that. I know you don’t want to drain the water but you could drain it 1/4 and test it out on some of the scratches near the surface. If you want perfection you gotta put in the work 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@emanuellgustea122]

So if I have this right, you saw that the way you were cleaning your tank was scratching it, and you continued to clean it the same way every time?

[@migueleespinosa2632]

I use a lot of heavy Texas Holley rock. I love to change things up bit. If one big dense rock slips it would kill an acrylic tank.

[@jellybeanvinkler4878]

I have two 50 gallon acrylics. I bought them used. Both were in great shape. I can move them around myself. Unfortunately, I thought the magic erasers were okay, and when moving one tank for a painting job, I decided to really scrub the algae off thoroughly. Now it is kind of cloudy. 😳 I still use it, but would like to fix it. Any suggestions? Also, there is some crazing in the older one. Can anyone tell me if this is a leak risk.

[@dwsdarius]

Hey, the scratched tank can be buffed and made to look brand new, you would have to drain and empty the tank to do it though. I don't know what you mean as far a crazing on the other tank

[@wyzemann]

Based on all your concerns, I won't invest my time & money on acrylic aquariums. However, I've never noticed the numerous scratches until you made them seen up close & personal🤣😂.

[@dwsdarius]

Yes the camera does a good job focusing beyond them, but in person it hurts seeing them!

[@Qthepug]

You have to use an acrylic sponge, found in dollar stores, or a rag for cleaning vinyl records-high-end. The rag works better but you have to use more elbow grease. Not a microfiber rag because it will scratch records and acrylic- a special vinyl cloth. and continue to rub. As you rub you have to rinse the sponge or cloth outside in clean water occasionally, otherwise the algae itself will scratch the glass. Also be diligent about not getting sand between the cloth and acrylic. Buffing out scratches should be done by a professional IMHO. These days people only want to argue but if your actually thinking of getting one this is a best practice.

[@marktopp745]

Just found your video. Great but I have one question. The last section with those beautiful cichlids. The orange fish could you actually tell me what it is please. Mainly because I acquired 2 Light coloured convicts and it they were the spitting image of your gorgeous fish. If it is a convict sorry for wasting your time. Thanks from the UK. Mark.

[@dwsdarius]

Hello, thats my red devil cichlid, amphilophus labiatus. Pink convicts are often described as mini red devils because they do look similar

[@MagnaRads]

They make scratch kits you can use in a stocked aquarium!

[@mikeyoung6039]

Mr Clean magic erasers are the best! Sand is always gonna make it a little difficult.

[@dwsdarius]

I haven't tried that yet I'll have to test it

[@awilderireland]

I scratch my glass tank. Clumsy Oaf. 😂😂 I have thought about acrylic as they hardly ever leak or explode. That's a big plus.

[@dwsdarius]

Yes nothing worse than a busted tank

[@h2okeeper106]

Prefer acrylic but the cleaning is definitely a pain versus glass. The selling point for me was the durability and the insulation it provided for temp heating and stability

[@OriginalMindTrick]

The selling point is lower weight, a clearer viewing window, and can handle larger tanks as well. For a real monster tank acrylic is the only way to go. It gets very expensive though when you go up in size and thickness.

[@LevelUpSimRacing]

I can deal with some scratches. Just had a glass 125gal start cracking on me.

[@markwolek8026]

Usually green pads are for glass, white pads are for acrylic, that one you showed looks like a glass algae pad, weird it was labeled for acrylic. Buffing out the scratches is a royal pain in the ass, almost not worth the work. While I've never had a glass tank bust or leak, after having my 75g for 25 years, I am thinking about going acrylic for a 280g just for piece of mind there. Not being able to use a razor blade to clean hard algae, and cleaning near the sand has be on the fence though cause I know what it's going to be like. I used to do aquarium service for a living.

[@davidyoules9568]

You can polish the scratches out of course.

[@jaisonwoodard7267]

The dealbreaker for me now on an acrylic fish tank is the scratches and dealing with the maintenance like you were saying and then none of the equipment being able to suction cup that’s a bunch of bullshit man well luckily my 210 is glass😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@franmorr1966]

Which brand acrylic did your purchase? Maybe you mentioned it in the video. The thought of the safety of reducing the chance of leaking glass seams is SO desirable.

[@pelhamsaquatics]

I was considering an arcrylic tank, I think I will stick with glass, thank you!🙂⭐️

[@dwsdarius]

Acrylic tanks are super light weight....but that's it. Unless you have to put that tank in a awkward position its not worth it imo

[@andersontaylor2933]

Im sure you have figured this out but take a scraper and scoot your sand over from the side of the glass then let the sand settle for aprox 30 minutes then clean the bottom of your tank

[@dwsdarius]

I use microfiber cloths to clean it and its much more effective

[@filiplaskovski9993]

Bro sand substrate can scratch glass glass let alone acrylic gotta be careful when cleaning near the sand bed. Other than that love the tank set up and the filtration, that some decent engineering!!

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks, yes I learned that the hard way. If I ever get another acrylic tank it'll be bare bottom

[@kevinkeagan4896]

What chemical was that u used for ich? Couldn't see

[@dominickdesante3918]

Formalin MS

[@v3700]

you can polish out scratches mate

[@lowtidekass4468]

Half my tanks are acrylic, I agree with all of the things you said. My least favorite thing about acrylic as someone that breeds, sells and trades a lot of fish is the way the tops are cut. You have to net the fish differently and in my experience takes twice as long at least.. Glass tanks are way easier for netting fish. Have a great day🤙🏽

[@dwsdarius]

That's true, my tank has 4 small openings and its a pain working inside the tank

[@barafisk9633]

may i ask how much ish the 350 g acrylic costed ? i got my 190g glass for 200 dollars ( used ) , and its about 3k dollars almost brand spanking new... ( just the glass + stand not including pumps + fish )

[@dwsdarius]

Mine was $3600 but since then the price has raised +$1000

[@barafisk9633]

@@dwsdarius ouch, and im sure u have said this but , how much ish did u spend on the plywood 880g then ? thinking of maybe building one instead honestly , cheaper and might be a bit more fun as a experience any advices and what would u do differently ? bigger / smaller :)?

[@dwsdarius]

@@barafisk9633 My plywood tank was just under $3000, that's because I got a good deal on my glass though. I would definitely go bigger if I had to do it again, at least 10' long because the fish filled in in no time! I would have also looked to get a bigger front viewing window and perhaps a side viewing window. The extra glass could easily bump up the price by $1000 or more. The piece I currently have is very small compared to my front wall but I found it on craigslist for$350 which was a steal

[@toriless]

My acrilic tanks are 6 years old and not scratched up. I have internal filters hanging off the acrylic with section cups along with the usual heater.

[@jesse0M]

Have you noticed any yellowing ?

[@MagnaRads]

They will also last 10x silicone glass

[@Gil334]

Thanks.. Your tanks look nice..I've had probably 50 tanks in various sizes, since the 1980's. In my experiences all glass tanks will eventually leak, or break. I eventually went to all acrylic. Yes the acrylic scratches very easy, but just don't get grit get in your cleaning tools, and be careful moving things near the plastic. And although it scratches easy, if a rock falls/rolls into the panel, it won't shatter like glass. If you keep salt tanks, salt creep is much more manageable with acrylic too. And as far as fading/discoloring, In my experience, only poor quality Mexican acrylic does this.

[@djknox2]

May I ask why salt creep is more manageable with acrylic?

[@Gil334]

@@djknox2 Acrylic doesn't have an open top. They are generally sealed around the perimeters, with several inches of acrylic. Maybe a slot in the back for a hanging filter, and feeding/light holes cut into the center of the tank.

[@djknox2]

@@Gil334 agreed and that was my point - if the wall thickness was increased to limit the stiffening to what one would see on a glass tank, the pane thickness would double and the weight difference would not be significant. Light acrylic tanks necessarily come with a lot of top bracing. So it's exact apples to apples...

[@Loophole23742]

What about if you catch the algae early before it builds up and clean the inside of the tank with a soft sponge, weekly? I’m getting an acrylic Fluval flex 123L. I’ll probably test what clean cloths work best on a single piece of acrylic before I clean my tank so I know what works best. What some people find helpful is to have clean up crew, snails and other things that will eat the algae. Would be hard to have them with your selection of fish. I’m going to go with dwarf African cichlids. I wouldn’t want an acrylic tank with large cichlids and the fish you chose either, the kind you have like moving rocks and gravel around so scratches would come about quite easily. I had many of the fish you have in your tank over the years and I know how messy they can be.

[@_jurist]

And that is why you have a bare bottom tank if you have acrylic, get some nice tile and put that in and the tank will still look good and you won't have the sandpaper to scratch your aquarium that comes from the sand substrate. Don't blame the aquarium for your issues.

[@chevyfish4028]

I am with you on the acrylic cons. Also, if you have hard water, it leaves a calcium crust line which I have found absolutely nothing can erase. After many years, my acrylic tanks got so opaque that it was hard to see the fish. So, to acrylic, I say no thanks. They could be good for growing live food but who wants to spend that kind of money to grow daphnia, scuds etc when a 5 gallon bucket works just fine.

[@dwsdarius]

Wow I didn't get the calcium yet 😫

[@hebrone30]

When your glass tank explodes, you will be talking differently.

[@lw7238]

I really believe you don't like scratches on your tank! I really do!

[@luigigreen9823]

Will a pleco scratch acrylic?

[@dwsdarius]

No, I'd say 100% of scratches come from the fish keeper

[@IsabellaM._]

Have you tried the magic erasers? They're terrific for removing algae and won't scratch. I find them at the dollar store for pretty cheap.

[@dwsdarius]

I just bought some to test out, you can use them inside of the tank too?

[@IsabellaM._]

@@dwsdarius, yes,it says it's safe for acrylic.

[@im.smooth8058]

@@dwsdarius i would not use a magic eraser inside the tank.. they use a cleaning agent in the sponge which will be toxic to the fish when you fill it back up

[@logiq101]

You need snails, shrimp and pleco and they'll keep your entire tank clean - no scratches and almost no maintenance needed. You also need more pothos - there's too much nutrient in the water.

[@ABones-bm3vq]

well, at least it looks good on camera! I was looking into getting a 4ft acrylic and now I really dont want to. Itd bother tf outta me

[@rofishy2]

Your not supposed to use magnet algae scrubbers I know that much if it were me I would find either a very big actual algae eater or try pathos plants in the filter somewhere paired with a Uv clarifier should keep algae out

[@dwillhight]

You have OCD. I’m the same way I have to have everything flawless!

[@AAE-cg1il]

Acrylic tanks are more expensive than glass……because the material is expensive. However, for functionality and life expectancy…….they should be cheaper. I spent bucks on a 46 gallon acrylic bow front. 9 years later it looks like a milk container.

[@Sugaree43]

No one likes a scratched tank. I never considered one I don't like the tops on them. Glad the camera doesn't show the scratches LOL. I hope you have no issues with the ick 😣 I don't know how you do it with those monsters, I'd stress to much 😅 I good with all my nano tanks and fish 😉

[@dwsdarius]

Thanks, the ich has been successful cured with no losses. I just need to make some changes so that they don't cause it to come back from aggression

[@wonderfulworldofwater370]

They are easily scratched. The clarity is unmatched though. I have a 50 Gallon SeaClear and I am noticing Bowing on the back panel. Is this normal or should I be worried?

[@elementsoflife000]

Do you have a tabetop fishstand?

[@wonderfulworldofwater370]

@@elementsoflife000 what do you mean a table top fish stand?

[@elementsoflife000]

@wonderfulworldofwater370 unlike glass aquariums, if acrylic aquariums aren't on a tabletop/flat surface it can cause bowing

[@wonderfulworldofwater370]

Oh...ok. I want to think that it is a tabletop, but I am not sure. Thanks.

[@elementsoflife000]

@@wonderfulworldofwater370 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJKopqOsfZiebJY

[@Barakon]

Is this tank over stocked? It looks a bit overstocked in my opinions…

[@MagnaRads]

If the water is good the fish are good 👍

[@briancooke2435]

Next time you get itch in your system crank the heat up and do a bunch of water changes and salt it works way better than medicine

[@Accu53Mation]

Throw a couple Pacu or a red-tail catfish in there and see what happens. We made a homemade diatom filtration system using Oase filters for both 275 gallon tanks. never have a issue with Ick, in thirteen years. The strangest is our tank with a Golden arowana(has brought us no good fortune), four tiger oscars, a humongous plecostomus, a dozen discus of the green & cobalt variety, mass amount of driftwood and Amazon plants, which hides the 18-inch zig-zag eel. Tank 2, has local fish(trout, pike, bullhead, perch), so don't let the DEC find-out. Have always kept to glass aquariums. And keep all in our basement(man cave), just in case of flooding, which we had a plumber install drainage holes. The Oscars leave the Discus alone, but tend to bully the arowana, especially when the oscars have eggs to attend to. Awesome aquariums you have, and admire that filtration system.

[@johnmknox]

I can't see the scratches when you are filming the tank unless you go close up. The clearness of the tank when you are filming it is incredible. Those scratches would annoy me as well. I have done some calculations and I estimate that acrylic tanks would be a weight saving of around 25 percent over the glass equivalent that is provided they use the correct size thickness of acrylic. Some manufacturers go very thin on that and don't leave much safety margin.

[@djknox2]

This is correct. Acrylic aquariums being significantly lighter is a myth because if designed with the same deflection and same access from the top, they need to be double the thickness.

[@toriless]

I have faced Ich but it has been years.

[@acuariombr]

very good video 👍🏻273, likes, greetings, for my friend

[@dwsdarius]

Thank you!

[@danielsanders1479]

I did calculations to build. 1500 gallon starfire aquarium and I am to understand you can go with 1 inch glass tempered! Now here is what I e found out! The 1 inch glass tempered is as strong as 4 inch non tempered correct? And push that bad boy to 2000 Gallons! Let me know, you kick ass and any help would just be awesome!

[@dwsdarius]

I have heard the tempered glass is stronger, my 880 gallon has 3/4 inch tempered glass and it feels very strong so I imagine 1 inch should be significantly stronger. Now is it the same as 4" non tempered I'm not sure.

[@danielsanders1479]

@@dwsdarius I know because I’m dropping half in the LX320 from Waterbox and they use a very thick baseplate on this one! I think an inch of Starr fire glass. When I did contact a company that I advertising 1 inch ultra low iron glass, they said, oh we don’t temper one inch low e glass! I was playing around with one of those thickness calculators and well it says you could go 36 inches on the height! So somewhere around 1500 to 2000 gallons safely!

[@danielsanders1479]

@@dwsdarius your damn awesome! Your in the level with me and firearms! I can about tell you anything and I’m in total awe when I watch your videos on utube! My next big one is on my property, envisioning a 1 acre pond lined and set up with filters and it stays DAMN near 80 degrees, being in Hawaii I have a natural water source from Ko olau mountains but the thing is if you can shield it from mosquiters! Think of how big the oscars will grow in that bugger 😀

[@thomaskong5]

Acrylic is worth it just for the weight savings. Moving large glass tanks is awful

[@dwsdarius]

That's true, I had the chance to get a 300 gallon glass tank for $750 (which is an absolute steal), but I had to deny it because I knew it would be almost impossible to get into my fishroom in one piece

[@BrianHouston-ml4dd]

Man you act like Martha Stewart coming to look at the tank. Next time take one of those heavy glass tank down into the basement.

[@robg915]

I think those pads you bought is what scratched your tank

[@innerpeacefindings671]

Acrylic really easy to scratch and i don't want that.