Tank repair question

I did a quick search but couldn't find a clear answer.

I have a 55gal (soon to be fresh water) tank and I need to replace one end due to previous owner cracking the glass. I have pulled the glass out now need to replace it. The guy I got it from kept saying it was acrylic but I'm pretty dang sure it's glass. Now my questions are should I go ahead and replace it with new glass or can I use thick acrylic? My worry is the acrylic will bow and come out, but at the same time I think I could brace it to make it hold. And if I was to do a canister style filter (if I'm hearing this right) I'll need to drill a hole in the glass, so having one glass with acrylic it would be easier to drill....right? The acrylic idea is just an idea though, I've got a feeling that I'm just gonna go with a hang on back style filter(s). Anyways like I said, I'm thinking out loud, but always open to ideas.

-Cody

 

How did you remove the end panel? Just curious because if it's acrylic the joints would have glued to form the bond and seal. I personally have never seen an acrylic tank with silicone seals.
If it's an AGA I wouldn't recommend replacing the panel with acrylic. Silicone won't bond with acrylic like it does glass, glass expands/retracts differently than acrylic when there is a temp. change. That's just a couple reasons.
If it's a glass tank you can have a glass shop cut the panel for you and drill the holes.

Here's a related thread
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/bonding-acrylic-glass-59233.html#post561133

And welcome to 3reef

 

It has to be glass, silicone wont bond to acrylic.

 

Yeah the glass I can get for free (perks of having family at a glass plant) but the drilling the holes part would have to be all on me. Question though, if I run a canister style filter with fresh water would I need to put it in the glass or would it be alright to just run the tubes over the top and into the water? I have a good feeling that it's just gonna be replaced with a piece of glass, I'm just hoping that it doesn't take forever to get it and get it put together.

-Cody

 

That's a matter of personal preference. drilled or over the rim will work either way. Just harder to hide the tubes if you go over.

 

I've got a plan for hiding the tubes, I'm just dieing to get the glass to fix it and get it up and going.

-Cody