Tanks

Hi All, I'm a new kid on the block,call me Veets. We want to set up a saltwater reef tank (approx 150 gal) and have a few questions. (well... maybe more than a few) I have been to 1 store, purchased a book " Natural Reef Aquariums" by Johm Tullock. The store has suggested an acrylic tank. Pros/cons? I am concerned about scratching due to internal cleaning,sand abrasion etc.
As this is a large investment I would like to hear from those who have gone before me. Do I want glass instead? Many thanks,Veets

 

Hey  Veets, Welcome to 3reef and this money pit of a hobby!  LOL.  I prefer glass tanks just for the concern you mentioned-scratches.  Glass is harder to scratch but cannot be buffed like an acrylic tank.  One accident with live rock on the front glass would leave a nasty mark on an acrylic tank.
But acrylic tanks sure do look nice.  Good luck!

 

I like acrylic, yes easy to scratch but won't crack and spill 90gl on your carpet like mine did..

 

I am in the glass camp.  Coralline algae is a grizzly bear to scrape off.....hmmm :-/\\But they are not as crystal clear as glass.

I have glass, and still have managed to scratch it with LR.  If I had acrylic...it would be a mess!  LOL

 

I can scratch anything! I have glass.

 

I bought a 100 gal acrylic. I also have 9 glass tanks. That will be the last acrylic I ever buy. Everytime I clean the tank I manage to put a scratch in it. I use the proper cleaners but I still seem to mess it up. I am in the process of setting up a replacement tank. I will then buff this tank and sell it.

I hate obviously hate acrylic. It does have a couple of pros. It is stronger, clearer, lighter. If you do buy acrylic you need a stand the supports the entire bottom of the tank.

 

Hi all, Thanks for your replies. I prefer glass,wife likes acrylic. My concern with a large glass
tank 72x24x24 is the seams.Are they prone to fail/leak etc? If so does this happen at first,or after some time? Do I need holes drilled? If so ,are they a source of trouble?

Thanks

 

Well, after saying glass, I just bought a 300 in acrylic. This should be interesting...

Time to practice buffing.

 

Veets:

Provided the company or brand of tank you are purchasing is reputable there should be no reason for them to "fall apart at the seams" it should be many many years for the silicone to deteriote to the extent that it fails....You may need holes drilled depending on the plumbing system you decide on. Many use overflow others have theirs drilled to feed the sumps/refugiums. its up to you!

if they are properly drilled (i used a dremel for mine) and the plumbing protected from knocks they should not be a problem at all!

hope this helps!

Levi