Which is the Best Option for Me Acrylic vs. Glass Aquarium

So, you’ve decided to install a fish aquarium. Have you considered what it should be made of? There are two main materials for the inner walls of a aquarium: glass and acrylic. What’s the difference? How do you decide the best choice between an acrylic fish aquarium and a glass fish aquarium?

The three main factors that differentiate acrylic aquariums from glass aquariums are damage resistance, weight, and natural insulation. There are also some minor differentiating factors. Let’s take a closer look at these differences. That way, you can make an informed decision about which aquarium is best for you.

Take a look at Le Yu Acrylic’s custom aquarium and fish aquarium cases. Each aquarium is custom made to fit your fish aquarium dreams.Leyu acrylic will show you that：Which is the Best Option for Me Acrylic vs. Glass Aquarium.

Acrylic custom fish tank - factory

Acrylic custom fish tank - factory

Acrylic custom fish tank - factory

When choosing a acrylic sheet for an acrylic aquarium fish tank, there are several factors to consider

1. Thickness:

The thickness of the glass sheet should be determined based on the size and water capacity of the aquarium. Thicker glass sheets are more durable and can withstand the pressure exerted by the water. Generally, for small to medium-sized aquariums, a glass thickness of 6-8mm is sufficient, while larger tanks may require thicker glass.

2. Size:

The glass sheet should be cut to the exact dimensions of the aquarium. It is important to measure the length, width, and height accurately to ensure a proper fit. The edges of the glass sheet should be polished to prevent any sharp edges that could potentially harm the fish or cause leaks.

3. Type of glass:

The glass used for aquariums should be made of high-quality, low-iron glass to provide maximum clarity and visibility. Low-iron glass reduces the greenish tint that is often seen in regular glass sheets, allowing for a clearer view of the fish and decorations inside the tank.

4. Strength and durability:

The glass sheet should be strong and durable enough to withstand the weight of the water and any potential impact or pressure. It should be able to resist cracking, chipping, or shattering. Tempered glass is often recommended for aquariums as it is stronger and less likely to break compared to regular glass.

5. Customization options:

Some glass manufacturers offer customization options such as drilled holes for plumbing or overflow systems, cutouts for equipment, or curved edges for a more aesthetic look. These options can be beneficial in creating a functional and visually appealing aquarium setup.

It is important to consult with a professional or experienced aquarium builder to ensure that the glass sheet meets the specific requirements of the acrylic aquarium fish tank. They can provide guidance on the appropriate glass thickness, size, and other considerations based on the specific needs and specifications of the tank.

Scratch-Resistance vs. Shatter-Resistance

The first difference between acrylic and glass aquariums is how they resist damage: glass aquariums are scratch-resistant, while acrylic aquariums are shatter-resistant.  Are acrylic aquariums better than glass in this category?  Not necessarily.  Which one you prefer depends on your situation.

Acrylic is strong but soft, so it won’t break but accumulates scratches.  Fish can even scratch acrylic from the inside.  If a professional technician handles most of your maintenance, they likely won’t be so concerned about significant impacts.  Instead, they’re more worried about making minor accidental scratches with their tools.

However, if you’re installing a residential aquarium, you might prefer acrylic.  You may have children running about and throwing things around.  Maybe you have other reasons to worry about something hitting the aquarium.  Glass protects against scratches but is brittle and shatters when there’s a significant impact.  That’s why you might prefer an acrylic aquarium in this situation.

Keep this additional detail in mind, though: scratches on acrylic can be buffed out, but scratches on glass can’t.  If you do manage to scratch the glass, you’ll be stuck with it unless you replace it.  If you scratch acrylic, you can take some extra time and polish off the scratches with wet sandpaper.  That’ll make it look good as new.  However, the scratches caused by fish on the inside of the aquarium will take a bit more time to get to.

That’s why commercial aquariums in hospitals and other workplaces prefer acrylic aquariums. They minimize the maintenance cost.

Glass Weighs More

The next major difference between an acrylic vs. glass aquarium is weight. Glass weighs significantly more, and this matters more and more for larger aquarium sizes.

How much more? Depending on size, an empty glass aquarium weighs almost twice as much as an empty, well-built acrylic aquarium.

At smaller sizes, this isn’t too big of a deal. A 55-gallon aquarium weighs about 42 pounds when made of acrylic and about 78 pounds when made of glass but requires two people to lift either way. However, larger sizes can create more of a problem. A 500-gallon acrylic aquarium weighs about 600 pounds and needs five people to lift, while a 500-gallon glass aquarium weighs about 1,050 pounds and requires eight people.

Weight is an important factor if you’re getting a larger aquarium and are worried about a potentially difficult installation process or if you foresee picking up or moving the aquarium at any point. That’s why an acrylic aquarium that weighs less is a better choice for large aquariums.

To get an idea of approximately how much your aquarium might weigh, use this aquarium weight calculator.

Acrylic vs. Glass Aquarium: Heat Retention or Dispersment? -Which is the Best Option for Me 

The third major difference between an acrylic vs. glass aquarium is how they hold (or disperse) heat. Glass lets more heat out, while acrylic holds more heat in. Just like with the first point, which of these is preferable depends on your situation.

This difference is due to how these two materials are structured on a molecular level. Glass is more chaotic, so heat more easily escapes through it. Acrylic is more crystalline and uniform, insulating better and keeping more heat in the aquarium.

If your aquarium has problems with overheating, especially in the summer, you may want to consider switching to a glass aquarium. On the other hand, if your aquarium has problems holding heat, you may want to switch to acrylic.

This is a critical consideration when you have an aquarium where temperature is more important and has to stay within a narrower range. Examples include a community aquarium with a coral reef. You may also opt for one over the other if you live in a climate with very high or low temperatures.

Other Differences Between an Acrylic vs. Glass Aquarium

Those are the three most significant differences between an acrylic vs. glass aquarium. There are some smaller differences between the two as well, though. Here are some of the highlights:

Visual distortion

—When looking at a glass aquarium, you may have noticed that the view of the inside is somewhat distorted. As we discussed above, acrylic has a more uniform, crystalline structure. This makes it optically clearer than glass, with less visual distortion. This difference isn’t all that noticeable on smaller aquariums with thin panes of glass or acrylic, as glass tech has been catching up in recent years. Still, the bigger the aquarium and the thicker the pane, the more of a difference. If you don’t want thick glass distorting your view, that’s one more pro for acrylic.

Cost

—A glass aquarium tends to be cheaper than an acrylic aquarium. At smaller sizes, even higher-quality glass has comparable pricing to acrylic.

Bonding and seams

—Glass aquariums are typically joined at the seams using several methods. An injection-molded frame might hold it all together, improving durability but impairing your view. Alternatively, silicone may be used, which isn’t as durable but keeps the view from being impeded. On the other hand, acrylic is chemically bonded together.

Filter and pump installation

—Installing a sump and tubing may require drilling. Since acrylic is plastic, this doesn’t pose any issues, and you can do it yourself. With glass, you first have to ensure it’s not tempered and then drill at your own risk. If you’re performing this task yourself, it’s certainly easier with acrylic.

Acrylic vs. Glass Aquarium: Which Will You Choose，Which is the Best Option for Me?

You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision between an acrylic vs. glass aquarium. Which will you choose?

Do you still have questions? Want professional advice catered to your specific situation? Or, are you ready to have your custom aquarium built to bring your vision to life? Call Living Art Aquatics! We’ve been designing, installing and maintaining aquariums for over 20 years in the Chicagoland region. Together, let’s make living art.

Which acrylic aquarium manufacturer best

There are several acrylic aquarium manufacturers that are well-regarded for their high-quality products. 

While opinions may vary, here are a few reputable acrylic aquarium manufacturers:

LEYU (Acrylic Tank Manufacturing): 

LEYU is a well-known manufacturer that specializes in custom acrylic aquariums. They are known for their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and ability to create unique and stunning aquarium designs.

LESHENG:

LESHENG offers a range of acrylic aquariums known for their clarity, durability, and affordability. They provide various sizes and shapes, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarium enthusiasts.

LEHUI: 

LEHUI is another reputable manufacturer that produces acrylic aquariums known for their clarity and sleek design. They offer different shapes and sizes, including standard rectangular tanks, bow-front tanks, and hexagon tanks.

LEYU: 

LEYU is a manufacturer known for their innovative and visually striking aquarium designs. They specialize in rimless, frameless acrylic aquariums that create the illusion of a seamless aquatic environment.

Leyu acrylic aquarium factory: 

Leyu acrylic aquarium factory is a manufacturer that focuses on producing high-quality, custom-made acrylic aquariums. They are known for their attention to detail and ability to create unique designs tailored to the customer's preferences.

When selecting an acrylic aquarium manufacturer, it's essential to consider factors such as the size, shape, and design options they offer, as well as the reputation and customer reviews for their products.

Leyu Acrylic factory

Leyu Acrylic factory

Leyu Acrylic factory

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