Acrylic Properties and Advantages for Large Aquarium Manufacturing: A Recommendation for Leyu Acrylic

When it comes to constructing large aquariums, whether for public oceanariums, private villas, or themed restaurants, the choice of material is critical to ensuring safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Acrylic, a versatile and robust material, has become the preferred choice for large-scale aquarium projects worldwide. This article explores the specific properties of acrylic that make it suitable for large aquarium manufacturing, the advantages of using acrylic over traditional materials like glass, and why Leyu Acrylic stands out as a trusted manufacturer for such projects.

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Properties of Acrylic Suitable for Large Aquariums

Acrylic, often referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or plexiglass, is a transparent thermoplastic known for its exceptional qualities that align perfectly with the demands of large aquarium construction. The following properties make acrylic ideal for this purpose:

1. High Transparency and Optical Clarity
   Acrylic boasts a light transmittance rate of up to 93%, earning it the nickname "plastic crystal." This high transparency ensures that large aquariums offer crystal-clear views of marine life, enhancing the viewing experience for visitors or homeowners. Unlike glass, which can have a greenish tint due to iron content, high-quality acrylic, especially when produced with premium raw materials like Mitsubishi Lucite, maintains excellent clarity without yellowing over time. For large aquariums, where visual appeal is paramount, this clarity is essential to showcase aquatic ecosystems vividly.

2. Superior Strength and Impact Resistance
   Acrylic is significantly stronger than glass, with impact resistance up to 16-17 times greater than ordinary glass. This strength is crucial for large aquariums, which must withstand immense water pressure from thousands of gallons of water. Acrylic’s flexibility reduces the risk of cracking or shattering, making it a safer choice for environments where safety is a priority, such as public aquariums or homes with children. For instance, even if subjected to accidental impacts, acrylic is less likely to break, ensuring the structural integrity of the tank.

3. Lightweight and Easy to Fabricate
   Acrylic is much lighter than glass, often weighing half as much for the same volume. This lightweight nature simplifies transportation, installation, and structural support requirements, reducing costs and logistical challenges for large aquarium projects. Additionally, acrylic’s malleability allows it to be molded into various shapes, such as curved tunnels, cylindrical tanks, or seamless panels, which are popular in modern aquarium designs. This flexibility enables manufacturers to create custom shapes that enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of large aquariums.

4. Seamless Bonding and Structural Integrity
   One of acrylic’s standout features is its ability to be bonded seamlessly. Using specialized adhesives, acrylic panels can be joined to create large, continuous surfaces without visible seams, minimizing the risk of leaks. This is particularly important for large aquariums, where even a small leak can lead to catastrophic consequences. The seamless bonding technology ensures that the aquarium remains watertight and visually appealing, with no interruptions in the viewing experience.

5. UV Resistance and Long-Term Durability
   High-quality acrylic, when treated with UV stabilizers, resists yellowing and degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or aquarium lighting. Manufacturers like Leyu Acrylic offer guarantees of up to 20-30 years against yellowing and leaking, ensuring that large aquariums maintain their clarity and structural integrity over time. This durability is essential for projects like underwater tunnels or oceanarium windows, where maintenance and replacement are costly and complex.

6. Insulation Properties
   Acrylic is a better insulator than glass, helping to maintain stable water temperatures within the aquarium. This is particularly beneficial for large aquariums housing sensitive marine life, as it reduces the energy required for heating or cooling systems, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

7. Customizable Thickness for Structural Needs
   The thickness of acrylic panels is a critical factor in large aquarium construction, as it directly affects the ability to withstand water pressure. Acrylic sheets can range from 20 mm to 800 mm in thickness, depending on the size and depth of the aquarium. For example, smaller aquariums may require 20-40 mm panels, while large oceanariums or deep swimming pools may need panels up to 100 mm or more. Professional manufacturers use precise calculations, often with specialized software, to determine the appropriate thickness, ensuring safety and structural stability.

   
   

   
   

   
   

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Advantages of Using Acrylic for Large Aquarium Projects

The unique properties of acrylic translate into several advantages that make it the material of choice for large aquarium projects:

1. Safety and Reliability
   Acrylic’s impact resistance and flexibility make it a safer option than glass, which is brittle and prone to shattering under stress. In public settings like marine theme parks or restaurants, where large crowds interact with aquariums, acrylic’s durability reduces the risk of accidents. Even in rare cases of damage, acrylic does not shatter into sharp fragments, enhancing safety for both visitors and marine life.

2. Design Flexibility
   Acrylic’s moldability allows for innovative designs that glass cannot achieve. From curved tunnels to cylindrical tanks and large viewing windows, acrylic enables architects and designers to create immersive experiences. For example, Leyu Acrylic has completed projects like underwater tunnels and curved oceanarium tanks, showcasing the material’s versatility in realizing complex designs.

3. Cost-Effectiveness for Large-Scale Projects
   While acrylic may be more expensive than glass for smaller tanks, it becomes more cost-effective for large aquariums (e.g., 150 gallons or more) due to lower transportation and installation costs. Acrylic’s lightweight nature reduces the need for heavy-duty support structures, and its ease of fabrication lowers manufacturing expenses. Additionally, the longevity and low maintenance requirements of high-quality acrylic contribute to long-term savings.

4. Enhanced Viewing Experience
   The high transparency and seamless bonding of acrylic create an unobstructed view of the aquarium’s contents, making it ideal for showcasing marine life in settings like ocean parks or luxury hotels. This clarity enhances the aesthetic appeal and educational value of large aquariums, fostering a deeper connection between viewers and the aquatic environment.

5. Environmental Adaptability
   Acrylic’s resistance to weather, acids, and alkalis makes it suitable for diverse environments, from indoor aquariums to outdoor swimming pools. Its insulation properties also support energy-efficient temperature regulation, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable aquarium solutions.

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Custom acrylic fish tank - LEYU

Why Choose Leyu Acrylic?

Leyu Acrylic, based in Leyu Town, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, China, is a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheets and custom aquarium solutions with over 25 years of experience. Here’s why Leyu Acrylic is highly recommended for large aquarium projects:

1. Proven Expertise and Track Record
   Since its establishment in 1996, Leyu Acrylic has completed over 100 aquarium projects worldwide, including major oceanariums like Shenyang Underwater World and Ningbo Underwater World in China. Their ability to deliver complex projects, such as the largest acrylic aquarium cylinders (up to 10 meters in diameter and 14 meters high), demonstrates their technical prowess and reliability.

2. High-Quality Materials
   Leyu uses 100% Mitsubishi Lucite MMA raw materials, ensuring superior clarity, strength, and UV resistance. Their acrylic sheets are certified to meet ISO9001:2015 standards and come with a 20-year guarantee against yellowing and leaking, making them a trusted choice for long-term aquarium applications.

3. Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
   Leyu’s state-of-the-art facilities, including CNC centers and seamless splicing technology, allow for precise fabrication of acrylic panels up to 800 mm thick and 10 x 3 meters in size without patchwork joints. This capability ensures structural integrity and aesthetic perfection for large-scale projects.

4. Professional Thickness Calculations
   Leyu’s expert team uses professional software to calculate the precise thickness required for acrylic panels based on water pressure, tank dimensions, and design specifications. This rigorous approach ensures safety and compliance with international standards, making Leyu a preferred partner for engineers and designers.

5. Global Reach and Customer Support
   Leyu exports to numerous countries, including the USA, Australia, Malaysia, and Dubai, and offers comprehensive services, from design consultation to on-site installation. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, as highlighted by their motto: “We help you avoid the pitfalls to deliver the quality and value your acrylic aquarium needs.”

6. Innovative Applications
   Beyond traditional aquariums, Leyu specializes in diverse applications, such as acrylic tunnels, swimming pool walls, and underwater restaurant windows. Their ability to customize solutions for unique projects, combined with their experience in high-profile installations, makes them a leader in the industry.

Conclusion

Acrylic’s exceptional properties—high transparency, strength, lightweight nature, seamless bonding, UV resistance, and insulation—make it the ideal material for large aquarium manufacturing. Its advantages over glass, including safety, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale projects, have solidified its position as the preferred choice for modern aquariums. Leyu Acrylic stands out as a top-tier manufacturer, offering unparalleled expertise, high-quality materials, and innovative solutions for custom aquarium projects. Whether you’re planning a marine theme park, a luxury hotel aquarium, or a private fish tank, Leyu Acrylic’s proven track record and commitment to excellence make it the go-to choice for bringing your vision to life.

For more information or to request a quote, contact Leyu Acrylic at their facility in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, or visit our website at www.leyuacrylic.com.

Advantages of acrylic aquarium fish tanks

Leyu Acrylic Aquarium factory, the advantages of acrylic aquarium tank

Acrylic sheet  transparency reached more than 92%, meet the use of the environment, transmittance to international standards.

Acrylic aquarium anti - UV protection, Leyu acrylic factory promises to use 30 years without yellowing.

Leyu's acrylic aquarium tanks all use Mitsubishi brand, 100%Lucite raw material, and promise not to contain a drop of other mixtures.

Leyu acrylic aquarium factory has a numerical control center, more accurate bending size.

With more than 20 years of installation experience, Leyu can provide technical guidance for the stitching and installation of acrylic aquarium fish tanks.

Leyu Aquarium Project has been in operation for more than 20 years, and the practice has proved the safety performance of acrylic sheet.

How to make acrylic fish tank?

Leyu acrylic aquarium factory professional custom

To make an aquarium acrylic fish tank, you will need the following materials:

Acrylic sheets

Acrylic cement or solvent

Measuring tape

Straight edge or ruler

Circular saw or table saw

Sandpaper

Clamps or weights

Silicone sealant

Aquarium safe silicone

Here are the steps to follow:

Measure and mark the dimensions of the tank on the acrylic sheets using the measuring tape and straight edge.

Cut the acrylic sheets to size using a circular saw or table saw. Be sure to use a fine-toothed blade and take your time to avoid cracking or melting the acrylic.

Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the acrylic sheets.

Dry fit the pieces of the tank together to ensure that everything fits properly.

Apply acrylic cement or solvent to the edges of the acrylic sheets and hold them together with clamps or weights until the cement dries.

Apply silicone sealant to the inside seams of the tank to make it watertight. Be sure to use aquarium safe silicone to avoid harming your fish.

Allow the silicone to dry for at least 24 hours before filling the tank with water and adding your fish.

That's it! With some patience and attention to detail, you can make your own acrylic fish tank.