After a new client has determined where their interests lie in regards to tropical or marine systems, and what size aquarium is appropriate for their application, the next question becomes what type of aquarium, acrylic or glass?

From a practical application, both have their respective pros & cons, please refer to the check list below to gain an appreciation of the similarities & differences of both materials;

When Choice Aquariums is working with a client to develop an aquarium system, the construction material employed is largely driven by shape, size, and location. Excessively large, or unusually shaped aquariums are typically built from acrylic due to weight or footprint requirements. More traditional sized aquariums that are rectangular in shape tend to be made of glass.

		Acrylic	Glass
Strength	From a practical application, both are equally capable materials from which to construct an aquarium.
Breaking or Cracking	Although both materials can be broken, cracked, or shattered with enough force, the amount of energy required to inflict this damage on an acrylic tank is signififantly greater than glass.
Scratching	Although both materials can be scratched, glass is much more durable and holds-up infinately better to the normal riggors of aquarium maintenance than acrylic. While it is very easy to scratch acylic, most damage can be rubbed-out, where scratched glass is generally beyond repair.
Shape	Glass is a rigid material and generally not as flexable a building material as acrylic. Acrylic is easily molded with heat and forms that can be employed to make a vast array of shapes well beyond the standard box shape.
Structure	Glass is a more rigid product than acrylic and therefore requires less support. Poorly supported acrylic aquariums can suffer from a higher potential of seam failure than glass construction.
Weight	Glass is a much denser material than acrylic and generally weighs 7 times more than the comparable acrylic aquarium.
Clarity	In regards to clarity, both materials have their respective strengths and weakness. Glass does not posess the quality of refraction index as acrylic, but does not yellow from prolonged exposure to full spectrum light.
Cost	Acrylic tanks tend to be more expensive because of the tools & equipment required to manufacture the tank, and largely due to shipping, where glass is more durable and less prone to damage while in transportation.

If you have specific questions regarding the use of acrylic or glass in your aquarium system project, please contact our Service Coordinator at (734) 558-4212, or send an email to custom@choiceaquariums.com.