glass or acrylic?

[Neptune 555]

I need to upgrade my 4 foot 75 gallon Reef tank to a 6 foot set up. My fish have outgrown my set up... as I knew they would... and I have the space for a 6 foot.

At this size what is the recommendation glass or acrylic? I have only ever had glass tanks? pro/con?

Neptune

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Glass - more scratch resistant (low iron is easier to scratch), more off-the-shelf options for sizes.

Acrylic - lighter, scratches easy but repairs are far easier than with glass, more impact resistant, higher clarity (but would you really notice?)

Both can be made in custom sizes/configurations. I hate scratches so I stick with glass. it can also be somewhat difficult to find a local acrylic fabricator that builds quality products.

 

[BummersReef]

Had 75 gallon glass in past - current is 125 acrylic. Love the clarity of acrylic ... Really big difference

 

[Nigelk]

Try optiwhite glass, its ultra clear and I believe very close to acrylic

 

[ECreefer]

If you are super careful, I would tend to go with acrylic. Typically cheaper, lighter, clearer.

Daily cleaning can definitely become a pain though, but may not matter if you run a ULNS type system.

Personally I like glass since it gives a bit more resistance to everyday quick cleaning.

You will eventually get scratches on any tank, even when you are super careful.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Pilkington optiwhite is a type of low iron glass, not sure how the clarity compares to high quality acrylic.

Try optiwhite glass, its ultra clear and I believe very close to acrylic