Do Acrylic Tanks require special stands

[drewdog82]

I was going to setup a 125 or 180 gallon tank. I was thinking of getting acrylic instead of glass. I went online and found some acrylic tanks, which are more expensive than glass. But, when you go into different stands for these tanks, they are very very expensive. My question is, if I get a basic rectangular 125 or 180 Acrylic tank, can I then get a basic oak stand at my LFS for it, or do they require different stands than glass tanks???

 

[mx#28]

As long as the stand is strong enough, and fits well enough to support the tank in the right places, it shouldn't make any difference. Sometimes tanks are sold with matching stands that may be customized or fancy, etc and therefore more expensive.

 

[drewdog82]

Originally Posted by MX#28
As long as the stand is strong enough, and fits well enough to support the tank in the right places, it shouldn't make any difference. Sometimes tanks are sold with matching stands that may be customized or fancy, etc and therefore more expensive.
I guess what I'm asking is their any difference in needed support between a 125 rectangular glass tank and a 125 rectangular acrylic???

 

[wangotango]

No. If anything the stand would have to be stronger for the glass thank since it would weigh more.
-Justin

 

[drewdog82]

Ok, so it sounds like I can order the acrylic tank and then pick up the basic 125 or 180 oak stand from a LFS.... If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know..

 

[fishjeep]

the one thing that is needed for an acrylic tank is a solid top,glass only needs to be supported on the outside edges,acrylic needs all of the bottom surface supported. hth

 

[tacoma38]

do your self a favor and get glass.Iam getting my 180up and running a week now.. and i wish i got glass.I cant tell you how much i wish i got glass.save money and cleaning time.i feel i must let you know.

 

[drewdog82]

Originally Posted by tacoma38
do your self a favor and get glass.Iam getting my 180up and running a week now.. and i wish i got glass.I cant tell you how much i wish i got glass.save money and cleaning time.i feel i must let you know.

Why is acrylic more cleaning than glass???

 

[travis89]

Originally Posted by drewdog82
Why is acrylic more cleaning than glass???
it's easier to scratch then glass so you have to be very careful.

 

[tacoma38]

cuase it stays on the top more. there is no top on a glass tank.i cant believe how nasty mine stays and i clean everyday

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by fishjeep
the one thing that is needed for an acrylic tank is a solid top,glass only needs to be supported on the outside edges,acrylic needs all of the bottom surface supported. hth

 

[drewdog82]

I am so confused now on whether to get glass or acrylic.... I was leaning towards glass originally cause it was cheaper, and then switched to Acrylic cause I didn't want to run the chance of the tank ever cracking. Now that I found out Acrylic are harder to clean I don't know which way to go. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated..........

 

[hunter04106]

I dont think its harder to clean.It scratches when you walk past it. the flange on top of the tank is also much wider makeing it difficult to place things that might hang on back of the tank

 

[tacoma38]

there you go.i suggest glass...imo

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by hunter04106
I dont think its harder to clean.It scratches when you walk past it. the flange on top of the tank is also much wider makeing it difficult to place things that might hang on back of the tank
Not true at all......Most of the time if you see an acrylic tank with a super thick top bracing (eurobracing) it's because they went thinner on side and front panels.....Alot of your bracing has to do with your height of the panels and length, but with thicker front/back and sides you can negate super thick top panels.
My new 4x4 cube build will be done in all 1" material and won't require a super thick eurobracing.....most people want to skimp on material thickness because of cost, and you have to look at if the builder used 1 panel to due the eurobracing or pieced it together. Piecing it together is really poor IMO...
My new tank will have an external overflow box running the length of the back panel and will sport dual wave box panels so they are all mounted externally, and the top bracing if your working with the builder can be cut to accomodate certain things you plan to run or incorporate.
Yes acrylic does scratch easier than glass, but you have to weigh the other pros and cons as wel.....Glass is heavier, poor insulator, clarity can be an issue, and yes you can scratch glass....then try to remove the scratch from glass.....

you can't.....Acrylic can be buffed and polished to remove the scratches......