Thermal properties of glass and acrylic

30reef · 01/16/2009, 11:52 PM

I hear of many aquarists talk about how glass aquariums are superior because they dissipate heat better than acrylic, and how acrylic aquariums are superior to glass due to it's better thermal insulation. Is there really any documented test results for this that are available? I don't believe there is enough of a difference to base a purchase on that alone.

Is this a popular myth everyone just goes with or is there any truth to it?

aninjaatemyshoe · 01/17/2009, 12:20 AM

Actually, there is quite a noticeable difference, in one particular instance, between their thermal resistances. Acrylic tanks are much better for people who run cold water tanks. Glass tanks running cold water in them will condensate water (sweat) much more readily than acrylic tanks. In this case, acrylic is the obvious better choice.

In terms of regular reef tanks, I don't really see the higher thermal resistance of acrylic as reason enough to buy acrylic (or reason to buy glass for that matter). I suppose you might save more with acrylic in the winter and have better cooling in the summer with glass. But, I doubt that it would be great savings either way. There are certainly many much better reasons to buy glass or acrylic.

hairyman1 · 01/19/2009, 11:13 PM

Acrylic has 5 times greater insulation value than glass and is has 3% greater clarity. What you can do with that info is up to you.

BeanAnimal · 01/20/2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hairyman1
and is has 3% greater clarity.

Before it is used to build an aquarium... A year or so with an algae scraper or kids...

dots · 01/20/2009, 02:46 AM

Depends...........

On your application and need. Do you have a tank that will have a problem being heated? Will you have one that has a problem cooling?

Specifs such as thickness come into factor....is the same thickness used in each application, usually not? This will have to be factored.

Cut and dry, Area for Area........the thermal conductivity of Glass is about 1 W/mK whereas Acrylic is .2 W/mK both at 25 degrees C.

What does this tell us? Nothing......because unless we are talking about a large volumes of: water, glass/acrylic, or diference in ambient temperatures and water temperatures.

Its 6 of one, half dozen the other.......and personal preference or application, and the losses/gains considered here could be lossed or gained as well 10 other ways, negating any arquement this may hold.

01/16/2009, 11:52 PM	#1
30reef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,401	Thermal properties of glass and acrylic I hear of many aquarists talk about how glass aquariums are superior because they dissipate heat better than acrylic, and how acrylic aquariums are superior to glass due to it's better thermal insulation. Is there really any documented test results for this that are available? I don't believe there is enough of a difference to base a purchase on that alone. Is this a popular myth everyone just goes with or is there any truth to it?

01/17/2009, 12:20 AM	#2
aninjaatemyshoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,333	Actually, there is quite a noticeable difference, in one particular instance, between their thermal resistances. Acrylic tanks are much better for people who run cold water tanks. Glass tanks running cold water in them will condensate water (sweat) much more readily than acrylic tanks. In this case, acrylic is the obvious better choice. In terms of regular reef tanks, I don't really see the higher thermal resistance of acrylic as reason enough to buy acrylic (or reason to buy glass for that matter). I suppose you might save more with acrylic in the winter and have better cooling in the summer with glass. But, I doubt that it would be great savings either way. There are certainly many much better reasons to buy glass or acrylic. __________________ You are not brought upon this world to "get it"

01/20/2009, 02:46 AM	#5
dots Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 6,258	Depends........... On your application and need. Do you have a tank that will have a problem being heated? Will you have one that has a problem cooling? Specifs such as thickness come into factor....is the same thickness used in each application, usually not? This will have to be factored. Cut and dry, Area for Area........the thermal conductivity of Glass is about 1 W/mK whereas Acrylic is .2 W/mK both at 25 degrees C. What does this tell us? Nothing......because unless we are talking about a large volumes of: water, glass/acrylic, or diference in ambient temperatures and water temperatures. Its 6 of one, half dozen the other.......and personal preference or application, and the losses/gains considered here could be lossed or gained as well 10 other ways, negating any arquement this may hold. __________________ ~Doug

01/19/2009, 11:13 PM	#3
hairyman1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 271	Acrylic has 5 times greater insulation value than glass and is has 3% greater clarity. What you can do with that info is up to you.