Lexan tank vs Acrylic Tank

Bontrager · 12/22/2009, 08:54 AM

I have an opportunity to purchase a tank made of "Lexan" plastic vs. an acrylic plastic tank.

As far as acrylic tanks in general, I heard that they tend to yellow over time; is this true?

If so, I am wondering if "lexan" would less prone to dis-color.

It is my understanding that "lexan" is stronger than acrylic.

Thank you

Merkurfan · 12/22/2009, 09:02 AM

I can't say I have seen a yellow acrylic tank, or a lexan tank.

Chiefsurfer · 12/22/2009, 09:26 AM

1, I don't believe that lexan is necessarily as clear as acrylic. Not saying it is cloudy, but just think it is not as truely clear(colorless) as acrylic. That being said, Lexan is MUCH stronger in comparable thickness. It is also harder(more resistant to scratches) than acrylic, but not as much so as glass so it is not invincable. Also lexan is treated to not react with heat(as acrylic is not) and makes for a better "lid" material.

Buying sheets of lexan is about 3x as expensive as acrylic, so I assume the lexan would be substantially more money. If it is, I'd go with the acrylic. If it is the same price, go with lexan. I'd say the benfits don't outweight the price difference at 3x.

Sisterlimonpot · 12/22/2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefsurfer

1, I don't believe that lexan is necessarily as clear as acrylic. Not saying it is cloudy, but just think it is not as truely clear(colorless) as acrylic. That being said, Lexan is MUCH stronger in comparable thickness. It is also harder(more resistant to scratches) than acrylic, but not as much so as glass so it is not invincable. Also lexan is treated to not react with heat(as acrylic is not) and makes for a better "lid" material.

Buying sheets of lexan is about 3x as expensive as acrylic, so I assume the lexan would be substantially more money. If it is, I'd go with the acrylic. If it is the same price, go with lexan. I'd say the benfits don't outweight the price difference at 3x.

I have to agree 100%

Maybe some older tanks discolored from poor product choices but these days that isn't a concern.

deathmatch782 · 12/22/2009, 09:58 AM

Have any pics of it? Never seen a lexan tank.

None of the 3 acrylic tanks i have had discolored at all.

Sisterlimonpot · 12/22/2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathmatch782

Have any pics of it? Never seen a lexan tank.

Chances are you have you just didn't know it.

zsqure · 12/22/2009, 11:31 AM

Lexan is a polycarbonate product developed by GE Plastics in the 50's. Acrylic is said to be more "durable" than polycarbonate. Acrylic should be used for "vessels" and either can be used for partitions within a sump. Google them and you will see....if you can understand the chemical composition the differences. I know I can't. Lexan as a polycarbonate is comparable to plexiglass as an acrylic. Pretty much a play on words, The process used to manufacture either product gives it its unique properties.

Bontrager · 12/22/2009, 12:05 PM

Sorry, I don't have any pictures; it's just available at my LFS.

It's 48 by 24 by 15; asking $300.00 for it.

I like it because it's 24 inches deep.

They are going to sell me a pine stand for it for bout $260.00 and because it's an open type stand, the owner said he need s to reinforce it with sheet of plywood or the bottom of the tank will bow.

Chiefsurfer · 12/22/2009, 02:00 PM

if you are buying ANY furniture for a tank that needs to be reinforced, you are not buying tank furniture. Honestly, JMHO, sounds like the guy thinks he found a sucker and is trying to unload all the stuff he can't sell.

As for the tank, at $300, I think is very cheap(for the price of lexan sheets alone). Makes me think it's eitherdefective(I doubt he would try and get away with that) or something he has been sitting for 10 years and wants to get rid of at any cost. You can probably find many similar to that size(what is a 90?) for a little bit more dough. And the price for that stand is ludacris. Maybe it is real nice, but I bought a 48" table from a pet furniture store online, I had to assemble, but it came with painted steel legs and frame for the top, with a 1.5" thick MDF top, all for about $120 including shipping.

Just so you know, that's called a 70 wide, and an acrylic 70 wide online costs $352. THEREFORE, a lexan that's cheaper than that is definitely out of the bargain bin.

Bontrager · 12/23/2009, 01:28 PM

Chiefsurfer, thank you for your comments.

Can you direct me to a place, on-line where I can buy a 70 wide ( acrylic).

Thank you.

Chiefsurfer · 12/23/2009, 01:42 PM

glass-cages.com

It's not EXACTLY yours, but very close. I think its 25 wide, but only 13 tall or something like that. Theirs has euro-bracing. That's just one place I saw it.

12/22/2009, 08:54 AM	#1
Bontrager Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 123	Lexan tank vs Acrylic Tank I have an opportunity to purchase a tank made of "Lexan" plastic vs. an acrylic plastic tank. As far as acrylic tanks in general, I heard that they tend to yellow over time; is this true? If so, I am wondering if "lexan" would less prone to dis-color. It is my understanding that "lexan" is stronger than acrylic. Thank you

12/22/2009, 02:00 PM	#9
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	if you are buying ANY furniture for a tank that needs to be reinforced, you are not buying tank furniture. Honestly, JMHO, sounds like the guy thinks he found a sucker and is trying to unload all the stuff he can't sell. As for the tank, at $300, I think is very cheap(for the price of lexan sheets alone). Makes me think it's eitherdefective(I doubt he would try and get away with that) or something he has been sitting for 10 years and wants to get rid of at any cost. You can probably find many similar to that size(what is a 90?) for a little bit more dough. And the price for that stand is ludacris. Maybe it is real nice, but I bought a 48" table from a pet furniture store online, I had to assemble, but it came with painted steel legs and frame for the top, with a 1.5" thick MDF top, all for about $120 including shipping. Just so you know, that's called a 70 wide, and an acrylic 70 wide online costs $352. THEREFORE, a lexan that's cheaper than that is definitely out of the bargain bin. Last edited by Chiefsurfer; 12/22/2009 at 02:12 PM.

12/22/2009, 09:02 AM	#2
Merkurfan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minneapolis MN Posts: 54	I can't say I have seen a yellow acrylic tank, or a lexan tank.

12/22/2009, 09:26 AM	#3
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	1, I don't believe that lexan is necessarily as clear as acrylic. Not saying it is cloudy, but just think it is not as truely clear(colorless) as acrylic. That being said, Lexan is MUCH stronger in comparable thickness. It is also harder(more resistant to scratches) than acrylic, but not as much so as glass so it is not invincable. Also lexan is treated to not react with heat(as acrylic is not) and makes for a better "lid" material. Buying sheets of lexan is about 3x as expensive as acrylic, so I assume the lexan would be substantially more money. If it is, I'd go with the acrylic. If it is the same price, go with lexan. I'd say the benfits don't outweight the price difference at 3x.

12/22/2009, 09:58 AM	#5
deathmatch782 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MN Posts: 151	Have any pics of it? Never seen a lexan tank. None of the 3 acrylic tanks i have had discolored at all.

12/22/2009, 11:31 AM	#7
zsqure Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Massillon, Ohio Posts: 195	Lexan is a polycarbonate product developed by GE Plastics in the 50's. Acrylic is said to be more "durable" than polycarbonate. Acrylic should be used for "vessels" and either can be used for partitions within a sump. Google them and you will see....if you can understand the chemical composition the differences. I know I can't. Lexan as a polycarbonate is comparable to plexiglass as an acrylic. Pretty much a play on words, The process used to manufacture either product gives it its unique properties.

12/22/2009, 12:05 PM	#8
Bontrager Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 123	Sorry, I don't have any pictures; it's just available at my LFS. It's 48 by 24 by 15; asking $300.00 for it. I like it because it's 24 inches deep. They are going to sell me a pine stand for it for bout $260.00 and because it's an open type stand, the owner said he need s to reinforce it with sheet of plywood or the bottom of the tank will bow.

12/23/2009, 01:28 PM	#10
Bontrager Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 123	Chiefsurfer, thank you for your comments. Can you direct me to a place, on-line where I can buy a 70 wide ( acrylic). Thank you.

12/23/2009, 01:42 PM	#11
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	glass-cages.com It's not EXACTLY yours, but very close. I think its 25 wide, but only 13 tall or something like that. Theirs has euro-bracing. That's just one place I saw it.