Keeping acylic tanks clean

[Dustin2]

How do you guys keep acylic tanks clean with out scratching it up. I am looking to buy a tank and i am looking into ways to clean an acylic tank before i buy one.

[Orochimaru]

you can't, it's just a matter of time before you scratch it....only thing I could do over the last 7yrs. on my tank is minimize the scratching.

I still prefer acrylic over glass though.

[Virginia Reef]

Acrylic works better in Bare Bottom since you don't have the issue of sand getting caught up in the magnetic scrapers (at least to the same degree). There are acrylic pads for these scrapers but there are problems with scratches anyway.

[CLOWNSPUR]

I agree with Orochimaru. Just a matter of time.

[Dustin2]

ok I am leaning toward acrylic because it is alot lighter also is it clearer?

[Virginia Reef]

Yes, acrylic is clearer than glass. You may get a bit of argument from starfire glass fans but that is quite abit more expensive than regular glass.

[ParadiseReef]

I agree that acrylic is clearer than glass, but it just doesn't last. Once you start accumulating micro scratches on the acrylic, the clarity degrades big time. Unless you must use acrylic or the price is right, my opinion is that glass is the better alternative IF clarity is a high priority.

[Slakker]

Acrylic will also yellow with time.

[Tommy152]

You can expect to get scratches in it...even with acrylic safe pads. It is clearer and lighter. I went with acrylic since i think it has a lesser chance of leaking. You can also expect some minor bowing depending on the thickness of the acrylic.

[wmilas]

This thread comes up ever week. sigh.

1) Acrylic is lighter
2) Acrylic is clearer, even than sapphire because the angle of refraction of acrylic is very close to water, glass is not.
3) Acrylic is stronger, both at the seams, and shock rated.
4) Acrylic will bow (deflect) some. The more over built it is, the less bowing.
5) If deflection is too high, acrylic will craze.
6) Acrylic cannot be cleaned with any alcohol based substances or it will craze.
7) Acrylic will scratch.
8) Acrylic can be buffed out if scratched, most large tank owners buff once a year. It can be buffed full of water with livestock.
9) Glass if scratched cannot be buffed internally with water. It is MUCH harder to scratch glass than acrylic.
10) Low iron glass (sapphire) scratches easier than float glass, but is still harder to scratch than acrylic.
11) Quality cell cast acrylic will not yellow with age if treated properly.
12) You can NOT place Metal Halides directly over acrylic as the heat will bubble and discolor the acrylic.
13) You CAN place MH's over lexan, which is a clear acrylic like substance that quality large acrylic tanks come with as inserts for the voids if you are looking to decrease evaporation.
14) Large glass tanks will fail at the seams IF they are not externally braced over time. Time is relative and depends on the tank size and the seam size. Externaly braced means some kind of steel support usually.
15) Acrylic tanks theoretically if taken care of properly will never fail at a seam if built properly.
16) Acrylic is a good insulator.
17) Glass is a poor insulator.

Which is better? Depends on your needs.

Acrylic is stronger, lighter, clearer, but scratches easily, takes more time for upkeep, holds heat, and has issues with heat for lighting.

Glass is heavier, more fragile, easier to clean, does not hold heat, and will fail over time unless completely externally braced.

Someone sticky this response. That way I'm not tempted to issue it over and over.

[Tasher80]

In one year I have have just a few minor scratches. I mean 1/2" long and only like two of them. I use acrylic safe pads but I hand wipe the inside. I do not use a mag float. It takes me a while to do it but its been worth it.