Decision making time

[Arch01]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking around here reading all I can for the last six months or so trying to learn all I can about keeping a reef tank. Now the time is right and I'm ready to make my first purchase. This will be my first venture into saltwater, but I have a couple years experience with freshwater. I plan to take my time (clearly... look at my registration date) and plan every step.

Anyway to my question. I thought I was already to buy a 135g (72x18x24) Acrylic tank when people started complaining a lot about scratches. So now I'm not sure if I want glass or acrylic. Either way it will be reef ready and plumbed for a closed loop. If I go for glass, it will most likely be an All-Glass 150RR which I believe is just 4 inches taller than the acrylic. The reason I originally didn't want glass was to avoid some extra weight (will be on a concrete foundation anyway) and because I chipped a 75g glass tank once and it always made me nervous after that even though it held water.

So what do you all think? If money didn't matter (guess I better get used to that in this hobby 8O ) which way would you go and why? And don't worry, this is surely just the first question of many to come :wink:

Thanks in advance
Alex
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Cooking forums

 

[Aff]

Hmm... money doesn't matter...

Well in that case I'd prolly go with a 180 AGA. Mostly because it wouldn't be a bit wider and not nearly as deep as the 150. Basically I like a shorter tank cause they're easier to work in and the width has always been one of the things I wish I could change about my 75. As for the acrylic/glass debate, I have no opinion there cause I've never owned acrylic but I've always been happy with glass.

 

[hdtran]

My first salt tank (29g) was acrylic.

When we upgraded (120), I chose to go glass, even though it's heavier, not seamless, doesn't insulate as well, and perhaps not quite as clear.

It's not a clear cut choice, but with glass, I can scrape away, without worrying about scratching. I can clean the outside however I want. It won't bow visibly. But because it's not seamless, I'm worried that 11 years from now (1 year after the warranty expires), the silicone will spring a leak, etc.

 

[Arch01]

Thanks for the responses guys. The only reason I don't want to go with the 180 is because it sticks out just a little farther from the wall than my girlfriend would like. The tank will be in the dining room and I'll probably have to move the table a little bit anyway.... I'll measure just to be sure :wink:

Anybody else want to weigh in?

Alex
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Vodun (Voodoo) Forum

 

[hillbilly]

I'm old school, I like glass best. However, my 200 gal. tank is acrylic because of the weight, and because it was such a good deal when I bought it. Bottom line, I don't think it matters that much.