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If you have been planning on getting yourself an aquarium full of fish for your home or office. You need to take a few things into consideration. Like the kind of aquarium you will use. Will it be glass or acrylic, large or small. The choice you make will greatly effect the well being of your pet. Acrylic aquarium positives * Crystal clear clarity * Stronger and more rigid than glass * Many shapes are available for that added touch in your home or office * Lightweight to cause less stress on stands * Crack resistant * Resistant to leaking * Holes may be cut into them to accommodate the addition of accessories * Higher insulation compared to glass * More commonly available online compared to glass Acrylic Aquarium Negatives * Very pricey * Easily scratched * Not easily repairable * Visual distortion can be an issue *Over time lower grades of acrylic can turn slightly yellow Pros for Glass Aquariums * Many sizes and shapes available * Durable * Almost scratch resistant * Lower cost than acrylic * Won't change color * Do not need extra support or bracing * Most popular type of aquarium Disadvantages of Glass Tanks * Much heavier than acrylic which in turn will require a more robust stand or table * Easily breakable * Making modifications like holes for additional accessories is very difficult * Awkward to move when full * Less choice when it comes to custom work * Poor insulator * Less online vendors willing to carry glass More selections are available with acrylic because it is easier to fabricate or mold than glass. This makes an acrylic marine tank more decorative and a great conversational topic when friends visit. However this causes one drawback. Depending on the shape of your acrylic tank, you may have a lower air to water ratio, which can result in your fish suffocating. If you decide that you are not going to move your tank once it is filled then glass may be the best material for you. Although glass refracts light a little more than acrylic it will not yellow over time giving you a longer lasting experience in the years to come. Because glass tanks are not as strong as acrylic ones and are more prone to breakage, it makes sense to keep your aquarium out of the high traffic zones in your home. But don't be too concerned, as the glass will only break if great force has been inflicted on it and not from the weight of the contents. With acrylic tanks your options for design are limited only by your imagination. But remember to take your pets needs into consideration by not overloading the tank. Because this can and will affect their ability to flourish. If you are planning to put a lot of rock, decorations, or water into your tank, you will probably want to stick with a glass aquarium. The acrylics will bow under too much pressure, wherein the glass will only expand and breath to facilitate the added weight. Just keep in mind what your end game is with your pets, and you should be able to choose the appropriate glass or acrylic aquarium to sustain them.
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John Hodson is an aquariums tanks enthusiast who likes to write about his passion for marine life and give tips on maintaining an ideal environment for aquariums tanks of all shapes and sizes.
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