Glass Aquariums vs. Acrylic Aquariums

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Should I buy an acrylic tank?

Glass Aquariums vs. Acrylic Aquariums

Benefits/Downfalls of a Glass tank:
1. cheapest per gallon
2. hard to scratch
3. scratches permanent
4. higher index of refraction
5. empty tank heavy
6. Tank stand only needs to support edges
7. more easily broken

Benefits/downfalls of Acrylic tanks:
1. more expensive per gallon
2. scratches easily (e.g. scraping algae with razor blade)
3. scratches can be buffed out (though not easily)
4. lower IOR (tank distorts less when viewed from angle)
5. same sized tank weighs less (empty)
6.Special stand needed that supports entire base of tank (not just edges)
7. harder to break

   

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