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Warren, MI 48092
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Glass Vs Acrylic Comparison


 Glass Pros

 Glass Cons

 Acrylic Pros

 Acrylic Cons

Fits all Styles and Types of Filter Systems Not as strong as Acrylic Aquariums Super Strong Unbreakable construction Limited Choices of Aquarium Filters(most do not fit) 
Easy Maintenance. Clean surfaces with most cleaning pads and scrapers Can Break or Leak if not set-up correctly on Manufactured Aquarium Stand Available in more shapes and sizes Limited Accessibility(difficult to decorate and work or clean inside aquarium)
Scratch Resistant from gravel, cleaning pads and sharp objects  Scratches can not be removed Scratches can be removed with kit Expensive- usually double the price of standard aquariums or more 
Complete open top for easy cleaning, decorating and working inside aquarium Silicone seams and glass edges are more noticeable Clearer than Glass(except low iron glass) Higher maintenance – no trim to hide water line and partial top is attached and cannot be removed for cleaning 
Top Trim hides water line and fits hinged glass tops and plastic full hoods Limited Warrantees   Limited Stand options and most consumers will want a canopy to hide water line and top
Low priced rectangular sizes offer best value for hobbyists     Care must be taken as Acrylic warps and melts under high heat of Saltwater Metal Halide lighting 
Overall Durability, usability, and serviceability when set-up properly      
Available with Ultra Clear Low Iron Glass      
Largest selection of stands & hoods at the lowest prices      


SUMMARY

Acrylic Aquariums are best suited where the stand surface is in question due to built in location or home made stand or where there is high probability of impact or instability. Acrylic aquariums are great for hobbyist who have set-up and maintenance done by a service company and who have no young children to scratch the outside surfaces, and the aquariums is not accessible to the general public. Acrylic Aquariums are also excellent where the consumer wants a special size or shape and when price is no object. Acrylic Aquariums are extremely hard to maintain if daily and weekly maintenance is missed, especially for saltwater hobbyist.

Glass Aquariums are best suited for hands on hobbyist who want the largest selection of accessories and options. Glass Aquariums are durable and extremely reliable when purchased with a manufactured aquarium stand that is properly set up. Glass aquariums are very forgiving if daily or weekly maintenance is neglected, especially in the saltwater hobby. Glass Aquariums offer open top design for easy decorating and maintenance and are especially suited for the Saltwater Reef hobbyist propagating corals, and the general Saltwater hobbyist with strong lighting who has to clean front and side panels with coralline and regular algae almost daily.

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