If you have been planning on getting yourself a marine tank full of fish for the home or office you need to take some things into consideration. So you probably already know the range of selections can be a little confusing at times. Do I choose glass or acrylic? Now I know the health of your pet is the most important thing in the world to you and that is why you should make an informed choice, not a guess. The selection you make will obviously effect the well being of your fish.

Pros for Acrylic Aquariums

• Crystal clear clarity
• Stronger than glass for less chance of breakage
• More variety of shapes giving better choices for custom work
• Acrylic is not as heavy as glass
• Less prone to cracking
• Will not leak
• Can be modified very simply to allow extra accessories
• Much better insulation than glass
• Because acrylic is stronger and less likely to break more online stores carry it over glass

Cons of Acrylic Aquariums

• Very pricey
• They scratch quite easily
• Repairs are difficult
• Visual distortion can be an issue
• Over time acrylic can change to a slight yellow color

More selections are available with acrylic because it is easier to fabricate or mold than glass. This definitely makes for a great conversation subject. An important thing to remember if you do take the fancy design route is that you must make sure that the air to water ratio of the tank is right. If it isn’t then your fish could very well suffocate from lack of air.

This is why your choice of fish tank supplies need to be correctly selected for your application so your pets stay healthy.

If you plan on keeping your marine tank for a long time glass could be a great selection for you. As it will not yellow or scratch over time. It will also be cheaper on the bank account than what a comparable acrylic tank would be.

Glass aquarium tanks are more breakable than the acrylic tanks, however if you keep your aquarium out of the mainstream of traffic in your home or office, this should not cause an issue. Glass will only shatter if you hit it accidentally or run into it accidentally, after all.

Some Advantages for Glass

• Many sizes and shapes available
• Last for many years if looked after
• Very wear resistant to scratches
• Lower cost than acrylic
• Will not change color
• Extra support or bracing is not needed
• Very popular

Disadvantages of Glass Tanks

• A lot heavier than acrylic which in turn will require a more robust stand or table
• Glass is brittle which makes it more succeptable to breakage
• Almost impossible to modify making it hard to add accessories later on
• Tough to move when full
• Less choice when it comes to custom work
• Low insulation compared to acrylic
• Less online vendors willing to carry glass

With the many differently odd shaped acrylic marine tanks on the market, you should be able to find a great conversation piece for your room. Just remember to take your pets needs into consideration by not cluttering the fish tank. As this can and will affect their ability to flourish.

If you decide to add a lot of decorations or rock or plants to your aquarium then glass is a great option. The acrylics will bow under too much pressure, wherein the glass will only expand and breath to facilitate the extra weight.

Finally the most important thing to consider is the health of your wet pets. If you keep their welfare in the forefront of your mind and choose the proper aquariums tanks then everything should work out just fine.

One choice that is proving to be extremely popular with many new and seasoned hobbyists is the biorb fish tank. What makes this a good pick is the fact that it is kind of old school meets new school. It is small enough to fit on top of a table or shelf but large enough to still be a great center piece in any room.