Acrylic or Glass Aquarium – Which One Is Your Best Option [2025]

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When building an aquarium, initially, you will think of glass. But as you speak with an expert, they will give you options between acrylic and glass. So, which one would you choose? 

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Choosing between an acrylic or glass aquarium is a decision that impacts your aquarium's clarity, durability, weight, insulation, cost, and maintenance

As an aquarium window installation professional with over 30 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the material choice affects both the installation process and the aquarium's performance over time.

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In this comprehensive guide, I tried to get into the key differences between acrylic and glass aquariums, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.

So let’s begin.

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TL;DR – Quick Comparison

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• Acrylic offers superior optical clarity, allowing up to 93% light transmission, compared to glass's 82%.
• Acrylic is more impact-resistant and less prone to shattering than glass, making it a safer choice for larger or custom installations.
• Acrylic is significantly lighter, reducing the need for reinforced flooring and simplifying the installation process.
• Glass is more scratch-resistant; however, scratches on acrylic can often be buffed out, whereas glass scratches are permanent.
• Acrylic can be molded into various shapes, offering more design flexibility for custom installations.
• Acrylic retains heat better, which can be advantageous in maintaining stable water temperatures.
• Glass is generally more affordable, but the price difference narrows for larger tanks.
• Acrylic requires careful cleaning to avoid scratches, while glass is easier to maintain but heavier to handle.
• It’s best to consult with an expert (such as Hammerhead Aquatics) to make the decision as they would know better based on where you want the aquarium.
  
  

Now let's get into the details.

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Acrylic vs. Glass Aquariums: A Detailed Comparison

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I have decided to make a direct comparison here based on several important factors that you must consider when creating or getting an aquarium.

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1. Clarity and Visual Appeal

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Acrylic aquariums provide exceptional clarity, offering a distortion-free view of your aquatic environment. This is particularly beneficial for larger tanks where visual appeal is paramount. Glass, while clear, can have a slight greenish tint due to iron content, which may affect the overall viewing experience.

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As per Truvu Aquariums, Acrylic offers superior optical clarity, allowing up to 93% light transmission, compared to glass's 82%. And I can vouch for that.

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2. Durability and Safety

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Acrylic is more impact-resistant than glass, reducing the risk of cracks or shattering. This is especially important for larger or custom installations, where the structural integrity of the tank is crucial. Glass, on the other hand, is more prone to breaking upon impact, posing potential safety hazards.

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3. Weight and Installation

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Acrylic's lighter weight makes it easier to transport and install, reducing the need for reinforced flooring and simplifying the setup process. Glass tanks, being heavier, require more robust support structures and careful handling during installation to prevent damage.

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4. Scratch Resistance and Maintenance

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Glass is naturally more scratch-resistant, maintaining its pristine appearance longer. Acrylic, while more susceptible to scratches, allows for repairs; minor scratches can often be buffed out, restoring the tank's clarity. However, acrylic requires more diligent maintenance to prevent surface damage.

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5. Customization and Design Flexibility

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Acrylic offers greater design flexibility, allowing for custom shapes and sizes that can fit unique spaces or aesthetic preferences. Glass tanks are typically limited to standard rectangular or square shapes, which may not suit all design needs.

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6. Insulation and Temperature Control

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Acrylic provides better insulation, helping to maintain stable water temperatures, which is beneficial for tropical or reef setups. Glass, being a better conductor, may require more energy to maintain desired temperatures, potentially increasing operational costs.

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7. Cost Considerations

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While acrylic tanks are generally more expensive, the price difference diminishes for larger tanks. It's essential to consider the long-term benefits, such as durability and energy efficiency, when evaluating the overall cost.

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Cost Comparison: Acrylic vs Glass Aquariums (approximate)

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• For a 20-gallon aquarium:
  
  • Glass aquarium price range: $41.99 to $69.99
  • Acrylic aquarium price range: $460 to $490

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• For a 60-gallon aquarium:
  
  • Glass aquarium price range: $119.99 to $179.99
  • Acrylic aquarium price range: $775 to $1,225

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• For a 100-gallon aquarium:
  
  • Glass aquarium price range: $191.99 to $319.99
  • Acrylic aquarium price range: $1,460 to $2,340

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• For a 250-gallon aquarium:
  
  • Glass aquarium price range: $4,289.99 to $6,590
  • Acrylic aquarium price range: $4,755 to $6,325

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Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on brand, features, location, and retailer. 

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When to Use Acrylic or Glass?

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Now, the whole comparison so far shows that Acrylic is most suitable based on the factors discussed. But there's a bit more to that. You could still consider glass over acrylic in some cases.

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Choose Acrylic When:

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• You require a large or custom-shaped tank.
• Impact resistance and safety are priorities.
• Superior clarity and visual appeal are essential.
• Energy efficiency and temperature stability are important.
• You're willing to invest in a higher initial cost for long-term benefits.
  
  

Choose Glass When:

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• Budget constraints are a primary concern.
• Scratch resistance is a top priority.
• The tank will be in a low-traffic area with minimal risk of impact.
• You're opting for standard tank sizes and shapes.

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Long-term durability is less of a concern.

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Acrylic Or Glass Aquarium - Side-by-Side Comparison

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• Clarity:
  
  • Acrylic aquariums allow up to 93% light transmission, offering superior optical clarity.
  • Glass aquariums allow up to 82% light transmission and may have a slight green tint.

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• Durability:
  
  • Acrylic is more impact-resistant and less prone to shattering.
  • Glass is prone to shattering upon impact, posing safety risks.

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• Weight:
  
  • Acrylic tanks are lighter and easier to handle.
  • Glass tanks are heavier, requiring more support and careful handling.

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• Scratch Resistance:
  
  • Acrylic is more prone to scratches but minor scratches can be polished out.
  • Glass is naturally more scratch-resistant; scratches are typically permanent.

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• Customization and Design Flexibility:
  
  • Acrylic tanks are highly customizable with various shapes and sizes.
  • Glass tanks are usually limited to standard rectangular or square shapes.

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• Insulation:
  
  • Acrylic provides better heat retention, aiding temperature stability in the aquarium.
  • Glass has less efficient insulation, potentially increasing energy costs.

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• Cost:
  
  • Acrylic aquariums have a higher initial cost.
  • Glass aquariums are more affordable initially, although the price gap narrows for larger tanks.

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• Maintenance:
  
  • Acrylic requires careful cleaning to avoid scratches.
  • Glass aquariums are easier to maintain but heavier to handle.

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Final Thoughts

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Choosing between an acrylic or glass aquarium depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

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Acrylic offers superior clarity, durability, and design flexibility, making it ideal for custom installations and larger setups.

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Glass, while more affordable and scratch-resistant, may be better suited for smaller, standard installations.

So do take some time to decide.

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Expert Aquarium Window Installation

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At Hammerhe Aquatics, we specialize in professional aquarium window installations, ensuring your setup is both visually stunning and structurally sound. Our team of experts brings over 30 years of experience to every project, offering customized solutions to meet your unique requirements. 

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Whether you're considering an acrylic or glass aquarium, you may reach us for a free quote.

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If you have any questions about what I explained here, you may leave a comment and I will try to answer from my experience.

Cheers!

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FAQs

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1. Which material is better for saltwater aquariums?

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Acrylic is often preferred for saltwater setups due to its impact resistance and better insulation properties, which help maintain stable water temperatures.

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2. Can I drill holes in an acrylic aquarium for plumbing?

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Yes, acrylic can be easily drilled, allowing for custom plumbing setups. However, it's essential to use the proper tools and techniques to prevent cracking.

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3. How do I prevent scratches on my acrylic aquarium?

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Regular cleaning with non-abrasive materials and avoiding contact with sharp objects can help maintain your acrylic tank's clarity.

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4. Are there any environmental considerations when choosing between acrylic and glass?

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Both materials have environmental impacts; however, glass is more recyclable than acrylic. Consider the lifespan and durability of the material to minimize environmental footprint.

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5. How can I maintain the clarity of my glass aquarium?

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Regular cleaning with appropriate tools and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals can help maintain the clarity and longevity of your glass aquarium.