which tank?

[nraposa]

Acrylic Or Glass Tank

which is best why? Looking to purchase 55 gal within a few weeks.

[jeffs99dime]

i like acrylic tanks better

[Drumachine09]

Acrylic tanks are much lighter, but less scratch resistant. I have a glass 29, and its great, no scratches or anything.

[Lady Hobbs]

Acrylic is a heck of a lot more expensive. I have not had an acrylic yet so can't really give my opinion on them. The price scares me off, tho. Walmarts has the 55 gallon kits for $148. Filter isn't good enough and you have to add another but the kit comes with nets, starter food and thermometer, hood and lights. Can't get much cheaper than that. I added an Emporer filter for $42 more and use it with the one that come with the tank and have perfect water.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Glass is heavier, weaker, scratch resistant, and cheaper. Acrylic is lighter, stronger, easy to scratch, and much more expensive. One thing about acrylic is that when it is on the aquarium stand, all of the bottom has to be supported, unlike glass, because acrylic is sort of flexible.
Get acrylic if you can afford it and want to be able to carry the tank by yourself.
Get glass if you want scratch resistance and are able to carry the thing by yourself.

[Slinky_Bass]

Nicely summarised Ed.

I must say that I definitely prefer Acrylic. I wouldn't worry too much about it scratching though, just be careful when you clean off algae and such. I had glass tanks for many years before getting my two new acrylic tanks and over time the glass definitely does scratch as well. Glass is only scratch resistant not scratch impervious, so which ever you choose you should take care when cleaning or moving your tank.

[Glasstapper]

I'll second what Ed said about carrying the tank by yourself. I carried my glass 45 gallon by myself up to the second level at my apartment complex, and I thought I was going to drop it a few times. I had to keep resting every few feet, and my legs and back were sore for a few days. The stand wasn't much lighter, either.

I would prefer acrylic as well, but be aware that acrylic won't hold in heat as well as glass does just in case your heater ever goes out. Probably best to get two smaller heaters just in case one does go out.