Acrylic tanks and Sand

**i_am_511** · 12-04-2009, 12:43 AM

Why is it bad to have sand in an acrylic tank? I read someone make a comment that sand is good unless you have an acrylic tank.

**bushwhacker** · 12-04-2009, 12:52 AM

acrylic tanks scratch very easily. if you use one of those mag floats or even a sponge and you pick up a grain of sand you can really mess up an acrylic tank

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 12-04-2009, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by bushwhacker

acrylic tanks scratch very easily. if you use one of those mag floats or even a sponge and you pick up a grain of sand you can really mess up an acrylic tank

That can be an issue, but I'd say that is more of a reason not to use a magfloat then not to use sand. Marine hobbyists use sand in large acrylic tanks all the time, it's just a matter of being more careful when cleaning that's all.

**Scrup** · 12-04-2009, 01:03 AM

I have sand in my acrylic tank, no scratches from the sand. Of course I have scratched it plenty, but nothing from the sand.

**rhonin** · 12-04-2009, 01:05 AM

It does. Accidently put a scratch in the side of my 30 - ouch!

No matter what you put into your tank, you will get some scratches, you just need to be aware of the "danger" and do what you can to minimize.

I have a 100g wide that I am placing about an inch deep in black sand knowing that if/when I ever have to dismantle, I will have some scratching/cloudiness on the base.

Knowing all this I still prefer them to glass.
Nicer and lighter IMO.

**LethalResistanz** · 12-04-2009, 01:39 AM

My 55 looks like Edward Scissor Hand was cleaning my tank because of sand.

I wouldn't use a magnetic algae cleaner for sure.

In my opinion it looks 100x better than gravel so it's worth it if you are able to be very careful.

**bushwhacker** · 12-04-2009, 01:59 AM

i wholeheartedly agree on the weight issue, i worked with glass and acrylics (not tanks) for over ten years and seeing the scratches just put me off acrylic tanks. after bringing home my 100 gallon glass tank i can guarentee any thing bigger will be delivered and set on the stand by someone other than me

**i_am_511** · 12-04-2009, 02:04 AM

Thanks alot cause of yall good feedback im gonna have a scratched up tank.

I love sand and i was gonna put it in there no matter what yall said just wanted to know what the warning would be.....

**Scrup** · 12-04-2009, 02:10 AM

Just so you know there is acyrlic scratch remover. It takes a WHOLE lot of elbow grease, and you can tell on deep scratches, since the scrylic will have an indent in it, but it works like a charm. Just make sure you have the stamina to keep at it.