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Acrylic Aquarium Tanks
Acrylic aquarium tanks have changed the face of aquariums in the last few years. The lightweight tanks come in many shapes and forms such as half spheres, bubble, L-shaped, triangular, tubular, and convex. With acrylic, the shapes and designs are endless and is up to our imagination.
Before we look at the advantages we start with the disadvantages.
Acrylic Disadvantages
More expensive: Acrylic aquariums are more expensive than the glass aquarium tanks. If you get into custom styles then your budget will go up, these forms of tanks are top of the range in terms of quality, workmanship and beauty. If you can buy one is worth the money.
Scratching: They are quite easily scratched so be careful when cleaning with an algae pad. Moving decorations around can bang and scratch the glass also. There are scratch removing kits available at your local aquarium shop that will remove most minor scratches and blemishes.
Distortion: Acrylic tanks will have some distortion due to the construction process from heating them before bending into the nice shapes but will give a seamless look and allow viewing from all angles.
Acrylic Advantages
Lightweight: Acrylic aquarium tanks are lighter than glass aquariums, which gives the advantages of placing them upstairs in your house and are far easier to move around.
Stronger: They can take an impact and will not shatter easily.
Different Shapes: As mentioned earlier they can be molded into half spheres, bubble, L-shaped, triangular, tubular, and convex.
Stylish: Acrylic tanks can come with colored backgrounds which can be stunning with the correct decoration. You also get more choices in colors and styles to match the interior of your home or office. They can give any room an appearance and generally looks more expensive than glass tanks.
Image: Aquarium Design
Glass Aquariums Tanks
From the days of glass tanks in the 60′s and 70′s with the metal frame tanks that were very heavy is unsightly to the eyes, technology has improved and other materials can be used for creating your dream aquarium. Now tanks come in all shapes and sizes due to the new technology of acrylics and plastics.
Glass Aquariums
Glass aquarium tanks are still the most popular form of tanks available in the market. The basic construction is plate glass sealed with a non toxic silicone. The glass can be either tempered (stronger, lighter and will shatter into pieces when it breaks) or plate (heavier, thicker and will crack when it breaks).
The frame of the glass will be pre-drilled allowing for your equipment and hoses to be concealed behind. Typically these tanks will cost more to buy and it’s not a necessary to have.
Big disadvantages of these tanks are that are limited in the shapes they can be formed, limited to rectangle and squares and if your want an unusual shape then glass is not for you.
Glass aquariums tanks are also very heavy in nature, due to the glass thickness increasing when the tank gets bigger and larger. The loading on the floor can be increased with an glass aquarium so ensure your floors can take the loadings and not recommended upstairs. Glass tanks can break and shatter easily and you can end up with a wet floor and a lot of dead fish.
Testing and Repairing a Leaking Tank
To test if your aquarium leaks is fairly simple, place your aquarium tank on some old newspaper and fill it up and let it stand for 24 hours. As you guessed when it’s wet there’s a leak. You should always test both new and second hand aquarium tanks.
To repair any leaks, dry off the tank and remove the old silicone with a safety razor. Gently wipe the area with a soft, clean cloth to remove any oils to ensure a good clean seal. Purchase a good aquarium sealer and apply to the affect areas and let dry for at least 48 hours before adding the water again. Repeat the test again to ensure the leak is sealed.
Where to Buy your Aquarium Tank?
You will have several choices where you can buy your freshwater aquarium:
- Your Aquairum shop: The most common place to find your aquarium tanks and equipment, buying from a pet shop has many advantages and the tanks will generally come with warranties. If your aquarium has any issues you can come back and get a refund or replacement. Here you can get good advice for your aquarium. Disadvantage would be the cost of the aquarium tanks will generally be more expensive.
- Garage sales: Here you can get some good bargains and your aquarium will cost next to nothing compared to any pet shop. Big drawback would be the equipment is used and old and there are no guarantees if the equipment will last. If it’s the aquarium tank this could be fatal.
- Newspaper adverts: Following up to an advert in the newspaper can lead you to find some nice priced aquariums, but again it’s used so there could be question marks to the quality of the equipment. If you’re lucky you can see the aquarium in operation before you buy it.
- Online stores: The internet is the last and becoming the most used way to search for aquariums equipment. Only drawback is your unable to see what your buying before it arrives, so be sure you know what you’re buying.
Tips for Buying Used Aquarium Tanks
Before purchasing any used tank you need to carefully inspect it for three things, inspect for leaks, cracks and worn out silicone. Fill up the tank and look carefully any drips or leaks. Check to see if the silicone seal is worn out, peeling away or missing completely, any small defective silicone can cause a leak which will mean your house floor will be full of water and the aquarium will be dry. Look at every piece of glass to ensure there is no cracks or broken glass.
If in doubt don’t buy it…
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