Glass Pros/Cons
Pros: cheap, scratch-resistant, clear (low-iron glass clearer still).
Cons: heavy (3-4x acrylic), brittle, slight greenish tint in standard glass.
Acrylic Pros/Cons
Pros: lightweight, no green tint, allows custom shapes (round, hex, drilled).
Cons: scratches easily, UV-yellows over years, 3-5x glass cost.
Pick by Use
Standard community: glass.
Large 200+ gallon: acrylic for weight savings.
Custom shape: acrylic only.
Small reef: low-iron glass.
Maintenance Differences
Glass: any scraper safe. Vinegar removes hard water spots.
Acrylic: soft pads only. Vinegar damages acrylic — use acrylic-safe cleaners.
- ✦Check for cracks on used tanks before filling
- ✦Acrylic scratches polish out with kits
- ✦Pre-drilled tanks enable sump filtration