Habitat - Indoor :: Can I get some opinions on plexi glass or acrylic tanks?

[CrossKnight]

So today I went out to go buy the glass tank I was eyeing for awhile, since I had to work and save up all the money and stuff. The glass tank was 55 gallons and would have fit perfectly in my room (small room). When I got there they had already sold the tank and they said no more are coming in. That 55 gallon tank was on sale too.

My question is, are Plexi glass or acrylic tanks any good? How are plexi and acrylic different from each other? I went around SF looking for another tank but I couldn't find one fitting my price range and would fit in my room other then Plexi, acrylic, and turtle tanks (I know they suck, I'm not going to get a turtle tank).

Anyone that has owned a Plexi/acrylic tank please share.

[steve]

I've never owned one but...

Plexiglas is just a brand name for Acrylic. The main knock against it is that they can get scratched up. Glass can get scratches too but usually just minor ones.

[N4784N R4613]

Also, turtle's nails CAN scratch acrylic, while they CAN'T scratch glass.

[DavidY]

I would definitely stay away from plexiglass/acrylic for turtles as they will scratch the heck out of it and it will look horrible.

[the_orphaned]

On the other hand, I think plexiglass would be easier to maintain in the long run. Sure, it'll get ugly when your turtle scratches is but its easier to clean. Problem is that it gets cloudy in time. So unless you keep your tank on the floor, you wont be seeing much of your turtle.

I keep mine on a huge plastic container (translucent) and placed it on the floor. Works easier for me. I guess its really up to you on how you want to set up your turtles place. Plus, Turt likes to peek so what she does is go up to her basking area and scan her surroundings from there. The translucent properties of plastic also help her stay more calm since movement outside her tank doesn't really startle her much since she can't see the movement clearly anyway. Less stress on her.

So I guess it all boils down to where you will place your tank, maintenance, and turtle behavior. For me though, plastic and plexiglass containers are more convenient.

[DavidY]

Hmm, the acrylic aquariums can get very expensive, usually more than glass. Not something you'd want to risk getting scratched up. The plastic tubs are a good idea though, and they are a lot cheaper too.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I would definitely stay away from plexiglass/acrylic for turtles as they will scratch the heck out of it and it will look horrible.

Ditto.

When I was shopping for Sheba's 90 gallon tank, the guy in the store said the same thing as DavidY. He said that acrylic is great for fish since they won't go banging up against the walls like a turtle would. For turtles, glass is best.

[CrossKnight]

wow, thanks so much for the replies. I had no idea that turtles can have such sharp claws. My turtles are only about 2 inches long so I wouldn't know how sharp turtle claws could be.

Guess I'll try and hold out and keep my eyes open for a glass tank.

[N4784N R4613]

Good call! It is not really the sharpness of there claws, as much as it is the ease of scratching the acrylic. Even just have gravel on the bottom of an acrylic fish tank, will completely scratch it, so much that you can just barely see though the bottom anymore. Although they do have some pretty, lettuce shedding, sharp claws.