Aquariums can be a stunning addition to your home or office, but selecting the right material is important for the safety and longevity of your aquatic pets. Glass is popular for aquariums but it’s not always the best option. Acrylic is the perfect solution. This article will examine the top five reasons why acrylic is a great material for aquariums, and why it’s worth considering for your aquarium.
I. Introduction
Aquariums not only look great but also create a relaxing and calming atmosphere in any room where they are placed. It is crucial to choose the right material for an aquarium. Acrylic is a popular choice for aquariums due to its many advantages. They include durability and strength, visibility and clarity, customization, lightness, and safety. Let’s explore each of these factors in detail.
II. Top 5 Reasons why acrylic is the ideal material for Aquariums
A. Strength and Durability
Acrylic is an extremely durable and impact-resistant material. It is 17 times stronger than regular glass. It is therefore less likely to shatter or crack, which makes it safer for your aquatic pets as well as your family. Acrylic is also able to resist extreme temperatures. This makes it perfect for outdoor aquariums. It is also highly resistant to UV rays and won’t yellow or become brittle with time, like some plastics.
B. Clarity and Visibility
Acrylic is superior to glass in terms of clarity and visibility. Acrylic does not have a green tint and will not distort your aquatic pets’ view. It is therefore the perfect material for underwater uses, as you can see your fish and other aquatic creatures. Acrylic has a higher light transmission rate than glass. This allows for a more vibrant and brighter underwater environment.
C. Customizability
Customizability is one of the greatest advantages of acrylic aquariums. Acrylic is easily molded to create unique shapes and sizes. This makes it ideal for those looking to customize their aquarium. Acrylic can be tinted and colored to achieve a particular look or theme. Acrylic offers unlimited customization options, unlike glass.
D. Lightness
Acrylic is lighter than glass and easier to install. This is important, especially for large aquariums that can be heavy and hard to move. Acrylic allows for a larger aquarium to be used without adding weight or strain to your stand or flooring. The lightweight nature of acrylic makes it perfect for wall-mounted or unconventional aquarium designs.
E. Safety
Acrylic aquariums are safer than glass. Acrylic is less likely than glass to shatter or break, reducing the risk of injury for your aquatic pets as well as your family. Acrylic does not emit harmful substances or chemicals into the water. This makes it safer for aquatic animals. Acrylic is a more eco-friendly option, as it can be recycled and repurposed.
III. Acrylic Aquariums: Cleaning and Maintenance
You can also avoid scratching your acrylic aquarium by using a special acrylic polish. These polishes will help to remove scratches and restore shine to the acrylic surface. Choose a polish designed specifically for acrylic surfaces.
Use a magnet scraper or algae cleaner to clean the acrylic aquarium’s interior. These tools are gentle and will not scratch or damage acrylic surfaces. Rinse the surface well after cleaning it to remove any particles or debris.
IV. Acrylic Aquarium Design Customization
Customizability is one of the biggest advantages of acrylic aquariums. Acrylic aquariums can be customized to suit any aesthetic or space. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and personalized aquarium. Acrylic aquariums are available in many shapes and sizes. Custom sizes can also be made to suit your needs.
Acrylic aquariums are also available with special features such as overflow boxes and sumps. These features make it easier to maintain and more efficient.
Acrylic can also be used to create innovative and complex designs, which are impossible with glass aquariums. Acrylic can be shaped to have rounded or curvy edges. This creates an environment that looks more natural for fish and aquatic animals.
V. Questions commonly asked about the choice of acrylic for aquariums
Glass and acrylic aquariums have their pros and cons.
Glass Aquariums: Pros:
- The surface is scratch-resistant, and it will not turn yellow or cloudy with time.
- The color reproduction of plants and fish is accurate and clear.
- Acrylic aquariums are typically less expensive.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to transport or move heavy objects
- More likely to break or crack under impact
- Due to the difficulty of shaping and bonding the glass, customization options are limited.
Acrylic Aquariums: Pros:
- Easy to transport and move around
- Highly customizable when it comes to shape and design
- Durable and impact resistant
Cons:
- If not maintained properly, the paint can scratch and become cloudy.
- Glass aquariums are more expensive
- Viewed from certain angles, fish and plants can have their colors and images distorted.
What acrylic is best for aquariums?
Cell-cast acrylic is the best acrylic type for aquariums. This type of acrylic sheet is made by pouring liquid Acrylic into a mold and letting it cure. The cell-cast acrylic material is highly durable, clear, and of high quality. It’s perfect for aquariums.
What type of acrylic is the strongest?
Extruded acrylic is the strongest type of acrylic. This type of acrylic sheet is made by melting acrylic pellets, then forcing them through a die to create a continuous sheet. Extruded acrylic, while strong, is more susceptible to cracking than cell-cast acrylic and has a lower optical clarity.
Acrylic is good for underwater use?
Acrylic is suitable for applications underwater, such as in aquariums. Acrylic is impact-resistant and waterproof. It can also withstand pressure from being submerged. Acrylic is also very clear, making it possible to see fish and plants.
How well does acrylic hold up?
Acrylic is very durable and can last a long time if it’s maintained properly. It is less likely to break or crack compared to other materials like glass. Acrylic can be scratched easily and become cloudy if it is not cleaned and maintained properly.
Why is Acrylic Better than Plastic?
Acrylic is stronger and more durable than plastic. Acrylic is more durable and impact resistant than many plastics. Acrylic is also more environmentally friendly because it’s recyclable.
Why Acrylic is Good for Aquariums
Acrylic aquariums are good for many reasons.
- It provides a high level of optical clarity for a clear view of fish and plants
- The lightweight design makes it easy to transport or move.
- The shape and design can be customized to your liking
- It is less likely to break or crack compared to other materials.
- It can withstand being submerged underwater
Why Are Acrylic Tanks Better than Glass?
Acrylic tanks are superior to glass tanks in several ways.
- These are less likely to break or crack under impact
- These are lighter and easier to transport.
- There are more options for customization in terms of design and shape.
- The higher optical clarity allows for better viewing of plants and fish
- They can withstand being submerged underwater
VI. Conclusion
Acrylic is the best material for aquariums because of several factors. Acrylic aquariums have a higher durability and strength than glass aquariums. They are less likely to crack or break. Acrylic aquariums offer better UV protection and insulation, helping to maintain a healthy and stable environment for aquatic life.
Acrylic aquariums can be customized to meet your specific needs, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking for an aquarium that is unique and personal. Acrylic can be molded to fit into any aesthetic or space. It can also be designed with unique features which make maintenance easier.
If you are in the market to buy an aquarium, acrylic is the best material. Acrylic is an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts because of its durability, strength, and customizability.
