Choosing the right aquarium material is a decision that impacts not only the visual appeal of your tank but also its long-term functionality, maintenance, and safety. At Champion Aquariums, we’ve been building and maintaining custom aquariums for over 25 years, offering both glass and acrylic options for residential and commercial spaces across South Florida.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of glass fish tanks vs. acrylic fish tanks based on real-world experience and industry best practices, helping you make an informed decision backed by expertise and trust.
Why Material Matters in Aquariums
Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand why material selection matters. The material affects:
- Water clarity and visibility
- Maintenance requirements
- Tank longevity and safety
- Customization and design options
- Cost and ease of installation
Whether you're an experienced aquarist or setting up your first tank, the material you choose will directly impact your experience and your fish's environment.
Glass Aquariums: Tried, Tested, and Trusted
Pros of Glass Fish Tanks
- Superior Scratch Resistance
Glass is naturally harder than acrylic, which means it's more resistant to scratches. This makes it ideal for tanks that require frequent cleaning or house larger, more active fish.
- Long-Term Clarity
Glass doesn’t yellow or cloud over time. It maintains its clarity, even after years of exposure to light and water.
- Budget-Friendly
For standard tank shapes and sizes, glass tends to be more affordable and readily available than acrylic.
- Stable and Rigid
Glass doesn’t bend under water pressure, maintaining its shape and structural integrity over time.
Cons of Glass Tanks
- Heavier than acrylic
- More prone to cracking or shattering if dropped
- Limited to more traditional shapes and sizes
Acrylic Aquariums: Lightweight and Customizable
Pros of Acrylic Fish Tanks
- Impact-Resistant
Acrylic is much more durable in terms of impact. If you're installing a tank in a high-traffic area or around children or pets, acrylic offers added safety.
- Lightweight and Easier to Handle
Acrylic weighs about half as much as glass, making it easier to transport and install—especially for larger tanks.
- Custom Shapes and Sizes
Because acrylic is flexible and moldable, it’s perfect for custom designs like curved tanks, cylinder shapes, and wall-mounted aquariums.
- Excellent Insulation
Acrylic retains heat better than glass, which can help in maintaining stable temperatures for sensitive fish species.
Cons of Acrylic Tanks
- Prone to surface scratches (though they can be polished out)
- Higher upfront cost for large or custom tanks
- May yellow slightly over time if exposed to UV light
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Glass Tanks | Acrylic Tanks |
| Clarity (long-term) | Excellent | Good (may yellow) |
| Scratch Resistance | Very High | Moderate (polishable) |
| Impact Resistance | Lower | High |
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Custom Shapes | Limited | Flexible |
| Cost | More Affordable | Generally Pricier |
| Heat Insulation | Lower | Better |
Which Is Better?
At Champion Aquariums, we’ve installed hundreds of tanks throughout homes, offices, restaurants, and medical facilities. Here’s what we typically recommend:
- Choose Glass if you're looking for a scratch-resistant, long-lasting tank and are working within a budget.
- Choose Acrylic if you want a custom design, need a lightweight tank, or have safety concerns due to kids, pets, or foot traffic.
Pro Tip: Many of our commercial clients prefer acrylic for its design flexibility and lightweight installation. For smaller, home-use aquariums, glass remains a top choice due to its affordability and long-term clarity.
What About Maintenance?
Glass tanks are easier to clean without worrying about scratches, especially if you use magnetic scrubbers or algae pads.
Acrylic tanks, while more sensitive to scratches, can be restored with polishing kits. Routine maintenance is a must for both to prevent algae build-up and maintain visual clarity.
If you're unsure how to properly clean or maintain your tank, our maintenance team at Champion Aquariums is just a call away.
Why Choose Champion Aquariums?
As South Florida’s trusted aquarium experts for over 25 years, Champion Aquariums offers:
- Custom glass and acrylic tank fabrication
- Professional installation and leak testing
- Scheduled cleaning and emergency maintenance
- Consultation for freshwater, saltwater, and reef systems
We're based in Pompano Beach, FL, and service both residential and commercial clients across the region.
- Licensed & Insured
- 25+ Years of Experience
- 5-Star Rated by Our Clients
Ready to Start Your Aquarium Journey?
When it comes to choosing between glass and acrylic aquariums, the right decision depends on your unique goals, lifestyle, and environment. Glass tanks offer timeless clarity, affordability, and scratch resistance, making them ideal for many hobbyists and first-time tank owners. Acrylic tanks, on the other hand, provide unmatched design flexibility, impact resistance, and ease of installation—especially useful for large, custom, or commercial setups.
At Champion Aquariums, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across South Florida design and install both glass and acrylic aquariums tailored to their specific needs. Our expert team evaluates your space, vision, and aquatic goals to recommend the best materials and configurations—backed by over 25 years of hands-on experience in aquarium craftsmanship and care..
Need help deciding? Let Champion Aquariums guide you.
FAQs
Which is better for beginners — glass or acrylic fish tanks?
For beginners, glass fish tanks are often the preferred choice due to their affordability and scratch resistance. They require less careful handling during cleaning, which makes maintenance more straightforward for new aquarium owners.
Do acrylic aquariums leak less than glass tanks?
Both glass and acrylic aquariums are safe when professionally built, but acrylic tanks generally offer better leak resistance due to the way seams are bonded.
Can scratches on acrylic aquariums be repaired?
Yes, unlike glass, acrylic can be polished to remove surface scratches. There are polishing kits available that can buff out many scratches, restoring the tank’s clarity.
Is one material better than the other for saltwater tanks?
Both glass and acrylic perform well in saltwater environments, but acrylic has better thermal insulation, which can help with temperature stability—important for coral reefs and delicate marine life. That said, glass is more scratch-resistant, which can be beneficial when cleaning off salt and algae.
Do glass tanks distort the view more than acrylic tanks?
Acrylic tanks typically offer a clearer, undistorted view, especially when curved or custom-shaped. Glass tanks, particularly those made from standard glass, can produce slight greenish tints or edge distortion depending on the thickness.
Are acrylic tanks safe for homes with children and pets?
Absolutely. Acrylic is much more impact-resistant than glass, making it the safer option in households with children or pets. It’s less likely to crack or shatter if bumped, which is why we often recommend acrylic tanks for schools, pediatric clinics, or family spaces.
How long do glass and acrylic aquariums last?
When properly maintained, glass tanks can last 10–20 years or more, while acrylic tanks can last just as long, if not longer, especially in larger sizes.
Can I order a custom-shaped tank in glass?
While glass can be used for modest customizations like bow fronts or corner tanks, it is limited in shape flexibility due to its rigid nature. Acrylic, on the other hand, can be molded into nearly any shape. For truly custom, design-forward builds—like wall dividers, L-shaped tanks, or curved displays.
What support or stand is needed for glass vs. acrylic tanks?
Glass tanks are heavier and require sturdy, level support—often custom-built stands or reinforced cabinetry. Acrylic tanks are lighter and more forgiving but still need proper base support to distribute weight evenly.
How do I decide between glass and acrylic if I’m still unsure?
The best approach is to speak with an expert who can evaluate your space, budget, design goals, and maintenance preferences. At Champion Aquariums, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options
Bibliography & Sources
- https://blog.marinedepot.com/resource-guides/glass-vs-acrylic-aquariums
- https://www.tetra-fish.com
- https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/10/aquarium
- https://fishlab.com/glass-vs-acrylic-aquarium/
- https://www.petmd.com/fish/general-health/aquarium-care-tips
- https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/md-2015-11-glass-vs-acrylic-tank
- https://www.astm.org