Are you torn between glass and acrylic? Understandable. Glass is practical and affordable; acrylic is light, strong, and can be shaped into funky pieces. In this guide, I'll help you choose quickly and honestly—so you'll be spending more time watching fish instead of stressing about the materials. 😉
Acrylic is lighter, super clear, and impact-resistant (great for large or unusual shapes), but more scratch-resistant and more expensive. Glass is cheaper, more scratch-resistant, and widely available, but heavier and less flexible in terms of design. Choose based on size, budget, location in your home, and your maintenance needs. 
Glass vs. Acrylic – Quick Comparison
| Characteristic | Glass | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Much lighter |
| Impact resistance | Can burst | Very impact resistant |
| Brightness | Good (low-iron = better) | Very clear |
| Scratches | Scratches less quickly | More scratch-sensitive (can be polished) |
| Forms | Straight, slightly curved | Curved/organic easy |
| Price | More affordable | Higher (certainly custom) |
| Maintenance | Magnets/scrapers ok | Acrylic-safe tools only |
| Seams | Silicone, aging | Welded/fused |
| Insulation | Average | Better (retains heat slightly better) |
When do you choose glass?
- You want to start affordably in a standard size.
- You are practical and want to use magnets/scrapers without any worries.
- You appreciate scratch tolerance and plug-and-play installation.
When do you choose acrylic?
- You are looking for lightweight and impact-resistant for large volumes or vulnerable placement.
- You want special shapes or a seamless look .
- You are careful with maintenance and can use acrylic tools.
Design & Scape: Finish it off
Whichever tank you choose, the look and feel comes from your scape. Go for natural roots (like mangrove or spiderwood ) and rock (e.g., Dragon Stone , Slate , Mini Landscape ). Plant it full of easy-care aquarium plants or start with mosses and floating plants (tip: Salvinia , Limnobium , Elodea densa ). Prefer super-durable foliage plants? Anubias nana is nearly indestructible.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
- "Acrylic becomes cloudy": usually scratches from the wrong polishing agents. Fix: soft cloths and acrylic-safe scrapers; light scratches can often be polished out.
- Underestimating the weight of glass: especially 200 L+. Fix: check the load-bearing capacity, use a good support panel, and lift with assistance.
- Abrasive sponge on acrylic: sand/quartz = enemy #1. Fix: work cleanly and quietly, no abrasives.
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Unstable surface: any aquarium. Fix: level furniture and full support.
Checklist
- Size & weight (transport, stairs, floor)
- Budget (standard glass vs. custom acrylic)
- Shape/design (straight vs. curved/organic)
- Scratch tolerance vs. repairability
- Maintenance style and tools
- Location in the house (accessible, safe, child/pet-proof)
Practical examples
- Beginner aquarist, 60–120 L, sleek design: glass.
- Large display case/room divider, difficult staircase: acrylic.
- Unique shape (cylinder/panorama): acrylic.
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Nano with kids/cat: glass (less scratch stress).
Project realization: from plan to success!🫧
Are you choosing glass or acrylic, but want a finished aquarium right away? I can help you with a complete plan (design, hardscape, plant selection) and even handle the construction for you. Think: building the scape with wood or stone , filling it with plants (such as Anubias nana ), and finishing it with floating plants ( Salvinia , Limnobium )—all you have to do is enjoy.
Plan service or project implementation » | WhatsApp: Quick question? »
Conclusion
Glass = robust, affordable, plug-and-play. Acrylic = lightweight, strong, creative freedom—with a higher price and a bit more cleaning discipline. Compare your requirements to the checklist and you'll quickly see what suits you. Still unsure? Send a photo of the location and your requirements—I'd be happy to brainstorm with you and realize the entire project for you.
Schedule a free consultation or send your idea via WhatsApp . We'll make it happen. 🌿
