With the invention of acrylic, glass tanks have become less frequently used these days. This type of material offer some advantages over glass.

Firstly, acrylic offers flexibility in tank design. Various items from coffee tables to gum ball are made from this material. In the market, you can choose from small cylinder shaped tanks that can double as a coffee table lamp to wall huge wall sized aquariums.

Moreover, while a glass tank is easy to break, the flexibility of an acrylic tank will prevent this catastrophe from happening. This is another reason why today’s tanks mostly come in acrylic and not glass.

Acrylic tanks are also lighter in weight and easier to care for than glass aquariums. In addition, you can get a better visibility with an acrylic tank.

However, tanks made from acrylic also have some downfalls. For instance, they tend to scratch easier than the ones created from glass. That is why you should not use paper towels, harsh or abrasive chemicals when cleaning the aquarium. Just use a cleaner which is specifically designed for this purpose.

Fortunately, a scratched acrylic aquarium can be repaired. You can find acrylic repair kits available at specialty pet stores, local hardware stores and of course online.

In summary, aquariums made from acrylic are considerably more durable than glass, an important consideration if the aquarium is going to be displayed in a public place or if you have small children. However, keep in mind that such aquariums need special cleaning techniques.