Glass vs. Acrylic Aquariums: Which Should You Buy?

Both glass and acrylic aquariums have loyal followings in the hobby, and the right choice depends on your priorities around cost, weight, and long-term durability.

Clarity

Acrylic offers slightly better optical clarity and is available in curved or unusually shaped tanks that glass can’t easily achieve.

Weight

Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass for the same volume, an important consideration for very large tanks or upper-floor installations.

Scratch Resistance

Glass resists scratching far better than acrylic, which can develop cloudy scratches over time from cleaning tools or decor movement, though acrylic scratches can often be polished out.

Cost

Glass tanks are generally more affordable, especially at common sizes, while acrylic often carries a premium, particularly for large or custom-shaped tanks.

Which Should You Choose?

For most standard rectangular tanks under 100 gallons, glass remains the more budget-friendly and scratch-resistant option. For very large or uniquely shaped tanks, acrylic’s weight savings and design flexibility often win out.

Browse both options in our aquarium collection.