Glass aquarium v Acrylic

[rpandresen]

I've been looking at new tanks for my girl, I've decided on the 33 gal (48"x12.5"x13") from glasscages.com Only problem is I'm not sure whether to get glass or acrylic. Glass=$72 and acrylic=$131. But they can ship the acrylic directly to me and it will weigh considerably less. I'd have to meet them somewhere to get the glass tank.

Price aside, what are the differences between acrylic and glass for the care and health of an adult bp? Will they heat differently? Hold humidity differently?

[dillan2020]

Acrylic is lighter and holds heat better. but glass doesn't scratch near as easy as acrylic does.

[TheSnakeGuy]

I would go with the acrylic and have solid walls and lid. I would then use a UTH for heat, maybe a fluorescent bulb mounted inside and drill my own holes for ventilation.

[rpandresen]

SnakeGuy, why do you recommend using a solid container and drilling holes rather than using a wire mesh top?

[BHReptiles]

SnakeGuy, why do you recommend using a solid container and drilling holes rather than using a wire mesh top?

Because mesh tops are HORRIBLE for keeping in humidity and heat. By drilling holes, you are reducing the amount of humidity that can escape. Most people who have mesh tops have to constantly fight keeping temps/humidity. Usually, they have to cover most of the top with a damp towel/foil/plexiglass, etc. which looks awful if you are going for a tank that looks "pretty". By getting a solid lid and drilling your own holes, you are basically doing what the people who use a towel/foil/plexiglass are doing to keep their temps/humidity and yours will still look pretty.

[TheSnakeGuy]

Exactly right BHR. I encountered the heat/humidity loss issues with a 20 gal long with a sliding screen top. So I removed the screen, replaced it with plexiglass, drilled vent holes, turned the tank on it's side, and installed a Tstat regulated UTH. Now I've eliminated those problems and it looks pretty sharp. I basically took a glass cage and made it like we described a plexi cage. Here' a pic.