Glass or Plexiglass?

The next consideration in selecting an aquarium is whether to buy a glass tank or one made of plexiglass, a strong plastic material. Because of the great transparency of plexiglass, a tank made of this material can actually look clearer than a glass tank. In addition, a plexiglass tank is usually constructed so that the front face curves gracefully backward at the corners to form the sides of the aquarium. This design thus eliminates the sharp vertical lines of a glass aquarium, in which the front panel meets the sides. With the absence of edges, a plexiglass aquarium looks more like a magical block of water than a container holding water.

Plexiglass also has other advantages. It is much lighter than glass, it maintains water temperature better than glass, and it is virtually unbreakable. On the other hand, a plexiglass tank is more expensive than one made of glass. A typical 76-liter glass tank costs $25 to $35, while a similar-size plexiglass tank can cost twice as much. Plexiglass also scratches more easily than glass, so an aquarium owner must take extra care when cleaning the tank or adjusting the contents of the aquarium.

When you have finally chosen a tank and brought it home, be sure to find an appropriate place for it. One consideration is the amount of natural light that the aquarium will get. It surprises many novice aquarists that window light--especially direct sunlight--can be a great menace to an aquarium. Too much light can promote the growth of algae in the tank, turning the water green. It can also raise the water temperature to levels that kill the fish. In addition, streams of hot or cold air can affect water temperature, so protect your aquarium from winter drafts and avoid placing it near open heating and air-conditioning vents.