Used Acrylic Tanks

[Astex]

I am starting searching for a bigger tank and am considering acrylic. I know what to look for on a used glass tank before buying, but what should I look at on an used acrylic tank?

Thanks.

[myjohnson]

1) Light scratches can be removed very easily so look for deeper ones that are harder to remove.

2) Older built tanks used thinner acrylic sheets so look for bowing on the front or back panels. Taller the tank, the more it will bow with water in it.

3) Look for yellowing of the acrylic sheets. Older tanks left in direct sunlight will turn yellow over time. There is no way to undo this.

4) Look for thin spider wed looking lines in the acrylic sheet itself. This is a sign of stress and possible failure in the acrylic sheet.

That's about it man. Just look for over all conditions. You know a good looking tank when you see one.

How big of a tank you getting?

[Astex]

Ideally I am looking for something between 125 and 200. Want to up-size for my existing clown loaches and be able to add a few as well.

[myjohnson]

I think if you are getting a 125g, you should get glass.

At that size, it's still light so you can move it around.

The biggest problem I have with my acrylic tank is removing algae. No matter how careful I am I always scratch it. I finally gave up and just keep a bunch of plecos in the tank now.

I would only get acrylic if you are looking at 7+ foot tanks holding more than 200 gallons.

[Astex]

Is it just the algae issues or is there other concerns with smaller tanks in acrylic?

[myjohnson]

Just light scratches every where.

Like no matter what you do, the tank will get scratched up.

I used the wrong towel one time and scratched up a corner of my tank.

The main benefit of going acrylic (weight) just isn't an issue in smaller tanks.