glass aquarium

[taboo]

Hey Everyone,

I was hoping some of you guys can help me out with this question that I have. I recently aquired a 40 gallon glass tank. It is a regular glass tank, with the standard silicon sealant. I was told by a LFS owner that it would work fine for saltwater set ups. I also spoke with another LFS who told me that with these 'standard aquariums', the saltwater would eat away and overtime dissolve the silicon sealant, leading to possible leaks. What have you guys heard on this issue? It was recommended to me that if i wanted to keep a saltwater set up, that I aquire an acrylic tank instead? any info right now would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Taboo

[asmith]

Don't ever go back to the LFS that advised against a glass aquarium. That is the stupidest advice that I have heard in a long time. A glass aquarium will last just as long with salt water as it would with fresh water. All of my tanks are glass, and I have no intentions of going with acrylic. Acrylic tanks are too easy to scratch IMO. FYI, my 90 gallon reef tank has been used for saltwater tanks for more than 10 years.

Test your glass tank. If it holds tap water, then it will hold saltwater. Have fun planning your new saltwater setup. Feel free to ask lots of questions. We are happy to help.

Oh yeah. Welcome to The Reef Tank!!!

Andrew

[mikeMersot]

I agree, that is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard. It is people like that LFS guy that ruin the great saltwater hobby for so many people.

[Doug1]

Hehehehehe, I gotta agree with Asmith on this, that is some really lame advice the LFS gave you
A properly constructed glass tank with silicone seams is Salt water safe. All glass construction has a few advantages, ie scratch resistance and the fact that they are supported on the bottom frame allowing them to sit on open top stands, where an acrylic tank has to sit flat or the bottom will bow. It makes situating a bottom drilled tank a little easier on a glass tank.
The acrylic tank is lighter than glass, but requires a solid top glued on with holes cut out for the lighting etc. Acrylic is easier to drill for custom plumbing but they are typically more expensive than a glass tank till you get into the large sizes where the thicker glass ofsets the savings. If you rent or move the acrylic tank may be advantageous, but the pros and cons between the 2 balance out in the long run, its a matter of personal preference

[Mickadee]

The AGA tanks are very good like the guys have been saying I just recently replaced a 55gal due to the silicone peeling off but alas that tank was about 20 years old . from what I understand about the tanks is that with water ( salt of fresh) serves as a lubrication of sorts for the silicon and keeps ot from drying out if a tank is broke down and is setting in a garage for months then the silicone drys out and becomes brittle and starts to peel away from the glass.. thats what happened to me anyway.,,
have loads of fun .. I know I have
Mike

[taboo]

Thanks everyone for your input on the matter. I appreciate the info. Yeah.. the LFS mentioned to me that another alternative was to use the Oceanic brand Glass tanks cuz they are bonded differently. The tank I have is a standard "All-Glass-Aquarium" brand tank.

The AGAs seem like a very reliable brand for glass aquariums.

thanks again,

Taboo

[Alice]

He wanted to sell you an acrylic tank, more than likely

Doug's right though, glass or acrylic is a matter of personal preference and of budget. Personally, I like my acrylic tanks and scratches can be buffed out pretty easily.