Molded aquariums and non-molded aquariums

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Hi Friends,

I want to compare molded aquariums and non-molded aquariums
Molded tanks are more expensive than non-molded ones.
Other than this, what are the advantages and disadvantages of molded tanks.

Regards
Sujo

"You can either have the conventional glass aquarium or opt for an acrylic one.
“I have been using a glass aquarium for quite some time now and would any day prefer it to acrylic ones because of their resistance to scratching and much more accessible price,” says Sudha Kashyap from Delhi.

However, one cannot overlook their disadvantages. Glass can crack and is not as resistant as acrylic tanks. Glass aquaria are also heavier than acrylic ones. Insulation too is lower in glass ones which do not come in as many interesting shapes. But acrylic tends to fade out and can get a yellow tinge over time.

Even though cost is one of the main considerations for aquarists when deciding which of these two types of aquariums to purchase, when it comes to very large tanks, the price difference is not too much. So if you’re looking for a stronger, non-conventional shaped aquaria, acrylic is what you must opt for.

Laminated glass, which combines the advantages of both glass and acrylic, is also used. If you are opting for a large aquaria, then stronger materials such as fiberglass-reinforced plastics or reinforced concrete could also be an option to consider."

Original Link for this Click Here

Smile

Will there be any difference for the fishes?
Is there anything like fishes will be more comfortable in glass tanks?
Will they get scared looking through the convex surface of the molded tank.
Sorry for my stupid questions.. Unsure

Hi Umesh,
Thanks for your very helpful reply.

+1 umesh

@sujo
there will not be any diff to fish, the comfort level depends on factors such as your setup, tank mates, plants and surrounds around the tank and not whether the tank is of glass or acrylic.

u dont have to be sry...question everything....thats how we learn.....ask every question that pops up in your mind as some others having the same question may get their answer

Adding to Umesh sir...
You can even get glass molded aquarium. I am using the same. Its just the over all look and beauty and thats. Nothing else changes. But its damn costly when compared to normal glass aquarium but cheaper than acrylic molded aquarium.

Regarding fish.. i don't see any difference.. its just the corners which are curved unless you have taken a fully rounded aquarium..

but it doesn't matters actually.. i guess they don't care unless they used to watch TV in my drawing room and now they cant ROFL

Is there any way to check whether the molded tank is Acrylic, Glass or Laminated glass?
How will we distinguish them.

Totally agree with yajur. More over acrylic is plastic and this is glass.. you can try knocking with your nail for sound.

Lets say 120L aquarium plain glass will cost you around 2k to 3k max, a same molded glass will cost you around 8k to 16k(Based on brand and glass quality and bargaining skills Very Happy

also..) and same acrylic will cost you above 22k(Acrylic price as told by one shop keeper. Might need correction).

Hi Sujo,
At below link +/- of both are discussed . However Glass is better I feel because of its resistance to scratches. If we get any algae, it will be difficult to remove from acrylic without scratching it. Glass molded tanks are available. It may be bit tricky to distinguish between both if manufacturer is not specifying which material is used, though a rough idea can be obtained as some one mentioned by knocking on tank.

with best regards,
sudheer
AcrylicvsGlass-link

Hi!
Well I think corners of the molded doesn't look too appealing and if placed at the the corners, edges tend to magnify.

govindsj

We can also buy the regular glass and take it to a glass factory where they will heat it and bend it for you for a charge.

Or just tell them the measurments they will do along with the glass.

I know a guy who does this. Im planning to get this done. My idea is to bend the front glass and then assemble the base and back when making the tank.

Moulded Tanks are better. if glass breaks throw it away. if you have a convetional tank you will get tempted to make it over and then it will take you round and round in circles. Cleaning the moulded tank is good, because it doesnot have corners. Moulded tank will not gather medicine stains (e.g blue liquid) in corner and look dirty. Its expensive though, but its the difference in buying a Maruti 800 and buying a Honda brio. Thumb Up

Just think and take this question. "WHY WOULD SOMEONE INVENT A MOULDED GLASS TANK?"

Sujo,

If you are opting for a planted tank, then I would recommend you to go for non-molded tank.. as you have to bring in lot of change to get the desire result in a molded tank. Like for say the lights are less powerful and canister filter may not fit in and it is difficult to do the daily maintenance.

If you are looking for a sheer discus tank then it is ok to have a molded one

- TK

Molded and Non-molded
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   Glass and Acrylic

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     I will prefer glass. Here I am agree with sudheer & techikhan.

Though molded glass tank is available but it risky. if it broken whole tank you have to re-build. From my experience till today beauty always come from conventional glass aquarium. Perhaps you already see all top 200 tanks in IAPLC. How many are molded !!   (May be I am wrong)

I have been using moulded glass tank for the last 3+ years. I started with it as a cichlid community tank, and now turned it to a planted tank. I had to get rid of the top to introduce the canister pipes and also cut some the plastic in the site frame to fix the aquazonic T5 lights. Other than that one small issue I see is that I find it a little difficult to clean the concave corners with the magnetic brush. So I need to scrub that portion manually. But overall I don't see any problems with it.