If you haven't seen an acrylic aquarium, you're in for a pleasant surprise! These aren't your grandma's goldfish bowls! Get ready for breathtaking displays of art and craftsmanship.
No longer restricted to major aquariums hosting exotic sea life, acrylic aquariums are the must-have art pieces for everything from Las Vegas casinos, Beverly Hills hotels, the Statue of Liberty, and, of course, posh private homes.
Why Acrylic? Typically we think of glass for aquariums, but acrylic has quickly become the material of choice for aquariums.
Let's look at the benefits of acrylic materials...
1) Lighter - Acrylic aquariums are about half as light as glass structures, making them easier to move and assemble.
2) Stronger - Acrylic is up to 17 times as strong as glass, particularly in larger aquariums.
3) Clearer - Acrylic allows more light to pass through it with less distortion.
4) More Flexible - Curved surfaces are possible, with nearly unlimited shapes and sizes. Since acrylic has "give" to it, it will not shatter or explode like glass would.
5) Seamless - Acrylic can be bonded to itself to create an invisible connection. Without the need for ugly seams, greater creativity in sculpting the actual aquarium.
6) Insulating - Acrylic protects the animals and plants against outside temperature fluctuation because it doesn't convey heat and cold like glass does. In the event of a power outage, the aquarium would hold its heat longer than one made from glass.
7) Safer - Acrylic won't shatter or crack. Acrylic can be scratched, but these are easily repaired with repair kits sold in aquarium supply stores and on-line.
8) Acrylic is "machinable," meaning that it can be drilled or routed, unlike glass.
9) Acrylic is easier to ship and position at the final site.
But nothing is perfect, so on the down side, acrylics have a higher initial cost, about two to three times the price of glass. It has a greater tendency to develop scratches, although these can be repaired, and glass can certainly be scratched as well. Acrylics have the risks of yellowing over time, but new UV stabilizers resist yellowing. Finally, acrylic structures need increased support because acrylic tanks will bow under pressure, while glass will not.
All things considered, there is a strong case for acrylic aquariums. If you're a beginning hobbyist, glass is still the way to go, but for larger art pieces, commercial office spaces, restaurants, doctors' offices, and huge public spaces, acrylics are here to stay.
What's the key to the perfect aquarium? Find out at http://aquarium-guide-online.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment