iglowce Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 looking to set up a system.. originally i was going for 50-60g size. But after consideration of space, i think i can fit a 90g tank I tried contacting vendors regarding rimless glass (ada, glasscages, etc.) and the delivery is an issue. so i am looking into acrylics. the only ONE concern is scratches. Right now, I am looking at a 90g Clear for Life from Aquarium direct. Does anyone have experience with both the tank and the vendor? Let me know. Any comment is greatly appreciated. Link to comment
Reefmonster Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 I don't have experience with the vendor, since I got mine direct from Alan at Advanced Aqua Tanks, but I had a clear for life 90g tank in my last house. I liked it, BUT, there were some definite disadvantages... 1. It's one thing when you get scratched on the outside, BUT hard as hell to buff the ones on the inside, which you WILL get. 2. The acrylic is VERY conducive to growing Coralline Algaes, and you will scratch the tank when try to remove them. 3. Any light loving coral WILL grow on the back/sides of the tank because of how light travels through the acrylic, and lexan products they use, so be prepared for that...Not necessarily a bad thing. 4. The top is not very open, so expect to drill some holes, unless you get them to do it first. 5. The back top of the tank doesn't have a lot of open space to it...just 4 inches by 10 inches, so take that into account. 6. Mine developed a leak in the seam on the bottom...not very much, only drops, but still IT LEAKED. I finally fixed it with some two-part epoxy. 7. Mine bowed-out in the front and sides...which waqs nerver-wracking... 8. During an earthquake it WILL bow in and out, as the water column moves up and down...ALOT. 9. Be very prepared for salt creep... 10. You will not likley be able to have Magnet supported devices because of how thick the acrylic is so perhaps no Vortech Pump....But maybe it's thinner now...you'll need to research it. I ran this aqaurium for a LONG time, and I'm sure that manufacturing processes are different than they once were, so my experiences may not be the same as your for ownership. I really liked it when i got it...not so much when I cleaned it due to the openings in the top...hard to reach the bottom because of the overhang...you will get a callous on your bicep from rubbing againts the top (lip) when cleaning the front pane, unless you have long spider-monkey arms...Rock works has to be done with smaller rocks because of the top...Basically the top is the pitfall more than anything else... Acrylic offers some stunning benefits tho...Practically CLEAR viewing...GREAT light refraction into the tank...virtually impact-proof...pretty earthquake proof...survived the Northridge Quake... So there you have it...Sorry for writing such a long post.. Excelsior! Link to comment
iglowce Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 nice! thanks for the input... im still undecided though Link to comment
under the sea Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 i have a small acrylic for 5 years and 99% spotless/scratchless. just have to be carefull cleaning. i use microfiber towel and scrub pads made for acrylic. just make sure you don't pick up sand while cleaning. nice to know it will never leak or break. Link to comment
iglowce Posted June 17, 2010 Author Share Posted June 17, 2010 so is it better to have a bare-bottom tank? Link to comment
under the sea Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 no, just be careful not to pick up any sand while cleaning. they also make scrape blades for acrylic that i rarely use to clean corners and near the sand. Link to comment
Reefmonster Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 i have a small acrylic for 5 years and 99% spotless/scratchless. just have to be carefull cleaning. i use microfiber towel and scrub pads made for acrylic. just make sure you don't pick up sand while cleaning. nice to know it will never leak or break. I'm glad you had a small tank for 5years with no scratches but was it a Clear for Life tank? If not, then you are comparing apples to oranges. The OP asked if anyone had a Clear For Life 90, and what their take on it was on it. The CFL tanks have a horrendous overhang that makes it hard as hell to clean the front pane. Anyone that has owned one of these knows what I am talking about. @the OP...A small tank doesn't compare to a 90 in terms of maintenance so I would take this into consideration. Just my $.02. Good luck with your tank. Link to comment
iglowce Posted June 19, 2010 Author Share Posted June 19, 2010 I'm glad you had a small tank for 5years with no scratches but was it a Clear for Life tank? If not, then you are comparing apples to oranges. The OP asked if anyone had a Clear For Life 90, and what their take on it was on it. The CFL tanks have a horrendous overhang that makes it hard as hell to clean the front pane. Anyone that has owned one of these knows what I am talking about. @the OP...A small tank doesn't compare to a 90 in terms of maintenance so I would take this into consideration. Just my $.02. Good luck with your tank. 1. whos OP? me? 2. What is CFL tank? by the way, thanks for the comment Link to comment
FZhang Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 i have a small acrylic for 5 years and 99% spotless/scratchless. just have to be carefull cleaning. i use microfiber towel and scrub pads made for acrylic. just make sure you don't pick up sand while cleaning. nice to know it will never leak or break. Wouldn't say never break or leak. I had a 12 gallon eclipse I was using as a goldfish tank and it definitely developed cracks in the middle of the glass pane. Switched to a 10 gallon glass tank before it started leaking though. 1. whos OP? me?2. What is CFL tank? by the way, thanks for the comment OP is original poster. CFL is Clear for Life. As for the acrylic tanks I feel like most of the larger tanks out there aren't acrylic? It might just be me though. But either way you'll probably have to have it shipped to you right? Link to comment
iglowce Posted June 19, 2010 Author Share Posted June 19, 2010 yea im thinking either 90g or 75g from CFL. probably from CFL because i have a stand for it already. Link to comment
FZhang Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 looked online to check out the dimensions and pricing for those tanks. and truthfully. I feel like for that price and those dimensions it's not worth it. At only 15" and 18" deep? You could probably get something made custom with better dimensions for the same price. Then again it's just my preference on the dimensions. Maybe you like skinny tanks? I feel like it limits your aquascape to the typical "rock wall" type of look Link to comment
iglowce Posted June 19, 2010 Author Share Posted June 19, 2010 I just saw on the other site a set of tank (reef ready with dimension 48-30-24) and stand for 950 48x30x24 Rimless/Eurobraced (Leemar) One internal overflow with 2 included holes No Polish/Just sanded 36" Tall Custom Solid Poplar/Birch Veneer Stand $950 Link to comment
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