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Plexiglas or glass?

bloodycats Feb 07, 2004 07:13 PM

Hello, I am attempting to make a nice terrarium that will hopefully one day hold a dart frog or two inside. I have read sheets on how to set up the tank and they all reccomend glass as the top. Where I work I can either get glass that is quite thin (about 1/16th of an inch) or some plexi for free to cover the top with. I was wondering if I could use the plexi. It's lighter weight, less breakable and easier to manipulate than glass. Which should I go for? Also, if the glass or plex is covering the top of the tank, does enough air get into the tank to circulate? Thanks

Replies (6)

khoff Feb 07, 2004 07:42 PM

As a general rule, I would never use Plexiglass for tropical tanks. They bow horribly. I lost a powder blue out of my first group by making this mistake. I won't use anything but glass these days. Hope this helps.

Kevin Hoff

treedimensions Feb 07, 2004 09:00 PM

Given the choice I would also use the glass for the same reasons.

mbmcewen Feb 07, 2004 09:04 PM

I have a 40 gallon homemade acrylic tank...I have no problems with warping....due to 1/4" acrylic, a small frame around the top, and the walls of the tank to keep it together. For the top though, I would go with glass. 1/16" is pretty thin though. Are you sure it is not 1/8"? If not, I would get 1/8"
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Matt

kyle1745 Feb 07, 2004 09:04 PM

I asked the same question and everyone has said glass so here is my first try:


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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

bloodycats Feb 07, 2004 11:34 PM

Wow, I thought it was a stupid question, but now I am glad I asked. I will seek out some thicker glass for the top of my enclosure. Thank you.

treedimensions Feb 08, 2004 12:15 AM

Yeah, thicker would be better. I do use acrylic for a couple tops, but they warp and scratch, ect. The acrylic is easier to drill, machine, etc.
As pointed out pdf's can excape the acrylic, if it warps.

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