Having an aquarium at your office or home can actually become a stress buster. Even if it’s just a small fish bowl, it can do wonders for your mental health. There’s a plethora of research done on the effects that fishes and fish tanks have on our brain and nervous system. It has been found that aquariums help to calm our nerves and think more creatively.
What’s an Acrylic Aquarium Made Of?
You might get deceived by the looks and confuse plastic along with glass material with Acrylic. However, it is important to note that acrylic aquariums are a special kind of plastic that is sturdier and lasts longer. It is generally more expensive than glass aquariums as well. Some aquariums use cell cast acrylic sheet for a stronger grip. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics.
Can Acrylic Aquarium Leak?
Generally, glass aquariums are more likely to crack, chip or leak, than acrylic aquariums. Acrylic aquariums are more sturdy, lightweight and leak resistant. They are expensive than glass aquariums for a reason as they offer more benefits than a glass aquarium can. Even if there’s a leak in your acrylic aquarium, you can easily fix it via acrylic glue which is strong. Hence, they are very flexible.
How Long Do Acrylic Aquariums Last?
Acrylic aquariums may last anywhere between 5-15 years, depending upon the maintenance. If you take proper care of it, it can even last you 20 years. Acrylic aquariums are built to be sturdy and strong. Since they are made up of transparent thermoplastic, they are durable and won’t chip or break easily either. Keep it away from UV rays though. You may want to avoid growing aquarium plants in acrylic aquariums.
Which Factors To Consider Before Buying An Acrylic Aquarium?
When buying an acrylic aquarium, it is important to consider some factors to ensure that you choose the right pick. Below are some factors mentioned.
- Design
Do you prefer a unique look or the standard one? If you like something unique, then you should go for now front acrylic aquarium. If you like standard aquarium designs, then a flat aquarium should be your go-to. You even get tall and slim options in acrylic aquariums. - Size
Another important factor to consider would be the size. Since there are many sizes available, ranging from one gallon to fifty gallon tanks, you can choose the one that fits your space precisely and complements the look of the room. It is always advisable to opt for a bigger aquarium because it allows more room for fishes to roam around. - Requires a Stand or not
If you’re buying a fish tank that weighs over 15 gallons, then experts recommend you to get a stand as well. This is to support your fish tank. Any aquarium or tank that weighs less than that, can sit at your desk or table easily. Hence, you may have to consider this factor too, as you could incur extra cost by buying a separate stand.
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Without further ado, let’s head onto our list of the top picks for the best acrylic aquariums out there, which you should grab at prompt.
1. POPETPOP A56TG635515VANLEBNS
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
First and foremost, we have for you is this minimalistic, yet striking fish tank. This small and ergonomic tank can fit into any wall and can hang there to modify to look of any room. This tank saves the space in your room as it does not require a stand or even desk space. The transparent design can help you see the scenery clearly.
Key features:
- Wall mounted – space saving as it does not require a desk space or stand
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Clear view owing to the transparent design
- Made up of premium acrylic material – will last a long time
2. Aqueon 100544520
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Featuring another space saving and minimalistic fish tank that is equipped with smart clean technology to perform water changes in a matter of seconds and minutes. Your dishes can enjoy better water quality and this tank includes an aquarium vessel, along with water conditioner and setup guide. It’s ideal for small fishes and can be great for beginners too.
Key features:
- Space-saving and compact.
- Comes with smart clean technology.
- Comes with an aquarium vessel, hood and elevated base, power filter, small filter cartridge, fish food, water conditioner, and setup guide.
- Great for beginners and small fish.
- You can keep it in your room, kitchen, workspace, or anywhere that you prefer owing to the lightweight and compact design.
3. Tiandao qin Fish001
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Presenting you with an exquisite and high end option, at an economical price, this aquarium is a keeper. It comes with an excellent quality impact-resistant acrylic material and non-toxic materials. It is easy to use with three buttons designed on the lid to activate the lights, filter and smartphone charge option. It also comes with powerful filter function and easy installation process.
Key features:
- Made up of reliable, non toxic, environmentally friendly and impact resistant acrylic material
- Easy operation with three buttons and a feeding hole on the lid
- Comes with a powerful filter function that improves the water quality and nourishes plants
- Seamless installation process
4. Vaterbeing M2
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Featuring yet another innovative and versatile aquarium that’s large enough to accommodate many fishes at a time, this one is surely a keeper. It comes with a powerful filter to purify the water and aquarium plants that won’t harm your fish. The aquarium comes with easy operations with convenient fish tank lights (white, green and red). They are energy-saving too!
Key features:
- Innovative and versatile design.
- Comes with a water filter to purify it constantly.
- Comes with aquarium plants that are soft and won’t harm your fish.
- Comes with interesting lighting modes (white, green, and red) that are energy-saving and long-lasting.
5. ZHFEISY
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
If you’re still on the lookout for a big fish tank, then look no further, as this one is surely going to impress you. It comes with good quality acrylic material that is going to be strong and durable. It comes with an LED light and is suitable for small rooms, wall, desk, as well as offices too. Besides that, the rectangular shape can offer you a clearer view too.
Key features:
- Rectangular shape – clearer view
- Premium quality acrylic material
- Comes with an LED light design
- Can accommodate many fishes at a time
- Has a great aesthetic appeal which can help modify your room’s interior design
6. GloFish 29045
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Another great option that you shouldn’t ignore in terms of acrylic aquarium would be this one. This crescent shaped tank offers a unique look and can add versatile dimensions to any one of your rooms. It comes with a convenient feeding hole, energy efficient blue LED lighting, as well as internal filtration. It comes with a hood to keep the fishes from jumping and it’s made up of high quality premium acrylic material.
Key features:
- Comes with a unique crescent-shaped tank that has energy-efficient blue LED lighting
- Comes with internal filtration to purify the water and create a healthy environment for the fish and plants
- Comes with a hood to keep the fish from jumping
- Premium quality acrylic and comes with a filter cartridge too
7. biOrb 45919
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Featuring another unique aquarium that’s sure to catch anyone’s attention. Contrary to other regular fish tank shapes, this one is versatile. It can not only make any room look great and can also accommodate many fishes at a time. It is made up of premium acrylic that is ten times stronger than glass. Moreover, it comes with five stage filtration and low voltage.
Key features:
- Unique shape and can accommodate many fishes at a time
- Made up of premium quality acrylic material that is ten times than glass
- It is lightweight and has five stage filtration (biological, mechanical, water stabilization, chemical and oxygenation)
- Energy saving
8. North American Pet X10-101-53206
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
If you’re an aquarium enthusiast, then this one is for you. There’s nothing like having your own private look into the underwater world and you can achieve that through this tank. It comes with LED lighting and exceptional-quality acrylic material. It allows clarity and an easy view. It is impact resistant and comes with a black-colored back area to enhance the beauty of the aquarium.
Key features:
- Comes with LED lighting and a clearer view than glass aquariums.
- Comes with a black colored back to enhance the look of the aquarium and your fishes.
- Modern and a rectangular look that gives you a clearer view and allows you to take perfect pictures
9. AUNIVO
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Presenting you this exquisite and high end option in terms of acrylic aquarium, this one is a show stopper. It comes with a large capacity and the tank is handmade with excellent craftsmanship. It comes with a stylish interior and an LED light as well. However, you may have to invest in a sturdy stand to give this fish tank, maximum support. Besides that factor, there’s nothing to be doubtful about.
Key features:
- Comes with an LED light and a modern look
- Large capacity and it is handmade with great craftsmanship
- Can be a great gift for friends and family
- Suitable for all kinds of rooms and offices
- Can be easily viewed owing to the standard, rectangular shape
10. Penn-Plax
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Last, but not least, this innovative and ultra-modern aquarium can leave you stunned at the very first glance. It takes the form of a large cylinder with a matching glossy black base and a top cover. It saves floor space and it is durable owing to the strong acrylic material. It also comes with Filtration systems to purify the water and create a healthy environment for the fish to thrive.
Key features:
- Modern and ultra-unique design that can be breathtaking
- The cylinder is shaped with a black base and accented gold line at the bottom
- Saves floor space as it is not horizontal
- Powerful filtration system to purify the water and create a healthy environment for your fish and plants
- It comes with a plethora of accessories like a bottom stand, top LED lights, a water pump, and a lot more
Conclusion
When buying an Acrylic aquarium for your home or office, it is important to note that the material should be toxin free and safe to use. Some of the manufacturers recommend that all acrylic water tanks and aquariums should be constructed with Cell Cast Acrylic Sheets. This is because the CAST Acrylic sheet is more capable of withstanding continuous loads, as compared to the sheets. Besides that element, you may want to decide on the space you’re willing to compromise for the aquarium. A cylinder-shaped aquarium or a crescent one can look more unique, as compared to other regular aquariums.
Furthermore, it should be noted that acrylic aquariums are not all glitter and gold. They may become yellow or prone to scratches over time if they are exposed to UV rays and if you have not maintained them well. Acrylic aquariums need to be cleaned with delicacy and dedication. The stains and other residue marks must be removed at a prompt, or else they may stay, making your aquarium look unpleasant. Hence it can be said that if you maintain it well and are willing to go the extra mile for acrylic aquariums, then the ones listed above, should be ideal for you!
