Does an acrylic fish tank really not break?

Many people seeing an acrylic fish tank for the first time wonder: Can this transparent material really not shatter? It looks as fragile as glass—can it really be that strong? In fact, the answer is even more convincing than you might think.

Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or “organic glass,” is completely different from ordinary glass. It’s a high-molecular polymer with exceptional toughness. When comparing panels of the same thickness, acrylic’s impact resistance is about seventeen times greater than that of glass. In other words, while ordinary glass may crack or shatter from a light bump, acrylic can usually withstand a much stronger impact—often deforming slightly instead of breaking into pieces.

This property has made acrylic widely used in large fish tanks, swimming pools, and even aquarium engineering projects. For instance, the viewing tunnels, infinity pools, and hotel-lobby aquariums you often see are commonly built from joined acrylic panels. Acrylic can bear enormous water pressure while maintaining crystal-clear visibility, without optical distortion caused by stress or bending.

Of course, “unbreakable” doesn’t mean “indestructible.” Under extreme impact—such as a hard blow from a sharp object—the surface can still crack. However, unlike glass, it won’t shatter into dangerous shards, making it far safer and more reliable.

So the next time you see a massive transparent fish tank or a suspended swimming pool, there’s no need to worry about its strength. The toughness and safety of acrylic are exactly why it’s trusted in such impressive applications.