In the world of zebrafish facilities and aquatic research, the material you choose for your tanks isn’t just a detail, it directly affects experimental reliability, animal welfare, maintenance workload, and long-term costs. While polycarbonate has long been the standard in high-density zebrafish housing systems, many researchers and facility managers are now re-evaluating the role of glass. With new imaging technologies, automation tools, and ecological concerns shaping the future of laboratory aquaria, it’s time to take a fresh look at this crucial decision.
1. Understanding the options: Polycarbonate vs Glass
Most zebrafish facilities rely on tanks made of polycarbonate (PC) or, less commonly, polysulfone (PSU). These plastics are light, impact-resistant, and easy to mould into standardised formats (1.8L, 3L, 9L), making them ideal for automated, modular systems. Glass, by contrast, has often been sidelined for being heavier and more fragile, but this perception is shifting.
Where polycarbonate excels in practicality, glass stands out in optical clarity, chemical inertness, and long-term durability. And perhaps most importantly, glass tanks offer a significant strategic advantage: they can be sourced from multiple suppliers and replaced locally, freeing facilities from proprietary formats and vendor lock-in.
Practical comparison: when to choose glass or plastic fish tanks
| Criteria | Glass | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|
| Optical quality | Excellent, stable over years | Degrades over time due to scratches |
| Chemical resistance | Highly inert, supports harsh disinfection | Susceptible to surface damage |
| Weight and handling | Heavier, fragile | Lightweight, easy to handle |
| Durability | Long-lasting if handled properly | Moderate lifespan, often 2–3 years |
| Imaging and video analysis | Ideal for AI, HD imaging, and behavioural work | Poorer performance due to reflections |
| Cost per unit | Higher initial cost | Cheaper to produce at scale |
| Replacement flexibility | Universal sizing, local glass shops possible | Proprietary formats, vendor dependent |
2. Why polycarbonate still dominates
Polycarbonate remains the default choice in many zebrafish facilities for good reason. Tanks are handled frequently, during feeding, breeding, cleaning, or selection—and must withstand repeated use without breaking. Lightweight materials also reduce strain on staff and simplify rack design. Most commercially available zebrafish racks (e.g. Tecniplast, Aquaneering) are designed around polycarbonate tanks with standardised fittings and accessories.
For daily husbandry and routine maintenance, optical performance is rarely a limiting factor. Most observations involve quick checks, counting larvae, or selecting breeding pairs, where visibility through slightly worn plastic is still acceptable.
The shift toward glass: key drivers
1. Imaging and AI-driven phenotyping
With the rise of deep learning, behavioural tracking, and automated video analysis, image fidelity has become critical. Scratches, colour distortion, and reflection artefacts in plastic tanks can compromise algorithm performance. For researchers using continuous video monitoring or AI-based phenotyping, glass tanks provide a superior, stable visual environment.
2. Toxicology and water quality integrity
Glass is chemically inert, making it ideal for experiments involving sensitive water chemistry or potential leachables. For facilities working on endocrine disruptors, trace elements, or metabolic studies, glass avoids the risk of unwanted interactions with tank material.
3. Maintenance and longevity
While polycarbonate tanks often require replacement every 2–3 years due to wear, glass can last a decade or more, especially in fixed setups where handling is limited. Over the long term, this can offset the higher upfront cost.
4. Supply chain flexibility
Glass tanks can be produced to spec by local suppliers or commercial glass manufacturers, offering independence from rack-system vendors. This is especially valuable in facilities located far from supply hubs or seeking to control long-term replacement costs.
5. Science communication and facility visibility
Whether it’s for filming research, public engagement, or institutional communication, glass aquariums provide a cleaner, sharper image, essential for high-quality photography and videography. More facilities now include “flagship” tanks or racks for outreach and collaborative projects, where visual quality matters.
Toward a hybrid approach
Rather than choosing one material exclusively, many facilities now implement a hybrid strategy:
Polycarbonate tanks for high-turnover husbandry, where handling and standardisation are key.
Glass tanks for specialised imaging, behavioural studies, and fixed testing setups.
This balanced approach maximises practicality while supporting evolving scientific demands. It also reduces vendor dependence and opens opportunities for modular or custom designs.
Final thoughts
Material choice isn’t just a matter of cost, it reflects broader priorities around scientific quality, staff ergonomics, sustainability, and independence. As research methods evolve and new tools emerge, glass aquariums are regaining relevance in zebrafish housing systems.
At LUXAQUA, we support both configurations. Our zebrafish racks and experimental modules are available with either polycarbonate or glass tanks, offering full flexibility based on your protocols, environment, and long-term goals.
Looking to update or expand your fish husbandry research facility? Let’s design it together, with the right material for every application. You can draft your fish housing system by yourself or book for a meeting.