Top Performance Plastics Used for Aquarium Building

When designing aquariums, aquarium builders and manufacturers must balance several critical factors, including material strength, weight, clarity, cost, and long-term durability. These considerations influence everything from panel thickness and fabrication methods to shipping, installation, and long-term maintenance.

While glass has historically been used in aquarium construction, modern aquarium design increasingly relies on performance plastics to meet demanding structural, aesthetic, and fabrication requirements. From large custom display tanks to lids, backgrounds, and reptile enclosures, plastics offer advantages that are difficult to achieve with traditional materials. They are lighter, easier to fabricate, moisture resistant, and adaptable to both aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.

This article explores the most common plastic materials used in aquarium building, with a closer look at lid and background solutions, Coroplast® alternatives to vinyl, and other performance plastics used throughout aquarium and reptile applications.

Why Plastics Work So Well for Aquariums

Aquariums present a unique set of challenges. Materials must withstand constant exposure to water, resist warping, and maintain appearance over time. Plastics excel in these conditions.

Key benefits of plastics in aquarium construction include:

• Water Resistance: Plastics do not absorb moisture or swell, making them well suited for continuous aquatic environments.

• Lightweight Construction: These materials are easier to handle during fabrication while reducing structural load.

• Design Flexibility: Materials such as cast acrylic are simple to cut, machine, and customize for complex or large-scale aquarium designs.

• Durability: Many plastics offer higher impact resistance and are less prone to cracking than glass.

• Cost Efficiency: Shatter-resistant plastics help reduce shipping costs and overall fabrication expenses.

For professional aquarium builders, plastics allow for larger panels, complex shapes, and modular components without sacrificing performance.

Plastic Materials Used for Aquarium Lids and Backgrounds

Natural Coroplast, a brand of twinwall polypropylene, is a popular material for aquarium lids and backgrounds due to its balance of strength, weight, and cost.

Aquarium Lids

Natural Coroplast works especially well as an alternative to glass lids because it is significantly lighter than glass, more affordable, easier to replace, and resistant to moisture and humidity.

In addition, Coroplast is simple to cut down to size using basic tools, including a Coro-Claw. Because it is lightweight and rigid, Coroplast can be easily removed for feeding and maintenance without the risk of breakage.

Aquarium Backgrounds

Commonly used as an aquarium background or filter cover, colored Coroplast is available in multiple solid colors and creates a clean, uniform look behind tanks. Additionally, it helps conceal filters, cords, and equipment. It is also easy to install, reposition, and replace as needed without draining or disassembling the aquarium.

For aquarium shops and manufacturers, Coroplast backgrounds offer a fast, consistent way to enhance visual presentation without permanent modification.

Coroplast vs. Vinyl Materials for Aquarium Backgrounds

When it comes to aquarium backgrounds, vinyl material is often considered, but it has limitations that make Coroplast a more efficient alternative.

As opposed to Coroplast, vinyl backgrounds often require adhesives or paint for installation, which can make removal time-consuming and messy. When vinyl needs to be replaced, the process typically involves starting from scratch, and in many cases, the material is not reusable.

Many hobbyists also choose to paint the back of their aquariums to create a background, but paint can be time-consuming and difficult to remove when tanks are cleaned, relocated, or repurposed. By comparison, Coroplast can be placed behind the aquarium or filtration system without adhesives or permanent installation, offering a practical, water-resistant alternative that saves time during setup and long-term maintenance.

Why Coroplast Is a Better Alternative To Vinyl

Unlike vinyl, Coroplast can be placed behind the aquarium or filter system without adhesives or permanent installation.

Advantages include:

• No need to remove or scrape material

• Easy to install, reposition, or replace

• Water resistance and long-lasting performance

• Time savings during setup and maintenance

For aquarium manufacturers building multiple tanks or displays, Coroplast offers a faster, cleaner, and more flexible solution compared to vinyl or painted backgrounds.

Other Plastics Used in Aquarium, Terrariums and Reptile Enclosures

Aquarium builders use a range of performance plastics to support structure, appearance, and durability. In aquarium environments, materials must withstand constant moisture, resist warping, and maintain performance over time while remaining easy to fabricate and install. Selecting plastics with the right balance of strength, weight, and water resistance helps ensure long-term reliability and reduces maintenance for both builders and end users.

Cast Acrylic Panels

Cast acrylic is the primary structural material used in modern aquarium construction. Common uses include aquarium panels and viewing windows, large-format display tanks, and curved or specialty aquarium designs.

Cast acrylic is preferred because it:

• Offers excellent optical clarity

• Is highly impact resistant

• Can be fabricated into thick panels for large tanks

• Allows for seamless bonding and custom shapes

For professional aquarium manufacturers, cast acrylic enables larger, safer, and more visually striking aquariums than glass.

HDPE Decorations

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is frequently used for internal aquarium components and decorative elements. Typical applications include artificial rock structures, decorative backgrounds and inserts, internal supports, and accessories.

HDPE is chemically resistant, non-absorbent, and durable in submerged environments. Its toughness and machinability make it a reliable choice for custom aquarium décor that holds up over time.

PVC and Enviroboard® for Terrariums and Reptile Enclosures

Besides aquariums, many builders also serve the reptile enclosure and terrarium market, where PVC materials are widely used.

Dark PVC Enviroboard®

Commonly used for terrariums, paludariums, and reptile enclosures, dark PVC Enviroboard performs well in warm, humid environments and is easy to fabricate into panels and enclosures. Piedmont Plastics stocks recycled dark PVC Enviroboard, providing a durable and sustainable option for enclosure construction.

Reptile Enclosure Applications

Reptile enclosures represent a significant and growing market where PVC materials are widely specified for their durability and ease of fabrication. Black PVC is commonly used for standard reptile enclosures, while red PVC is often selected for venomous snake enclosures to improve visibility and enhance safety. PVC panels can be used for both enclosure walls and structural components, allowing builders to create strong, moisture-resistant habitats tailored to a wide range of species and enclosure designs.

Black PVC is also used:

• On the front of aquarium tanks (commonly 3 mm or 6 mm)

• To create a clean, polished appearance

• In aquarium stores to enhance presentation

The thickness of PVC panels depends on enclosure size and design requirements. Builders should consult their local Piedmont Plastics branch for material recommendations and sizing guidance.

Partner with Piedmont Plastics for Aquarium Materials

Whether you are fabricating custom aquariums or expanding into reptile enclosures, selecting the right plastic materials is critical to long-term success.

Piedmont Plastics supplies a wide range of performance plastics for aquarium and animal habitat applications, including cast acrylic, Coroplast®, HDPE, and PVC sheet products. With local inventory, technical support, and fabrication-friendly materials, Piedmont Plastics helps aquarium builders source materials efficiently and confidently.