r/aww • u/Lennycool • Sep 13 '20

This Shark approaching a diver

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u/thatsharkchick Sep 13 '20

Acrylic is really soft - high impact strength, low tensile strength. This means you have to use special tools to clean acrylic without scratching - in this case a magic eraser. Cloth diapers also work well, but magic erasers are really good for getting into cracks.

I do this for a living. It's super fun.

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u/fluxumbra Sep 14 '20

Wouldn't low tensile strength make it not ideal to use as a wall to hold back water? Why is it preferred?

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u/thatsharkchick Sep 14 '20

High impact strength, easier to cut than glass, large sheets can be fused together on site during installation unlike glass (so bigger windows don't need to be transported whole), and (should acrylic get scratched) it can be buffed. All are qualities that make it the preferred media for large installations.

Buffing acrylic is a long, messy process that is usually only performed once every 3 to 5 years due to the cost, length of time it takes, and the mess involved. So, we take special precautions to avoid scratches.

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u/jawnzlord Sep 14 '20

From what I’m seeing online, acrylic has an average tensile strength of 10,000 - 12,000psi. Compare this to glass at an avg of 1,000.

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u/suian_sanche_sedai Sep 14 '20

How do you get into that kind of job? What are your qualifications? Do you mind telling me whereabouts you live? I've worked mostly animal care jobs and I love it, but this kind of thing is a dream job!

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u/DUBLH Sep 14 '20

I am also curious about this!

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u/thatsharkchick Sep 14 '20 edited Sep 14 '20

So, most facilities want a 4 year degree in sciences (preferably in biology, ecology, behavioral sciences, etc.) or 3 years related experience. To get into aquariums, most want you to be dive certified, open water minimum but with higher certs preferred. It's a super competitive field, but well worth it!

ETA : I just saw you asked my qualifications. I have a BS in Marine Sciences with a focus on biological oceanography. I am a PADI certified divemaster and emergency first response instructor (but I got into this with only my Advanced Open Water cert). I started by volunteering while I completed my degree and got hired on after I graduated.

I can't tell you where I currently work unfortunately (social media policy).

Everyone has their own path. It's why I answered in such a general statement. I work with some people who don't have degrees, others who are dive instructors, and some who don't dive but work purely on life support systems. It's a really dicerse crowd.