i started looking today... :(

[lastlight]

I think when you get to a certain size of tank acrylic begins to be the more affordable option. I also think it's the safest if done by the right person and still I won't go down that road due to scratching. I don't even REALLY care if I scratch a glass tank here and there it does happen. With acrylic unless you are far more careful than I want to be several times a week it is many many scratches which look far worse than a few in glass.

Even though the steps in building a tank may seem simple and I consider myself handy I'd never build a large tank myself. Depending on size I also think it's totally worth having it built on-site and in place. I'm sure it's all in my head but I think moving even a new tank must stress the seams a little bit? I think an 8x4 tank fits into this category but it'll certainly cost you more to have them come build at your place.

[Kevotron]

I personally would let my LFS take care of the tank construction
much rather spend an extra few hundred bucks to have the assurance that there are no problems
damage would run more than a few hundred bucks if is self built and it starts to leak.