Basic Acrylic Questions

[racrumrine]

I just set up my first acrylic tank that I bought from another reefer.

Since I've never had an acrylic tank before, I'm a little freaked about scratching it.

For you acrylic experts, how or what do you use to clean the sides? I noticed that Mag float sells an acrylic version.

Also, there is some old coralline I'd like to remove. In hindslight I should have just used some vinegar when the tank was empty. Now that I have water in the tank; but no critters, what would you suggest?

Thanks in advance for your prompt replies.

Roy

 

[FishWatcher]

I use an acrylic-specific scrub pad from the LFS - I tried one of the Mag Floats but they never seemed to get everything off after a few weeks of use. My pad looks like a kitchen scrubber but it's white floss, cost like $2 works great.

 

[orientalexpress]

use credit card,gl


lapsan

 

[doliver]

I use the MagFloat for every day stuff, and I like the Kent Pro scraper for tougher jobs like coralline. (Go with the short 3" scraper -- it's impossible to get any leverage with the long handled ones -- it's good for reaching in and flipping over snails but I never use it for cleaning.)

 

[ZooZ]

hahaha :rollface:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10295708#post10295708 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doliver
it's good for reaching in and flipping over snails but I never use it for cleaning.)

 

[tuberider]

I use the kent pro scraper for coralline, and mighty magnets for all other algae. They have a pretty cool pad called the "super algae pad" that takes care of some amazingly stubborn algae.

 

[bookfish]

I use an acrylic magnet scrubber for the diatoms but for coralline there's nothing better than the white wall cover from a light switch or a receptacle cover. Sorry Mr. Kent!

 

[racrumrine]

Thanks for the replies.

So, if I use a credit card, Kent Scraper, or a white wall cover on the old coralline, I should be pretty safe in not scratching it?

I always thought acrylic was more delicate.

I also have a plastic putty knife we use on the glass tanks. Sounds like that would work as well.

Regards,

Roy

 

[doliver]

It's definitely more delicate, you're right to be cautious. Make sure to use the products marked for acrylic. Also you need to be careful not to get any sand on your scrub pad or whatever, as that can result in some nasty scratches.

 

[ChiiBear]

Exactly, I had a few scraches down close to the sand. I tried to be really careful but somehow sand still got stuck on the scrub pad accidentally.
I bought a "Scratch Removal Kit made by Rainbow Liftgard Aquatics" http://www.marinedepot.com/ps/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~RB1551~tab~4.html Havn't used it yet. I'm wondering if anyone has experience using it inside a reef tank.