getting scratches out of an acrylic tank

[hybridazn]

i was seeing if anybody has experience in doing this? if so, how did you do it and what products did you use? i'm a fairly experienced car detailer so running a buffer is no biggie.

thanks!!
George

 

[brettnleslie]

How bad are the scratches? I've used the basic acrylic scratch removal kits. They have a set of different grades of sand paper to gently remove the scratches. If on the outside of the tank, or if the tank is not filled, you then use a polish to finish it off for a clear finish.

It's not that hard, just takes a little time and a good eye.

Brett

 

[Yinzer]

I would love to know if there is a remedy for removing from inside without draining tank. Wishfull thinking I guess. Any suggestions?

 

[brettnleslie]

They say you can still use the paper/pads in the water but it's a pain and I worry about the residue. (not sure I spelled that right???) You can't use the polish.

I'm sure if you go to the website for ******* and TruVu they have information on it.

Brett

 

[brettnleslie]

I'm not sure why the message blocked that name but it's the other major manufacture for acrylic aquariums. There should be plenty of info on the web about removing scratches.

 

[acer]

ohhh ya- a solution would be great- my office tank is very scratched. I do not want to empty it to buff out the scratches.

 

[brettnleslie]

Here a just a few quick links.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...gn=googlesem&gclid=CI3-yKPK36ECFRZ5gwoduGEEJA

http://www.ehow.com/how_4868988_remove-scratches-acrylic-aquarium.html

http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/reference/aquarium-restoral.htm

 

[brettnleslie]

Make sure you read all of the reviews under the first link for the product on Marine Depot. Most of the people used the kit to remove scratches inside the tank with water and fish still in the tank. This is the same kit I use.

 

[hybridazn]

thanks for the links brett, it basically sounds like i can just treat the outside of the tank like a car paintjob. that is where most of my scratches are at. a few on the inside as well but should be easy to fix

 

[brettnleslie]

You will be glad you did it. Just take your time and don't get in a rush.

 

[cloakerpoked]

It probably blocked the name because that particular manufacturer is not a sponsor of Reef Central.

 

[Tswifty]

There was also a TOTM a while back that buffed out scratches while his livestock was in the tank using a magnet cleaner and some different pads for sanding/polishing the acrylic. I think he ran a diatom or some type of additional filter when he did so as well.

I can't remember the exact month, but it was a large tank built in the center of a sunroom filled with plants. Also the guy had a large carpet anemone with multiple skunk clownfish hosting in it if I remember correctly.