keeping acrylic tank scratch and algae free!

S

speenach

New member
Hi, i am new to the acrylic tank scene. I just bought a 500 gallon and a) tried wiping the front glass with paper towels and windex b) used a magnet scraper for algae.

my problem is that after doing both of these things, i noticed scratches on the front of my tank. I couldnt believe that while this works for glass, it could so easliy scratch my acrylic! so my question is....what can i use to clean the outside of my acrylic tank???? i dont want the residue left from windex and towels, just a clean finish. This may have caused some scratches but i dont know.

Also, what is recommended for scraping off the algae on the inside of the tank? thanks in advance!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6479343#post6479343 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hungl3
windex? i am not sure if using chemicals around your aquarium is a good idea. i know i wouldnt.
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well, i was told that if you spray it in the cloth/paper towel and then wipe the tank it wouldnt be an issue. Actually i have been doing this for about 10 years with no problems.
 
You should use a cleaner/polisher like coralife or Brilliantize on acyrlic. I heard that something in cleaners like windex can cause problems.
 
Paper towels are a big no no soft cloth and special cleaning sprays can be bought. I use stuff made by corallife any way no matter what you do youll scratch the heck out of it ive tried to be so carefull but I have scratches all over mine. In time youll wish you went with glass I do now. But i guess 500 would be to big for glass i have a 155 so i still could of went glass and been allright.
 
To answer your original question: when cleaning the inside of the aquarium always use an abrasive pad that is okay for acrylic.

For magnetic scrapers unfortunately, this means storing them outside fo the aquarium as small calciferous worms and the like will colonize the velcro hooks.

For the outside of the aquarium I use a very clean old t-shirt and windex (not sprayed directly on the tank).

It should be said... a drop of windex in your aquarium would be very disasterous.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6479729#post6479729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ToddG.
Paper towels are a big no no soft cloth and special cleaning sprays can be bought. I use stuff made by corallife any way no matter what you do youll scratch the heck out of it ive tried to be so carefull but I have scratches all over mine. In time youll wish you went with glass I do now. But i guess 500 would be to big for glass i have a 155 so i still could of went glass and been allright.
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seems like no matter what i do it attracts scratches. darn. know of a decent scratch remover tool for acrylic anyone?
 
I think novus can be used on the outside but i have most of the big ones inside the tank that im not sure can be removed without draing tank if heard micro mesh 1500 grit paper will take fine scratches off haven't tried anything yet for fear of making things worse.
 
Sorry for comming in so late - I use a credit card for the inside of my acrylic tank. However, caution must be taken scraping around and close to the bottom. Magnets don't seem to work to well on coraline algae. Outside - never paper towels! I agree with bishop old t-shirts work well.
 
I feel if a acrylic tank scratches as easy as some people are claiming, the tank manufacturer used a cheap thus soft acrylic which are very easy to scratch.

Novus works or other acrylic cleaner/polishers which put a wax on the outside of the tank making cleaning a LOT easier.

Cleaning scratches on the outside - many state if it's a small scratch you can use toothpaste to clean it. Or just buy one of the acrylic scratch removing kits from a vendor.

I prefer acrylic, however the tank needs to be made out of the proper materials otherwise they are a PITA :)
 
Any acylic tank is going to get microscratches over time....that's inevitable. I spray the outside with RO/DI water and wipe with a clean microfiber towel (I have a few dedicated for aquarium duty). I clean the inside with an old credit card. A neat trick is to cut a credit card in half, then one edge down to fit in a Kent scraper handle. This is great for removing coralline, and it's much better at avoiding scratches than the Kent "acrylic-safe" plastic blade.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6483032#post6483032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffbrig
A neat trick is to cut a credit card in half, then one edge down to fit in a Kent scraper handle. This is great for removing coralline, and it's much better at avoiding scratches than the Kent "acrylic-safe" plastic blade.
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I'm going to have to try that. I've already put a bunch of scratches in my tank with the "acrylic-safe" Kent scraper.

:mad2:
 
This is from Tenecor's web site:

Cleaners
DO NOT use any product which contains AMMONIA, ALCOHOL, or ABRASIVES, such as Windex, Comet, Ajax, or other commercial cleaners when cleaning an acrylic aquarium. Use of such cleaners will cause the acrylic to permanently lose it's clarity. A soft cloth and water, or a polish made specifically for acrylic, should be used for cleaning.


DO NOT expose acrylic to paints, varnishes, turpentine, or their fumes. Exposure to these chemicals will cause crazing and loss of clarity.


For regular maintenance Tenecor recommends cleaners that are specifically designed for acrylic, such as NovusÃ"šÃ‚® and PlexusÃ"šÃ‚®. Many other cleaners contain chemicals which will penetrate the pores in acrylic and cause damage which shows as fine lines or haziness. PlexusÃ"šÃ‚® aids in the removal of fine scratches and abrasions and will actually help protect the acrylic from accidental exposure to harmful chemicals.


Cleaning Aquariums With Bleach
On occasions where a complete cleaning is required, such as a change from saltwater to freshwater or after prolonged storage, the use of chlorine bleach can be very effective. A half gallon of bleach mixed with 20 gallons of water or more is great for sterilization and is perfectly safe for acrylic.


Polishing Clothes & Sponges
Acrylic should always be cleaned with a good quality soft cloth. Special polishing clothes are available from Tenecor and are the best guarantee of a lasting finish. As a substitute, a soft cotton cloth or high grade paper towel can be used occasionally. DO NOT use commercial grade paper towels or newsprint.


DO NOT use coarse sponges or pads to clean acrylic aquariums. If you do use a sponge or pad, make sure it's designed for use with acrylic aquariums.


Removing Calcareous Algae and Diatoms
Some aquarium growths, such as calcareous algae and diatoms, are very hard and can be difficult to remove with standard cleaning pads. Simply use a plastic card such as a credit card, drivers license, or plastic putty knife to scrape growths from the acrylic. Using the edge will transfer more pressure to the growth, reducing the work, and because the card is still relatively soft it won't damage the acrylic.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6484250#post6484250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pete123
Plexus sounds like a keeper - I will use my credit card to purchase some, as soon as i get it out of my tank
Click to expand...

I use it to clean the outside of my tank. Keeps it nice and clean!
 
wow, thanks for all this good advice! where can i get Novus and Plexus...the guys at Lowe's arent familiar with it. Also, when using the credit card trick, what side it better to use, the cut end or the uncut? Thanks for all the replies!
 
Plexus and Microfiber for the outside. I use a credit card and some elbow grease. I do recommend changing the cards occasionaly since it will start scratching. For the inside I use a magfloat with two pieces of acrylic safe algae scrapping cloth. I then cut them to size of both sides of the magfloat and attach it to the velcro. If you aren't careful.... You'll start seeing the scratches early.
 
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