little stars

[tgriffin]

Hey Guys,

I am setting up a 65 gal corner reef tank. I bought a couple of uniquarium corner tanks from a friend of mine in Memphis. One of the tanks has a lot of the little stars. I was thinking about not including them in my tank because I am going to have to remove some scratches in the acrylic that they helped contribute to by people cleaning the glass with them between the cleaning pad and the glass. I saw a post that indicated not that many people are very fond of these. Only reason I was considering them was the cleaning factor. But as small as they are I doubt they can clean real well. I am new at this so any good info is much appreciated

Thanks

 

[Mako Shark II]

As innocent and adoring as they appear, you don't want them. I have an occassional one, but my critters keep those buggers in line. Also, a harlequin shrimp should clean them up, but it's a little soon for him.

If you blend out scratches in your acrylic, you'll want a progressive sanding method anyway, so no water, right? Pick off what can.

 

[OneReef]

asterina stars perhaps?

 

[tgriffin]

The tanks are going to be empty. Anyone have any suggestions on what kind of scratch remover kit works best. I am wanting them to get as close to the original luster as I can

Thanks

 

[Mako Shark II]

There's a similar product used mainly for Aircraft (side-panel) windows. Even certain LearJets for example have 1" thick (!) acrylic windshields. THAT product is called "Micro-Mesh".

Click on this link, and you'll get the gist of what's all involved. http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/aircraft_kits.htm

Those kits run like $60. on-line but your LFS should carry a smaller (and less industrial) similar product.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Micro-mesh also makes a hand kit for about $30.
http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/acrylic_plastic_hand_kits.htm

Overview & Procedure:
http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/

(Yes, I used to have an acrylic 55-gallon tank once....... ONCE! These days, my RR 120 is Glass, thank you very much.)

 

[tgriffin]

Great...I'll check with our mechanic. We have 4 learjets (2-35a's, a 55, and a 60) He might have something like that

 

[tgriffin]

Hey Mako Shark

Check your PM's

Thanks

 

[Mako Shark II]

Tyson, I replied to your PM's about the tank scratch removals. I've also got a 1/6 detail sander by Ryobi. It's a good little buzz-bomb that takes any std. sandpaper sheets adn will work with the inner radius of a corner tank, IF held Vertically.

After you go through that process, you can buff the acrylic with a 0000 solution adn a soft cloth.

For windshields, Micromesh provide a visual distortion gauge, so when you're done, they'll be perfect.

Marty

 

[tgriffin]

mako shark,

Thanks for the info. When you mention the 0000, what exactly is that. I'm not familiar with what that is.

I was thinking about using some sort of power tool, but was scared that might screw something up. I have a dremel tool, u reckon that would be quicker and get the same results.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Basically, once you go through the finest grade of "sandpaper", the next step is a cloth and a polishing solution, which has a polishing "abrasive" so fine, it's finer than the paper itself, which would then scratch the substrate once the abrasive is consumed, so you have to change the working methodology to a cloth.

Honestly though, if you get to that level... you're done!

 

[tgriffin]

Cool...Lucky for me I only have to do one panel of glass!!!

 

[tgriffin]

Marty,

I ordered the micro mesh kit. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I'm picking the aquariums up Saturday. Thanks for the suggestion!!

When would be a good time to introduce the Harlequin Shrimp?? I don't think there is really anyway I can get around having the little stars in my tank.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Ah... New tank, right? It's gotta cycle and I wouldn't be adding anything until your numbers stabilize.

As to the Harlequin, I haven't kept those Bulls in my rodeo, so I'll defer that one.

Cateyes, are you on?

 

[tgriffin]

I'm gonna be able to put the water that is in it now along with the live rock and sand. I was planning on letting it run without fish for two to three weeks. Will that be sufficient???

I don't think I'll be able to get 100% of these out right away since I am wanting to use the rock and sand that is currently in it.


any replies and suggestions are greatly appreciated from anyone.

Thanks

Tyson

 

[Mako Shark II]

Wait. I'm confused. (No surprise there!)

I thought you had to buff out the scratches (presumably on the IN-side)

Are the scratches on the Outside?? If so, and if you’re migrating an existing tank, no worries.

But I thought you were buffing the Inside of the acrylic from scratches from LR or scraping, which is where they normally come from. In which case, you’d have an empty tank for a while.

 

[tgriffin]

You are right....I probably postedit wrong. I have to refinish the inside of the aquarium. I was planning on storing the water, sand, and rock from the aquarium in my house while I finish the aquarium. I was told that as long as I keep a pump in the water with the rock that it would be fine.

The guy I am buying them from suggested me doing this since it is already set up

 

[Mako Shark II]

Okay, Roger That Ghost Rider. Now we're getting somewhere. (Pilots! I work with them all the time...)


Yes, circulate, illuminate AND heat the water, if it's going to be down for a period of time. (MemFish stored 100g of LR, fish & critters for me, while we assembled my 120, so no worries mate.)

If down for an extended period, do water change, just like normal and you'll be fine.