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Help with acrylic tank!

A

aftershock

Hey guys,

I've commandeered my dad's old acrylic tank and am planning an upgrade soon. There are some issues first.

1) There are some pretty large scratches both inside and outside of the tank. I've googled a little about how to buff these out using sand paper and such, but was wondering if any of you have any experience with doing this and if you have any tips.

2) Currently in my 40 breeder I use a magnetic algae scrapper to keep the glass clean but it supposed to scratch acrylic. To take out coralline, I just go in with a razor blade. Since this won't work, how do you guys with acrylic tanks scrape off the algae?

Thanks guys,

Nick
 
Fish Brain

Fish Brain

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I have never owned an acrylic tank so I can't help you with #1.

In regards to #2, they make two versions of mag floats, one for glass and one for acrylic. They also have acrylic scrapers (plastic blades instead of metal) for things harder to remove like coralline. The scraper I bought came with both a metal blade for glass and a plastic blade for acrylic. I actually use the plastic one more, I find it is a little more friendly to the silicone on the seams of the tank.
 
ricwilli

ricwilli

You can always use an old credit card to clean the acrylic. About the scratches, They sell kits to remove them. Make sure they are not to deep or else you will be sanding all day. Check out youtube. They might have some videos on it.
 
downbeach

downbeach

If you're just starting to set this up, you can lay the tank on its side and pour some vinegar in it, allowing it to soak long enough for the coraline to soften, and wipe if off with a sponge.
 
redfishbluefish

redfishbluefish

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
aftershock said:
1) There are some pretty large scratches both inside and outside of the tank. I've googled a little about how to buff these out using sand paper and such, but was wondering if any of you have any experience with doing this and if you have any tips.
Click to expand...

1. HOW TO FIX SCRATCHES IN AN ACRYLIC TANK - Using a circular saw with a carbide blade, cut that piece-o-crap acrylic tank up and use the pieces for baffles in your new glass sump/refugium. Next, go out and buy a glass tank. You will notice, using this method, that the scratches are now truly gone!

In the overall scheme of things, the cost of a tank is not that great. Consider checking out Craigslist….you can pick up glass tanks pretty cheap.


aftershock said:
2) Currently in my 40 breeder I use a magnetic algae scrapper to keep the glass clean but it supposed to scratch acrylic. To take out coralline, I just go in with a razor blade. Since this won't work, how do you guys with acrylic tanks scrape off the algae?
Click to expand...


2. You’ve already heard answers to this query….but with a glass tank, you wouldn't have to constantly worry about re-scratching the acrylic…..GO GLASS!
 
Nickjr000

Nickjr000

U might wanna call a few glass shops n c if theyll buff the scratches out for u. I did it for a small scratch and it was a pita. Like 10 different papers and polishes. Start in one direction with heavy grit, then keep alternating directions as u move to a smaller grit. Do not sand in a circle.

Pauls idea is a pretty good one unless its a huge tank with a fine scratch, then its worth saving. Petco has a buck a gallon sale right now up to 55 gallons
 
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