Acrylic scratches

[IceH2O]

I bought a used acrylic tank and just noticed its pretty scratched up, in a circular motion, on the front.

At the moment I can't tell if its inside or out, but I'm betting outside.

Is there a product I could apply to fill in the scratches?

[Hannys_Papa]

If its on the outside i'd use something like this:

http://www.spadepot.com/products/005novus.htm

I dont know if its safe to use that product in a tank. But they have special "aquarium safe" kits - they are about twice as much.

[jadefoodog]

i bet its on the inside.

its probably from someone trying to scrub off algea

i had to scrap a 10g glass because of it (i say scrap but i still have it just empty and i diont use it

[IceH2O]

i bet its on the inside.





The reason I think its outside is because I can see half circle scratches near the corner. As if they stood beside it and rubbed in circular motion towards them.

[MrPpers]

Have you filled it with water yet? Chances are you will not even see those scratches when its filled. check out this link they make acrylic tanks and hsve specific products just for clear acrylic.http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/

[Prez]

How big is the tank? MrPpers is correct, when you fill it with water you may not even notice them.

[IceH2O]

Its a 55 gallon tank. I haven't filled it yet, probably do it this weekend after I build the stand for it.

Guess we'll see and thanks for the links guys.

edit:

I just looked at the links together and noticed that spa depot and the tropical fish store sell the same exact product. Difference being the fish store wants $50 and the spa wants $12.

[Hannys_Papa]

Thats why i posted that link. Thats a very fair price for the set - only seen it cheaper at one of the places i bought acrylic computer cases from but they dont seem to have it anymore. :(

[MrPpers]

Holly crap! I didn't even pay attention to the prices WOW what difference. I would do a test fill with water before you try to do anything also set up the light and turn it on. You just might not be able to see the scratches at all.

good luck

[HYPERASHEL]

Doc Fosters has a kit for about $21.00 dollars safe for fish. IF you need to buff it out place the sanding paper on a sponge as not to dig the sand into the acrylic. also do not, DO NOT buff in a circle. buff at 90 degree angles with each finer grade of sander. once finished you can take a propance torch to it and make quick passes over the buffed area. do the flame passes about 3" inched from the acryllic and make the passes fast. the flame will melt the last of the acryllic dust back into the scratches. I have terrific results with this proccess. but like i said the flame passes must be done quickly or your put bubbles in the acryllic if not weaken it.