Is Restoring A Tank Possible?

[Caspar]

I have an older tank that is made of 1/2 inch glass is all scratched up on all 5 panes of glass and is missing a piece a small corner piece of the bottom frame. It is a huge tank that I am estimating at about 65 gallons or more.

Is there anything that could be done to revive this tank, i.e. remove the scratches, replace the framing, etc., or should I send it the the junk heap.

Thanks in advance

 

[CoreyMac]

YOu may be able to buff out the scratches. As for the frame, I don't know for sure but I would assume you could find a replacement frame somewhere.

 

[Caspar]

Thanks for replying,

Would you happen to know the best method to go about buffing the glass?

Thanks again.

 

[tai95]

To get the gallons of the tank you multiply LxHxW and divide by 231. As for the scratches are they inside the tank or on the outside? If they are inside when the tank is filled with water they should almost dissapear depending on how deep they are. If they are on the outside there are glass polishing compounds you can find, but if they are on the inside your options would be limited. You wouldn't want to risk getting any chemicals into the tank that could harm the fish. You may be able to order a replacement frame for the bottom of the tank if you find out it's actual size.

 

[CAF]

As long as the scratches are fairly minor you can use a paste of Baking Soda to buff the scratches out. If they are too deep however this will not work. As for missing peices of glass, you can either do a full pane replacement or if possible "plate" it by placing a piece of glass on either side of the crack/missing glass area and seal it with silicone. I repair / patch tanks that other throw away all the time. Just make sure to fill it up and leave it empty for about a week first to make sure it will not leak.

 

[coupedefleur]

My local glass-cutting guy said that "Bon Ami" scrubbing powder works to remove slight scratches from glass. Haven't tried it yet. Find it in the grocery store.