Revisiting scratch removal for acrylic tanks
- Thread starter Nickeleye
- Start date
Ok, so I finally got the tank yesterday and I also got my scratch removal kit. I did a test run on the left front 1/3 of the tank and I have to say I'm pleased. I didn't do as thorough of a job as I could have, but I definitely did see results. Today after work I spent another 1-1/2 hrs. or so and did the other 2/3's of the front side and once again there was a large improvement. Not all scratches are gone. In fact, there are still some fine scratches all across the front, but I think once water gets in the tank they'll be near invisible unless you're REALLY looking hard.
None the less, tomorrow I am going to try doing the entire front from the coarsest grit to the finest. I'm really going to take my time this time around as I think this should get rid of even more of the scratches.
I did have one question though. The directions say that for aquariums not to use the liquid polishing cream that came with the kit inside the aquarium. However, they fail to mention whether not to use it if the tank is full or empty. My guess is they meant when the tank is full as the polish would mix with your tank water. On the other hand, I'm a little paranoid about using it even though the tank is empty because I don't want to leave any lingering chemicals in the tank that shouldn't be there if I can help it. Anybody know if I'm safe using the polishing cream or if I should just do my best with the sandpaper provided?
Thanks!
None the less, tomorrow I am going to try doing the entire front from the coarsest grit to the finest. I'm really going to take my time this time around as I think this should get rid of even more of the scratches.
I did have one question though. The directions say that for aquariums not to use the liquid polishing cream that came with the kit inside the aquarium. However, they fail to mention whether not to use it if the tank is full or empty. My guess is they meant when the tank is full as the polish would mix with your tank water. On the other hand, I'm a little paranoid about using it even though the tank is empty because I don't want to leave any lingering chemicals in the tank that shouldn't be there if I can help it. Anybody know if I'm safe using the polishing cream or if I should just do my best with the sandpaper provided?
Thanks!
I used the polishing cream on my (empty) tank. I don't have my kit here so I can't look at the instructions...I don't remember it saying not to use the liquid so I'm a little confused. They must mean not to use in a tank with water in it, otherwise why would it be in the kit....right?
After I finished with the sandpapers and the liquid, I still had a haze in the tank - sounds like what you describe with the 'fine scratches' across the front of your tank. That's when I went and bought the TruVu kit for the final polishing. You are correct about the scratches being less noticeable when the tank is full of water, but I figured while I was at it, I'd go all the way and get the best final polishing I could achieve.
After I finished with the sandpapers and the liquid, I still had a haze in the tank - sounds like what you describe with the 'fine scratches' across the front of your tank. That's when I went and bought the TruVu kit for the final polishing. You are correct about the scratches being less noticeable when the tank is full of water, but I figured while I was at it, I'd go all the way and get the best final polishing I could achieve.
So I went through and completely did the front face of the tank (inside) from the coarsest to finest grit. All of the majory cloudy scratched areas are now gone, but the surface is entirely covered by VERY fine scratches. While looking at the tank you don't notice the scratches unless light is hitting the surface from behind. I think what's happened is that I've sanded out all the major scratches and now I can't even get out the fine scratches that have been made.
All that being said, It doesn't look bad (although not crystal clear like new) and my guess is that once the water is in the tank, you won't even see the scratches.
I tried the polish solution from the kit on a tiny 1" x 1" section at the top of the tank and it made absolutely no difference in the fine scratches.
I shouldn't notice anything once water is in right?
One other question, before I put in the R/O saltwater, is it safe enough to just give the tank a good clean with tap water and thoroughly dry?
All that being said, It doesn't look bad (although not crystal clear like new) and my guess is that once the water is in the tank, you won't even see the scratches.
I tried the polish solution from the kit on a tiny 1" x 1" section at the top of the tank and it made absolutely no difference in the fine scratches.
I shouldn't notice anything once water is in right?
One other question, before I put in the R/O saltwater, is it safe enough to just give the tank a good clean with tap water and thoroughly dry?
I'd definitely wash the tank out a few times with tap water.
There's no way to tell if you'll be satisfied with the sratch removal until you fill the tank with water and have the tank lights on. While you're washing/rinsing the tank, you may want to go ahead and fill it up all the way with tap water, turn on the lights, and see how it looks. The water will 'fill in' the scratches to some extent, but maybe not as much as you'd like.
The last thing you want to do is get it all set up, only to decide later that you're not happy with it, and have to tear the whole thing down again to do more polishing.
There's no way to tell if you'll be satisfied with the sratch removal until you fill the tank with water and have the tank lights on. While you're washing/rinsing the tank, you may want to go ahead and fill it up all the way with tap water, turn on the lights, and see how it looks. The water will 'fill in' the scratches to some extent, but maybe not as much as you'd like.
The last thing you want to do is get it all set up, only to decide later that you're not happy with it, and have to tear the whole thing down again to do more polishing.
Since I don't have my SW lights yet, I'm probably going to have to see if I can borrow my friend's freshwater lights that he used with this tank. That should still give me a good idea, right?
Depends on the lights. I would think that the brighter they are, the more the scratches would show up.
Well, I put some water in today and turned on the lights. Didn't see any problems what so ever and I had a couple other people take a look as well. Things look good. I'm going to order some lights soon and get moving with the rest of the tank. Finally... time to do something non-maintanence related 
