Help with scratches!

scooter24 · Jul 27, 2015

I recently picked up a used tank witch had some scratches in the glass. Just looking for some advice and the best way to try and remove the scratches. Thanks!

twilliard · Jul 27, 2015

Fill it up and they should appear less as a scratch.

scooter24 · Jul 27, 2015

Yea I'm going to do that but I have a feeling one is going to be pretty visible

twilliard · Jul 27, 2015

Well I wish I knew a way to buff scratches out but if its that deep there may be no way to resolve it.
maybe fill with fresh water and see how your lighting makes it appear

Pull out the hose!

hig789 · Jul 28, 2015

There's a video on YouTube of a guy using a power buffer to buff scratches out of glass. Looked like it took a really long time by the video. My acrylic nano had scratches all over it when I got it. I sanded and buffed and could never get it crystal clear. But I filled it with water and you can't even see them now.

jasonandsarah · Jul 28, 2015

There is ways to do it but it's a PITA! It's used in the auto industry mostly and I tried it before and it sucked! If you can feel your fingernail catch on it then most likely it won't come all the way out.
This is the kit I used http://www.eastwood.com/glass-polishing-kit-for-deep-scratches-5658.html
Still have some of the kit.

scooter24 · Jul 28, 2015

Yea I've saw a few kits I might pick one up and try. I aslo though about calling my local glass company to see if they could do somthing. I also though about just replacing the whole pane of glass. Not sure how hard it would be to remove the trim and do that.

jasonandsarah · Jul 28, 2015

scooter24 said:
Yea I've saw a few kits I might pick one up and try. I aslo though about calling my local glass company to see if they could do somthing. I also though about just replacing the whole pane of glass. Not sure how hard it would be to remove the trim and do that.

Is this a bow front? Is there anything wrong with the other side of the tank if not?

scooter24 · Jul 28, 2015

No its a 56 gallon oceanic tank with overflow.

scooter24 · Jul 28, 2015

Sorry the tank in my profile pic is the bow I have now. The tank with the scratches is the 56 gallon I just picked up.

jasonandsarah · Jul 28, 2015

scooter24 said:
No its a 56 gallon oceanic tank with overflow.

Ahhh I see, tell you the truth by the time you bought a scratch removal kit and did all the work involved you'll probably be thinking "dam I wish I bought a new tank!"
If it's just the one or 2 scratches calling a glass shop that actually does scratchs may be your best bet. I found places that restore classic cars are most known for this service though.

143MPCo · Jul 28, 2015

Cerium Oxide powder and a felt buffing pad, you will also need a high-speed buffing tool of some sort and water.
Stay away from powder that states ultrapure as they are all the same purity and it's nothing more than a marketing ploy.

You can find it on amazon as a kit, it makes one heck of a mess so should be performed outside less you want it all over the walls, floor, furniture etc. you want to mix it with water to a very soupy consistency, soak the felt pad in water for a minimum of 5min, please keep in mind that as it buffs it will warm and heat the glass this might crack the glass if you're not careful. To try and avoid this a spray bottle to mist the area you're working on will help with the heating issues.

This will take a VERY long time to complete and remove the scratches or diminish them down to the point that they are less visible. I only attempt this if the scratches don't catch my fingernail as anything deeper is going to take way too long and can ultimately compromise the integrity of the (that takes a very long time but, hopefully you get my point) glass.

All that aside, and FWIW I would opt to live with the scratches or replace the tank if it bothered me that much.