Removing scratches from a running acrylic tank

[Zydan777]

I was wondering if there is a way to remove acrylic scratches from a running tank. I bought a used tank and did not realize it was scratched till the tank was running for over 6 months. I have a pair of clowns, a bullet goby, an uchrin, and some coral in my tank if that makes a difference.

 

[Biglew11]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/basic-acrylic-scratch-removal-kit-lifegard.html
any kit such as this will work, on a running tank just go upto the12000 grit and stop there, skipping the final polishing. outside of tank can be polished.

When I did this it was on a running freshwater system. Not sure on reef tank sensitivities to acrylic powder in the water column.

Kit Contains:
Handheld Buffer
2 oz. Bottle Rainbow Micro-Gloss Polish
3" Dual Sponge Pad
3" Lamb Wool Buffing Pad
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 1500 grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 2400grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 6000 grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 12000 grit
Flannel Cloth
Instructions

 

[Apotack]

A few years ago there was a video, possibly on reef central, on polishing the inside of a filled tank

 

[FortyFour44]

I have a magnet kit that includes all of the needed sandpaper. I believe it is called mighty magnet. I don’t have an acrylic tank any longer and can sell you the set, which includes the magnet, scrubber, and all sandpaper. Basically, you use the sandpaper in the magnet so that you do not have to keep your arm in the tank. As far as results, it worked well. I removed significant scratches from an acrylic tank twice and this kit by far made it easier and better.

PM me if you want more info.

 

[andrewey]

If possible, I would transfer all livestock into containers and buff out. It's possible to buff it out while the tank is running, but I would argue removal of livestock is probably going to be faster in the long run! Buffing can take quite a bit of time to do, and I actually think you'll finish the job quicker with the tank drained given the ability to flip the tank on it's side and achieve a consistent polish maintaining the same horizontal plane (as opposed to moving up and down in the vertical plane where you may apply uneven pressure at the edge of your reach), plus the increased ergonomics won't be so tiring on your back and shoulders.

If you weren't able to dismantle the tank becasue the size of the tank or inhabitants, then I would obviously polish in tank, but given the description of your livestock, it may be the lesser evil to remove the livestock.

 

[Biglew11]

Here's a YouTube link of a guy doing this in a running tank

 

[Snoopy 67]

44's suggestion sounds like a winner

 

[California]

If possible, I would transfer all livestock into containers and buff out. It's possible to buff it out while the tank is running, but I would argue removal of livestock is probably going to be faster in the long run! Buffing can take quite a bit of time to do, and I actually think you'll finish the job quicker with the tank drained given the ability to flip the tank on it's side and achieve a consistent polish maintaining the same horizontal plane (as opposed to moving up and down in the vertical plane where you may apply uneven pressure at the edge of your reach), plus the increased ergonomics won't be so tiring on your back and shoulders.

If you weren't able to dismantle the tank becasue the size of the tank or inhabitants, then I would obviously polish in tank, but given the description of your livestock, it may be the lesser evil to remove the livestock.

Hello, Will buffing the acrylic make the surface seem new? I have a 100-gallon acrylic tank that I scratched and would like to sand the scratches out, if possible, with the livestock in the aquarium. Is acrylic dust toxic to the fish? I have freshwater fish.

 

[Biglew11]

Hello, Will buffing the acrylic make the surface seem new? I have a 100-gallon acrylic tank that I scratched and would like to sand the scratches out, if possible, with the livestock in the aquarium. Is acrylic dust toxic to the fish? I have freshwater fish.

If you buff the tank with water in it you can only go to the finest sand paper. The tank will look like new with the water in the tank.

If you buff it empty you can use the polishing compound and it will be as good as new even when empty.

I did my tank when it was full, also at the time it was fresh water. I saw no I'll effects from the acrylic dust on the fish.

 

[SanFernandoValleyAIOReef]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/basic-acrylic-scratch-removal-kit-lifegard.html
any kit such as this will work, on a running tank just go upto the12000 grit and stop there, skipping the final polishing. outside of tank can be polished.

When I did this it was on a running freshwater system. Not sure on reef tank sensitivities to acrylic powder in the water column.

Kit Contains:
Handheld Buffer
2 oz. Bottle Rainbow Micro-Gloss Polish
3" Dual Sponge Pad
3" Lamb Wool Buffing Pad
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 1500 grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 2400grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 6000 grit
3" Crystal Loop Pad - 12000 grit
Flannel Cloth
Instructions

Would this work?