Tank scratches

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 17, 2016

Is there any type of light grit sandpaper I could use to buff out some light scratches in my tank?

blacktippr · Jul 17, 2016

If the tank is Acrylic it's possible to buff out. I don't believe there is a way to polish glass.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 17, 2016

blacktippr said:
If the tank is Acrylic it's possible to buff out. I don't believe there is a way to polish glass.

Not at all huh?

kschweer · Jul 17, 2016

There is but it can be expensive and if not done correctly can make things much worse.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 17, 2016

kschweer said:
There is but it can be expensive and if not done correctly can make things much worse.

What is it?

kschweer · Jul 17, 2016

There is cerium oxide that can be used but you would need to drain your tank and if the scratch can be felt with your fingernail you're not going to get it out. Other than that it's a professional job.

sheepdog76 · Jul 17, 2016

There are YouTube videos on polishing light scratches out of glass but I wouldn't do it on a full tank it is a long processes and uses compounds and sandpaper. Rule of thumb is if your finger nail gets in the scratch it won't come out.

Joshky · Jul 17, 2016

Give up on buffing scratches out and buy a new tank, cerium oxide can do more harm than good. Speaking from personal experience.

sheepdog76 · Jul 17, 2016

I tend to agree with joshky if the scratches bother you that much don't set it up and get a new one just not worth the trouble unless it's a huge tank

jd371 · Jul 17, 2016

I worked at a glass company. Like was mentioned if the scratch is deep (you can feel it with your fingernail), you'll wind up distorting the glass buffing it out. Light scratches can be buffed using a drill with a buffing ball and Cerium Oxide and you need to spray water as your buffing to lubrcate, it gets really messy. If you plan on trying to buff it out yourself, practice on a spare piece of glass first. It takes a light hand, if your too aggressive with the pad you can make it worse. Good luck.