Dont use a lot of pressure since this can lead to more scratches. This system can be used while water is still in the tank. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Add water to your tank before judging your work! Ordering micromesh tonight. No matter how careful you are with your aquarium, scratches are inevitable. Question: I have a customer with 6 foot long by 3.5 foot deep acrylic salt water aquarium that has scratches inside and out. Earn 25 Reward Points, Earn 60 Reward Points LOL. However, the grit you will need to use typically depends on the severity of the scratch. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Your email address will not be published. Though they wear out, they last longer than regular sand paper. If I were to do it again I'm definitely going acrylic especially after this thread showing it can be done with out draining the tank. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The process for buffing out scratches is the same for almost all scratch removing or polishing compounds. Before you get your hands over specialized products, try removing scratches using any teeth whitening toothpaste available in your home. Two of the most commonly used materials for aquarium viewing panels are acrylic and glass. Once youve removed your fish and plants, youll get rid of the tank water. Are Protein Skimmers Necessary In An Aquarium? To fix scratches on an aquarium, first clean the outer surface with a soft, clean cloth and cleaner. Preferably, get a toothpaste with baking soda for enhanced results. Removing scratches off the aquarium glass might seem a daunting task at first. It's a sandpaper with tiny crystals in it that is made to be used with acrylic as well as many other things. Going over the area with water should get rid of most of these particles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The real problem is you need to be super carfull not to melt or begin to melt the acrylic. However, you can still apply the methods to see how much it affects them or if not at all. BUT the tanks is back to normal, and has 1000.00 worth of lighting ( 1200 Watts), so its good ta go @ SPS. To prevent visual distortion, avoid pushing the machine too hard on the glass surface and dont overdo it in one place. As the cushioned abrasive is moved across the surface, the crystals rotate slightly to cut with a positive rake. Turn on the drill, and start buffing out the surface with your hand lightly placed on the machine. Once youve smoothed out the scratch with sandpaper, you should take the time to thoroughly clean the interior of the fish tank. It's a long long process. Simply draining away the water level enough to access the scratches is not advisable. This damage can occur relatively easy when cleaning your tank or carrying out water changes. marine substrate is rough on plastic. and this tank has some deeeeppp scratches. If you have got the same situation where you cant stand those unpleasant-to-the-eye scratches, and want to get rid of them, here is how to do it effectively:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aquariumfocus_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_14',683,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumfocus_com-medrectangle-3-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aquariumfocus_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_15',683,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumfocus_com-medrectangle-3-0_1')};.medrectangle-3-multi-683{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. For more advice, like how to create your own glass-polishing compound at home, read on. This is even a problem for glass tank owners but unlike glass where scratches are permanent, scratches from acrylic can be removed and they can even be removed with a tank that's full and stocked. High temperatures will cause the acrylic to melt. This will help you choose the appropriate repairing technique and improve the chances of its success. Make sure you adjust the direction of your sanding motion as you switch between grades to ensure a much smoother finish. Wait for the surface to dry before moving on to the next step. Thanks I will be ordering within the week any recomendations on quantities and grits>? This grit will allow you to smooth out the scratched surface without causing any unwanted damage to unaffected acrylic.. For slightly more pronounced scratches, youll want a sandpaper with a grit rating of around 3000. looks like a Lotta elbow grease argh.X), U start with about 200 and work your way to 6 or700 then use a. two part polish but thats in an empty tank with scratches. On the other hand, glass aquariums are more affordable than their acrylic counterpart. There are quite a few popular brands like Epoxy you can buy it from. In this article, we shall look at how to remove scratches from an acrylic aquarium like this one below. It's full of scratches. SeaClear 20 gal Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set, 24 by Rolite - RPAC16z Plastic and Acrylic Cleaner Spray Coceca 54pcs Wet Dry Sandpaper Assortment, 1000 How to get rid of algae in fish tank naturally, How to Remove Scratches from Acrylic Aquarium, How to Maintain Water Temperature in Fish Tank. Tackling those scratches will create tiny debris particles that will fall into any remaining water, so its always best to work with a completely empty tank. You can do it with your hand if you are dealing with light scratches that are also relatively less in numbers. Usually, the scratches on the front panel are most annoying because thats always in plain sight. i don't know about anyone else but the idea of sanding plastic just doesn't jet with me. I have a 4x4 Dewalt palm sander. This gives a cushioned abrasive the action of a plane rather that the action of a chisel that is typical of the fixed abrasive grains of common coated abrasive products. This is a big job, and I need to know how much I need and what the longjevity of a sheet is for such purposes as a large aquarium would require. Jim just seems like the nicest guy, and over the last few years he has entertained me with tank stuff thru his videos. Its more convenient and safe to remove scratches from an empty aquarium than a water-filled one. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aquariumfocus_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',642,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumfocus_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};For moderate scratches, the ones you feel on your fingers can be pretty challenging to buff out. You can use a palm sander. All Rights Reserved. Once your tank has been drained and emptied, you can finally tackle those unsightly scratches. The keys to the success of the cushioned abrasives concept have been the careful grading of abrasive crystals and the thin layer of resilient material. Earn 120 Reward Points, Earn 40 Reward Points An inexpensive acrylic fish tank is a budget-friendly option for the novice aquarist. (I have a showcar and the buffer was so easy to use) If the scratches are not too deep the Novus will handle them just fine. Working on the same level, the crystals of cushioned abrasives produce fewer deep random scratches in the work piece, leaving a uniform, even surface pattern that requires fewer aggressive steps to produce the final finish. The tru vu scratch removal compounds might be a little hard to track down. Also, the bond that holds crystals to the backing is flexible. disclaimer: i didn't use that method but my 'method' basically melted the plastic a bit for that 'shiny' finish. try this link http://m2reviews.cnsi.net/scotts/basics/buff.htm. But on a high-end tank, it'd probably be worth it. If the scratches are barley noticeable, 5000 grit sandpaper is advisable. I think I read that several fish stores in the bay area has it though. Arguably one of the best abrasive materials out there, cerium oxide is a pale yellow-white-looking powder mainly used for polishing and removing fine scratches and scuff marks from glass and mirrors. If the scratches are pretty deep then I would just start with a rougher grit and slower work your way up. My apologies if it's already been asked. Although acrylic and glass are both different materials, the ways to remove scratches from them are quite similar. Its essential to empty the tank first before you begin to get rid of the unsightly scratches from your acrylic aquarium. Micro Mesh Cushioned Abrasives COPIED FROM WEBSITE. One of the less-known but efficient glass resin applications is scratch removal. Simply mix 2 cups of water in 1 cup of cerium oxide, and your polishing compound is ready. Overheating tends to break or melt the aquariums vision panels. Acrylic can be polished and we highly recommend Novus polish to saltwater aquarium scratch removal. Plastic & Acrylic Polish Kit - 2 oz - Novus, Plastic & Acrylic Polish Kit - 8 oz - Novus, Premium Polish Mates Polishing Cloth - 6 Pack - Novus, Plastic & Acrylic Polish #1 Clean and Shine - Novus, Plastic & Acrylic Polish #2 Fine Scratch Remover - Novus, Plastic & Acrylic Polish #3 Heavy Scratch Remover - Novus. Therefore loading of the abrasive with swarf is less a problem. When you use the next finer grit, go over the area perpendicular (cross ways) to the previous grit. They are harmless and if you have a skimmer or filter socks, they will be filtered out anyway. I really don't need another project right now but damn Not for the faint of heart you say? Apply enough acrylic cleaner to ensure the surface is completely wet, and use a soft cotton cloth to wipe it clean. This damage can easily occur while cleaning your tank or doing water changes. At Aquarium Focus we are passionate about fishkeeping, and we love sharing knowledge and research with you. Hi, I am Pawan! I have a Tenecor tank, almost bought the kit, but used Novus when the tank was still dry. It might take several applications before you get the results you want. In addition, its more effective to repair a minor scratch than a deeper scratch. You can also remove scratches and scuffs from an acrylic fish tank using products specifically made for this purpose. oh its on a customers 220, so its a BIG deep tank. Sanding will have caused tiny acrylic particles to accumulate inside the aquarium, but running clean water through the tank can help eliminate most of these particles. Since then the uses of cushioned abrasives have expanded in metal finishing with applications that include automotive crankshafts, surgical needles, mill rolls, musical instruments, and orthopedic devices. My tank is 30 inches deep, and very challenging to keep the coraline under control. Wear new rubber gloves as you work to protect your hands from the chemicals. Your email address will not be published. Acrylic aquariums are easier to move since they are lightweight, but acrylic is very easily scratched, making it more difficult to clean. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Its essential to determine the depth of the scratch on the acrylic tank before you begin the removal process. An abrasive with crystals that float rather than remain in a fixed position best describes a cushioned abrasive. With regards to the usage of these tools, there are a few things that you must keep in mind and comply with as you engage with the following techniques: NOTE: Ideal for both glass and acrylic aquariums. Never done it on a tank, but it is possible to buff acrylic with a VERY soft. like the softest cotton flannel type buffing wheel and a special buffing compound for acrylic. Add water to the surface and allow it to cool off before you start again. I don't know if that's the cheapest place to get it so you might wanna look around. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aquariumfocus_com-leader-1','ezslot_2',643,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumfocus_com-leader-1-0')};To make the scratch removing process more efficient, you will require an electric or battery-operated hand drill and a buffing wheel. A more cost-effective way will be to replace the individual panel. I just purchased mighty magnets and the scratch kit and went through the process to remove scratches on the interior or my aquarium. MUWAHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAH that struck me soooo funny. If you have an acrylic aquarium, use 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch, but make sure to keep the surface cool by wetting the sandpaper first, or the acrylic could melt. You may use an electric buffer to save time and your hands. Earn 20 Reward Points, Earn 50 Reward Points You can remove scratches from your aquarium glass using teeth whitening toothpaste or cerium oxide. % of people told us that this article helped them. However, it is not at all complicated if you can get the process right. Alternatively, if you have a glass tank, you should squeeze brass or metal polish onto a clean cloth and use that to buff out the scratch, instead. Next, fill the solution in a syringe and carefully pour it on the affected area. Do you know which one you have? I am really looking forward to your tech videos. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Once you are done with the process, spray rubbing alcohol or sanitizer to clean the surface and wash it off with clear water. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aquariumfocus_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',646,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumfocus_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Dont do the buffing part more than is required. Once you have smoothened out the scratches on your acrylic aquarium, take time to clean the interior of the fish tank thoroughly. Heres What I Think. sounds good to me. your welcome espi sorry it was no help though.you have helped. good luck! Using the next grit, go perpendicular to the previous motion. LOL. A scratched acrylic pane will usually cause no issues when it comes to tank integrity, but it can seriously limit your viewing experience. The mirco mesh is the same stuff as I suggested in my earlier reply. No issues with the particles. Avoid using old sponges or cleaning brushes. The chemicals used to clean the aquarium are toxic for many fish and marine creatures. Posted on Last updated: December 11, 2021, Are UV Filters Good for Aquariums? If you have already treated the scratches on your aquarium using the methods or polishing materials mentioned above, but you cant see any significant change, it probably means those scratches are deep enough to repair. ALSO will your mesh film work with a palm sander? The silica in toothpaste can be abrasive enough to smoothen out minor acrylic scratches. Dave ESPI, October 18, 2002 in General Discussion. The flexible layer allows the abrasive crystals to recede slightly when subjected to contact pressure. It is actually possible to remove scratches from glass, but as far as I know it cannot be done on a full tank. The results were spectacular and well worth the effort. Remove scratches from acrylic easily and in little time. However, it is not difficult to remove scratches from aquariums made of acrylic. Often once the tank is filled, the scratch is barely visible, if at all. I've got glass. $5.99 economy shipping on orders under $49. the parm sander works in linear motion, so its all good. For much more noticeable scratches, sandpaper with a grit rating of between 100 and 300 will be called for. https://www.evacpet.com/ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Copyright 2022 Amazing pets | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Would you go with glass if you could do it all over again? Earn 30 Reward Points. If you apply pressure with sandpaper and a circular motion, you will be left with whirled blemish marks. The first thing you need to determine is the severity of the scratches. However, they are feasible to remove. So thanks to you guys! Providing that you don't over sand with the 1500 grit, you shouldn't have any optical distortion. The flexibility of the backing and the floating characteristics of the abrasives crystals help to keep the material free of abraded particles. If you have an account, sign in with your email address. All you have to do is, take a small amount of toothpaste and rub it on scratches using cotton swabs. You can also use a heavily diluted detergent to be particularly thorough. I FUBARED a front glass of a tank with a credit card that had some sand stuck in it some how. good luck! 2 of the grits are so fine that you can hardly feel them. Do not wildly stir up the aquarium when filled with substrate, sand, or gravel. The result is a product with a life that is 7 to 15 times as long as coated abrasives containing fixed crystals. Abraded particles that remain on the finished surface can be removed easily by flushing with water, by slapping the materials against a hard surface or by rubbing with gum rubber. ? Cushioned abrasive crystals are graded to extremely uniform sizes thorough screening and/or a water floatation process. I need a quick way to remove scratches from a large surface. For slightly more noticeable scratches, on the other hand, you may need to use sandpaper of around 3000 grit. A scratch is an eye sore, a constant reminder that you havent taken care of your aquatic home. Once you have emptied your acrylic aquarium and cleaned up the surface around the scratches, you can now tackle the unsightly marks. When sanding away scratches in acrylic, you can move between grades as you go. I have never used it before but it probably works good, check. Allow the surface to dry before continuing to the next step. You are going to get them here and there on the tank, mostly at the time of cleaning. Your email address will not be published. One of the tricks to using Micro Mesh is to not use a circular pattern. I just recently figured out that you are the guy occassionally on LA FISH GUY. The tru vu compound is a 2 part compound that takes away the smaller finer scratches with a little buffing since the sandpaper wont be able to removal all those fine scratches.