Sanding an Acrylic Tank

[GruntSmash]

Hello Everyone!

I am new to the saltwater hobby but so far I am loving it. My brother gave me a 60 gallon glass tank with all the extras for a freshwater tank. After some research, talking with others, I replaced what I needed to and created a great saltwater setup. I found a store a few cities away and the owner there gave me a 300 gallon rectangle tank with two sump containers. The sump is probably 1/4 inch plexiglass and the tank is 1.5 inch thick acrylic. It was extremely dirty, lots of build up and needed some love. I was able to get it clean but I cannot get the tank clear. I was able to get the big scratches out with 600 grit paper, then went to 800, 1000,1500 and finally 3000. It is getting clearer, but still pretty bad. I have attached some pictures and I would appreciate any and all input.

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

That's a mission brother lol. Especially when you get to polishing near the edges/seams on the inside.
Also depends on the quality you are going for.

Make sure to inspect all the seams especially if the tank was stored outdoors.

Theres lots of good videos on yt.

 

[GruntSmash]

That's a mission brother lol. Especially when you get to polishing near the edges/seams on the inside.
Also depends on the quality you are going for.

Make sure to inspect all the seams especially if the tank was stored outdoors.

Theres lots of good videos on yt.

It has been a rough journey so far.
The tank holds water, no leaks.
Great set up for plumbing and access.
I looked a lot on YouTube and that’s where I got my ideas/tricks. It just doesn’t seem like I’m getting any more clarity and that’s where I’m struggling.
I would like it to be as clear as possible

 

[GruntSmash]

Well I finally got some super expensive sandpaper and finally got a good result. 3M auto sandpaper and water and it cleared up after a short time. No polishing needed.

 

[Troylee]

Well I finally got some super expensive sandpaper and finally got a good result. 3M auto sandpaper and water and it cleared up after a short time. No polishing needed.

Micro mesh would be your best friend! It seems like you got it but a polishing wouldn’t hurt honestly.. sorry I missed this post somebody normally tags me as I’m the acrylic guru around here lol.. I do it for a living so if you got any more questions just lmk!

 

[cvrle1]

I have 110 gallon acrylic where I had to do same thing. In short I went 400, 600 (skipped 800 as it was finer than 600 I used) 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000. Then I used Novus 3, 2 and finally 1.

You can see how that worked out in my build thread (in the signature

 

[GruntSmash]

Check it out!!!!!
Sanded and buffed.
Super clear and the stand is built. Obviously it’s not complete but it’s close.

 

[luxe]

@Troylee & @cvrle1 i have a mouse sander. Can I use Amazon sandpaper and wet down the acrylic or is there a specific one I can find easily?

It’s a 120 g advanced acrylics tank and John apparently disappeared after I wrote to him and called. Sorry to hijack the thread but figured since there’s people on here that have knowledge I’d ask.

I would also like to make the openings at the top larger if that could be possible. Would a router work or is that a bad idea?

 

[Troylee]

@Troylee & @cvrle1 i have a mouse sander. Can I use Amazon sandpaper and wet down the acrylic or is there a specific one I can find easily?

It’s a 120 g advanced acrylics tank and John apparently disappeared after I wrote to him and called. Sorry to hijack the thread but figured since there’s people on here that have knowledge I’d ask.

I would also like to make the openings at the top larger if that could be possible. Would a router work or is that a bad idea?

Any sander is fine.. I’d start with 1000grit and move up to 3,000 or so and then polish it out.

As for the top euro I’d have to see it.. but a router is the best way to cut it bigger yes.. you just gotta make sure you don’t take the structural integrity away.. material thickness and pictures would help.

 

[luxe]

Any sander is fine.. I’d start with 1000grit and move up to 3,000 or so and then polish it out.

As for the top euro I’d have to see it.. but a router is the best way to cut it bigger yes.. you just gotta make sure you don’t take the structural integrity away.. material thickness and pictures would help.

Great thanks. I plan to polish with the nuevos system with a 5 inch Rupes Bigfoot LHR 15 Mark III I use to detail my car. Any suggestions on which pad I should use

 

[cvrle1]

Great thanks. I plan to polish with the nuevos system with a 5 inch Rupes Bigfoot LHR 15 Mark III I use to detail my car. Any suggestions on which pad I should use

These are pads that I used with Novus 1, 2 and 3

Amazon product ASIN B0040MI9H0 - Used with 3
Amazon product ASIN B0041MVQ4M - Used with 2
Amazon product ASIN B0042TTIYO - Used with 1

 

[luxe]

These are pads that I used with Novus 1, 2 and 3

Amazon product ASIN B0040MI9H0 - Used with 3
Amazon product ASIN B0041MVQ4M - Used with 2
Amazon product ASIN B0042TTIYO - Used with 1

Nice thanks