Help!! Huge scratch on my tank!

[the_colonel]

Some meathead (alright, it was me ) put a huge scratch on my acrylic tank. there was a piece on sand in the mag-float. (I am usually very carefull). The good news is on the outside! I know there was a thread about Acrylic scratch kits awile back. Does anybody have anything handy. I am hoping someone had to get a kit, and used some of it, and has the rest just sitting around. The scratch is about 18" long.

If no one has anything, can you recomend a kit?

Thanks.

[mnreefgeek]

I think Greg recommends using Micro Mesh sand paper. He will have to chime in with the specific grades.

[the_colonel]

I am looking at this:

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...ard.asp?CartId=

Unless someone has something for me, or someone tells me this kit is crap!

[geshields]

Here is the kit you need....

https://www.micro-surface.com/defaul...C781&storeid=1

Greg

[the_colonel]

Greg, Is this kit better then the one from MD I linked above?

[geshields]

Originally Posted by the_colonel

Greg, Is this kit better then the one from MD I linked above?

No idea. Never used the one from MD. Also, if you go to Rockler, they have started to carry the micromesh also. And it is local. More expensive but easier....get a 1200, 3600, 6000, 8000, and 12000 grit..

Greg

[the_colonel]

Thanks Greg, I emailed the Rockler store in Burnsville to see if they carry that kit.

Anyone interested in splitting this? The kit is good for 30 sq. feet, I only need about 2 sq. feet.

[BenOlson]

I'm interested in sharing the cost. I have a few minor scratches on my 30 that would be nice to clean up.

[the_colonel]

Ben,

I'll get the kit, use it on my scratch, then figure out how to split it up. Might need to find some small containers for the liquids. I would like to keep some of the kit for emergencys.

Should be able to do it, prolly not 50/50. I'll just give you some for your scratches for $10, or a frag, or something.

[BenOlson]

Perfect. Let me know.

[Havre]

If you dont want to mail order. Hub hobby has a LMG or Milennium polishing kit. Its used for plastic models and is the same thing! Sandpaper in grits 1800, 2400, 3600, 4000, 6000, 8000 ,12000 and polish bottle.

[jg24]

JP, I have the MD kit coming this week. Thought I'd try it.

[Kevin1000]

In general ..

Depending on the depth of the scratch acrlyic scratches are removed by moving from very fine grained wet/dry sandpaper to super fine wet/dry sandpaper ... then migrating to a liquid/paste product like novas sells moving progressively from thick to polishing compounds.

If the scratch is not deep then a Novas type paste product should work fine.

Should be able to fine super fine wet/dry sandpaper at an "upscale" hardware store or perhaps one of the LFS with an "appropriate" markup. Heres a link to Tap Plastics (a West Coast plastic supplier) and if you review their website they have the fine grit sandpaper your looking.

http://www.tapplastics.com/

Hope this helps.

[lfish]

My tank was very scratched through a mishap with a friend and we put it in storage for several years. When we took it out, we got one of these kits and it looks perfect. They work great, you should be happy with the results.

[Floppy]

Ouch! 18", man hope it comes out.

Good luck bud.