Bad Case Of Acrylic Scratches

Large 300+ gallon acrylic tank with major interior/exterior magnet scratches. I've been reading up on buffer kits like the NOVUS series and Lifegard. I'm hoping to be able to leave the livestock in the tank as there is a large array of smaller species that would be difficult to remove, as well as lack of quarantine space. From the reviews on these products I am finding that they are not particularly safe but I am hoping to hear some past experiences on how the products worked for you!
Thanks so much!!

 

So glad I didn't get an acrylic tank. You'll have to remove the live stock Imo as you are sanding and that dust has to to somewhere..

 

If you are going to do it right you need to take everything out. I have an acrylic tank that I bought from craigslist. It was so bad you couldn't see through it. I spent over 60 hours sanding by hand. Start with 400 grit wet/dry paper and going all one direction. Then go to 800 grit going in the opposite direction. Do this with you different papers. I went 400, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000. All wet/dry paper from an auto body supply store. the scratches will come out even though it doesn't seem like they will. Its hard to take sandpaper to your tank knowing you are scratching it really bad. After you get finished with the sanding use the novus products as per the directions. It takes a long time but is well worth it. My 100g came out as good as new. Its now my display tank. The outside you can do with the livestock in, but use this time to also get things prepared for emptying your tank. Your end result will only be as good as the effort you put into the sanding. The Novus products work very well. If you have any questions you can pm me. I have pics of my tank before, during and after the process. Good luck. You've got some work ahead of you if you decide to do it.

 

That picture doesn't look like a 300 gal tank...

 

Thanks very much! I know the acrylic is in pretty rough shape so I'll have to try and organize a removal solution and step in there myself.

 

We've removed small scratches with critters in the tank, but you have ALOT.

 

This was mine when I got.

After some sanding

And now


So you can do it. I was lucky enough to be upgrading from a 55 to this 100. So I wasn't worried about what to do with the livestock.

 

Woof...that's power buffer bait...

Came out nicely, tho!

 

I really didn't think that was even possible, but look at your tank now!

Your DT now looks awesome!!

Yours is the first DT FTS I've seen with a Devils Hand Coral bigger than mine!

 

wow, that's impressive! thanks for sharing. your tank now is amazing!