Total noob needs your help.

Hi everyone, I'm attempting to start a new reef tank, and before I even really get started I'm having so much issues and I really need your help.

First off these are the items I have bought for it:

75gallon acrylic (built in filter)
AquaC Remora Pro mag3 skimmer
Coralife Aqualight pro 2x150w lighting
150lbs live rock

My main problem is with the tank itself. I thought I got it as a total bargain off CL but now realized why it was such a deal. There's a lot of hair scratches in the front of the tank (didn't realize until i got lights like 2 weeks after). I talked to the LFS guy, and he recommended novus scratch remover. I bought it but haven't tried yet. What are your opinions on this brand, and how well does it work?

The second problem with the tank is the built in filter. Theres are multiple chambers and at the last chamber is the pump to return to the tank. Where the pump is the connected to is a little hole and I noticed that the fitting had fallen off where the tubing from the pump gets connected to. I noticed that he had used lots of silicone to have that piece. Do any of you have experience with this kind of situation? Should I just try to re silicone it? Is there anything more practical or better to remedy this problem? I was thinking I could use a small bulk head or something but I have no access to the other side of this hole, so that's out of the question... This tank is just becoming a real big headache! Should I just get a new tank?

My overflow and sump are the only things going right! haha

Any help will be much appreciated. :

 

Hi bluebbo

scratches on acrylic - this old post by a 3 reef sponsor = Fusion should help

Fusion wrote -
how deep are the scratches?? 3M makes a scratch removal series of wet sanding papers (i forget the name?) that is pretty good but it goes on a orbital sander 5" disks hook & loop (velcro) is the best. or - micro-surface finishing products MICRO-SURFACE FINISHING PRODUCTS, INC. they have similar pads , hook & loop, but they have more of em in their series. i believe it goes from 1800 µ grit up to 12000µ. you wet sand the scratches out. if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail then its deep enough to start with like the 3600 and progressively move up to the 8000 and then the 12000.

its a pain in the ass and takes some time but can be done by hand or orbital sander. as well as underwater. i have used an orbital sander underwater (pnuematic NOT electric ;~) lol) but it definately takes some practice. for the outside for the final buff you want to use like a carbona wax or something to get out the micro scratches. definately does work either way...by hand youll get a work out...wax on...wax off!

as a daily or weekly ?? acrylic cleaner...Brillianize Company (800) 445-9344 is the best it contains no alcohol which is very bad for acrylic containing water. if youve ever seen crazing well thats what its from..either bad job with manufacturing or a major screw up when cleaning and polishing.

The most popular that is all over the place is the Novus stuff. People use it, i wouldnt, as it contains alcohol. and if you taking care of someone elses really expensive $5k, 10K - $100K acrylic box filled with aquatics, well its just not worth it.


Steve again
can you post pictures of the silicone/ pump situation - it might just be me, but Im not quite able to picture it


Steve

 

Wow steve! Yeah was gonna post something but just listen to him...