New 8FT. Tank

[OnceLoyal]

I picked upan acrylic tank today for $200.00 8Ft.X2FTX2FT. I am pretty sure that = 240 Gallon. No deep scratches at all... Little hazy in some spots and some very light scratches (more like scuffs). I only filled it up 1/2 before I said thats good.... I probably shouldve filled it all the way but no pump to get the water back out so it wouldve taken an hour lol.. I never really buffed out a whole tank before. I assume I do it the same way as doing a small scuff?? Any ideas to get this baby going? It has 2 corner overflows plumbed 1/2 way and a center whole which looks to be a return? It is in the center about 8 inches or so off the back. The back is black also. Seemed like too good of a deal to pass up!!!
I might use this one to try and breed a couple of Mantis shrimp (which I don't think has been done yet in home). Or it might be the new home for my Black P. Really I am undecided at this point.
Can I use a buffer?

 

[Dr_Shakalu]

I've seen acrylic buffers at my LFS that can be used underwater, but I think buffing an acrylic tank you would need some type of liquid or paste. I've polished out the steel of my motorcycle by using water and a fine grit sandpaper and then wet-sanding it. Let me tell you, it takes a lot of patience and elbow grease but, done right, the tank will look like new, The Doctor.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Thx Dr. Yeah I picked up a 2 stage kit. For deep and light scratches. I was just wondering if I can use an electric buffer or if that could get too messy. Someone on here has to have first hand exp. I would assume.

 

[scubasteve06]

Nice pick up I would have done the same! I'd guess it would be like trying to buff a car and with all that space to work in with a 240 I dont think it could get too messy nothing you couldn't clean up. I'd just be careful with what kind of buffing compound you go about using. Maybe a marine hull buffing compound would be safe??? I'd try one of those big marine stores or a local marina. Good luck!

 

[BushFishRox]

since it is your first time I would recommend doing it by hand because you can make it a lot worse with an electric if you havent done it before... or go buy/find a small piece of acrylic and practice with the electric buffer.

 

[jcardona1]

i used an electric buffer to buff mine out just this past weekend. i used the Novus 1, 2, 3, stuff and it worked good. it didnt get out the deep scratches, but everything else came out real nice. for the deeper scratches, id probably have to sand first and i didnt want to do that

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

Awesome pick up for 200 bucks!

Be careful if you decide to use an electric buffer on the scratches. If you get the RPM's up too high, you can burn the crap out of the acrylic.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Hmmm, point taken. I guess I will try it by hand and see how far I can get before I decide on anything electric. I will try to post some pics of before and afte or something. Thx for the help.