Used Acrylic Tank

[BizTodd]

I am not sure of the right forum for this post, but I think this is it. As you can see by my post a little below this, I decided to build a stand for a 6'*2' aquarium while looking for a used aquarium. I saw an ad today for an acrylic 180 gallon tank (Over 2 years old) for $200.

The only issue I have is that it was painted on the back and right side, while I want the right side to be a viewing panel (and the main one while I am working). Now for my question...

I don't think I want to try and buff the tank, it doesn't have any deep scratches, just the paint. Has anyone used Goo Gone to remove paint from an acrylic tank?

I have never owned an acrylic tank before, other than deep scratches or crazing, is there something to lookout for?

Thanks,

Todd

 

[fishguy1978]

Try it in on one of the bottom corners as a test. Plastic scraper? Wet sand with 800 grit and then polish?

 

[Backfromthedead]

I wouldnt use strippers or goo gone. I would think they would eat into the acrylic, and probably not help much.

Like fishguy1978 said, i would just strip the paint off with a sander with low grit, then sand and polish with progressively higher grits and polisher until clear. Once you get that side done and looking good you might even want to do the rest of the tank.

There are a lot of threads here on mfk concerning acrylic polishing. You can refer to some of those for more details and examples.

Good luck that looks like a nice pickup.

 

[BizTodd]

Thanks

 

[fishguy1978]

From the Goo Gone website: "Check with plexiglass manufacturer, test on inconspicuous area first"

 

[BIG-G]

I think using chemicals is a bad idea on acrylic.
I think sand and polish would be the best.
Lepisosteus

 

[Lepisosteus]

I would sand it off. I can’t comment on the use of goo gone. Never tried it. Quick reading indicated mixed results.

 

[BizTodd]

I pulled the trigger and bought the tank. I have a new question. Has anyone seen an overflow like this. It looks upside down.

The bottom has many slots on 2 sides, while the top has 1 slot on 2 sides.

 

[fishguy1978]

Somebody goofed up the install.

 

[Oughtsix]

It pulls water and debris up from the bottom and overflows down the stand pipe. The top slots provide some surface skimming while the majority of the water is pulled from the bottom of the tank.