I've been asked to buff out a client's 300 gallon fish tank (It's got light scratches and the finish is a little oxidized), has anyone ever done it? If so, what was the process if you don't mind sharing, thanks in advance!
I'd be very careful with heat. I know they can be wetsanded, compounded, and polished. Just don't know how auto polishes react with acrylics. I would perform all work with a RO/DA Polisher.
I'm thinking bout doing DA with Menz PO85RD, the only concern is how to clean it up afterwards. Polish residue -> fish = lots of dead fish..... Client said people usually use vinegar to wipe off specific acrylic polish residue, but I'm not sure if that can be done with auto polish.....
I usually use 0000# steel wool on glass and the like, I wonder what it will do to the acrylic. Then all it would need is a good rinsing.
I wouldn't bee to sure about the polish residue left. Ones meant for paint are kind of iffy for acrylic use ... I heard of Novus Polishes for this purpose though with many good results. I would suggest he find a good forum for tanks any look into that. All i hear about acrylic tanks is they scratch to hell, and never last as long as glass. There is a type of glass called Starfire used for tanks that is exceptionally clear, maybe in the future he could look into that. The only downside is $$$ (Starfire is a low iron glass that is very clear!) I've been looking into topical/coral tanks for a bit now, so I have no real world experience but plenty of research. He may appreciate your input. Maybe ask him what he is looking to do. Uncover some answers by asking the right questions.
1. He is on quite a few fish forums (I guess that's what one would call a forum with people interested in fish?) 2. He sold his old set up because he wanted a salt water set up (His old tank had baby sting rays in it, it was so bad ass, but highly illegal I heard) 3. He did mention Novus Polishes to me, I just don't want to buy polishes basically for one time use. I'm busy enough as is, I can't handle another side job buffing out tanks. 4. He just wants the light scratches gone, that's all.
1. Okay than he knows about durability, check! 2. Oooohh sweet, i'm too much of a chicken for that. 3. Well he could always buy the polish, and use your expertise, no? 4. Hmmmm, gotcha well like I said i'm no expert, but what about converting the tank into a Refugerium (it's like a smaller tank below (usually) your main tank to house beneficial bacteria, amphipods, food for your main tank) ... Maybe getting ahead of myself, but this seems like more hassle than it's worth. I guess it all depends on how much he paid for it etc.. Maybe throw those at him, or just tell him to go for it himself. I'm sure you could give him some pointers, but ya I agree, buying products you'll never use again is kinda useless.
I might convince him to get the polishes, and I'll buff out the tank for him for a small fee. I have no idea what he is going to do with the tank, or if he has any additional set up to it. I do know that he is selling his weekend car (2006 Acura TSX) to fund this new tank project, lol
Haha yea expensive project indeed! I've been "researching" about tropical tanks for almost two years and learned that my wallet is too scared to jump in!
Yeah man, he told me how much his tanks (notice the plural?) was approximately worth with all the fish inside of it. 30K or something...... lol He sold them all, plus selling his weekend car to fund this new project, lol.
Damn you should post details here on this project That's insane! But not unheard of in that hobby lol.
