Detailed something a bit different, really...

[LightngSVT]

(this may belong in another forum, but does involve automotive detailing products) Yes this was different. It wasnt a car, truck, RV, bus or boat it was an acrylic fish tank! I know you are thinking Im nuts right about now. I bought this tank to setup as a tropical reef tank for less than 1/4 its $1600+ price tag and you can see why in the pics. It is 60" x 18" x 20" inside. All told I invested about 16.5 hours into the clean up and restoration of the finish of this tank. I thought it would be interestiong to post something truely different up here.



Steps:

multiple rinses with "jet" nozzle on hose, empty with shop vac

cleaned with terry cloth towel and vinegar / water mixture. Rinsed and drained

scrubbed with acrlic scrubber and vinegar / water mix. Rinse, drain

remaining stains (algae, calcium, etc) removed with acrylic scraper



polishing steps:

1. Sand deep scratches with 1500 grit wed / dry paper

2. sand in opposite direction with 1800 grit (each step I sanded in the opposite direction of the last step)

3. sand entire tank surface with 2400 grit

4. " " 3200 grit

5. " " 4000 grit

6. " " 6000 grit

7. " " 8000 grit

8. " " 12000 grit (at this point the surface was pretty clear actually and with water in the tank I dont think youd notice the left over imperfections)

9. Polish with 3M light cut rubbing compund by PC with a yellow pad

10. PC and white pad with Novus #3 ( multiple passes in a few spots)

11. Novus #2 by hand applied with a microfiber pad

12. Exterior wiped down with Novus #1



Only MF towels for prouct removal.



http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/before2.jpg



Im not sure what the reflection is in the bottom right corner?

http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/front-finished2.jpg





http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/tank-swirls.jpg



The white spots you see are on the back wall, not scratches in the acrylic

http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/front-finished3.jpg









Here is a dramatic comparison that explains it all better then my words can



http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/scratch.jpg

http://www.miloc.org/chuck/fish/tank/corner.jpg

[Robb]

Neat

[imported_superswamper]

Very cool! Nice job.



We have a 75g sal````er aquarium, and enjoy it very much. It`s a bit of work, but worth it.



Check out www.aquariumadvice.com if you haven`t already. Great site to use as a source of information.



The only bit of advice I would give is read everything you can get your hands on.



Good luck. I`d love to see some pics of the set up process and the finished product.

[LightngSVT]

This will be my second salt water tank, but first reef tank. I have posted my progress so far on our local reef board (http://www.michiganreefers.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8600 ) and Ill be updating progress there. Do you ever visit reefcentral?

[imported_superswamper]

If you`ve mastered SW in a 29g, then I`m guessing you`ll do fine with the new acrylic.



Your stand and canopy look tremendous.



I used to visit reefcentral more frequently, but haven`t been by in a while.

[boywonder]

Nice work on the acrylic tank. Now, you have me thinking about adding Novus to my arsenal. :D

[Scottwax]

Very :cool:



Great before and after pictures too. It is amazing how well you restored that tank!

[Pats300zx]

Very kewl......:xyxthumbs

[LightngSVT]

Thanks guys. I hope it looks great, after 16 hours of work! I tried to use the rotary but it was just to big and heavy to work inside the tank.



Im definitely going to be using the Novus in the cars I detail. Even the #3 isn`t to abrasive, the #2 is very mild and takes out the slight swirls you get on instrument lenses, etc.

[cheapshot]

looks great! and nice pics. 16 hrs. of your time and effort, but it saved you $1,200 or more. i would say it was well worth it. is that dacp in the last pic?

[imported_edschwab1]

Great work on the tank and stand, but 36.5 hours of work. In the end did you save any $$$? Depends on how much you value your time.



Eric

[LightngSVT]

Considering I make around $30/hr at work (but only $15020/hr detailing) I would say Im at the break even point. So while I didnt lose and "money", Im not really ahead. But I enjoy the satisfaction of projects like this though. Thanks again for all the compliments, Im pleased with the outcome. Now I have to clean and sterilize the dumb thing.....

[dengelson]

Wow! Doesn`t even look like the same tank. Great work. :xyxthumbs

[Corey Bit Spank]

I would never buy an acrylic fish tank for obvious reasons...unless i could get it for a good price. Or if I could pay you to make it pretty :) hahaha good job

[du3ce]

wow nice work