scratch removal kits for acrylic aquaria

I'm considering using one of these kits (one of the ones that consists of a
series of increasingly fine sandpaper pads).

The kit says it can be used under water with the fish in the tank, but I'm
concerned about the very fine bits of acrylic that will be liberated causing
gill problems in my fish.

Anyone used one of these kits before? Tips?

NaCl wrote:
I'm considering using one of these kits (one of the ones that
consists of a series of increasingly fine sandpaper pads).

The kit says it can be used under water with the fish in the tank,
but I'm concerned about the very fine bits of acrylic that will be
liberated causing gill problems in my fish.

Anyone used one of these kits before? Tips?

I have never had an acrylic tank, but before you buy the kit try a wet cloth
and toothpaste. I use it to remove scratches on plastic sun glasses and
cd's. It works as long as the scratches aren't too deep. You will have to
empty the tank first though You could also try a paste made up with
jewelers rouge, you should be able to pick it up at a Lapidary shop or
website.

--
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Sandy
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Sandy wrote:

I have never had an acrylic tank, but before you buy the kit try a wet cloth
and toothpaste. I use it to remove scratches on plastic sun glasses and
cd's. It works as long as the scratches aren't too deep. You will have to
empty the tank first though You could also try a paste made up with
jewelers rouge, you should be able to pick it up at a Lapidary shop or
website.

No offence, Sandy, but this would be a bad idea with any fish in the tank.

Toothpaste (at least Stateside) often contains sodium lauryl sulfate,
which is a powerfull detergent. Detergents of any kind and fish do not mix
well.

A better idea would be to use fine baking soda and a rag.

Incidently, I have one of those kits available if the original poster is
interested...

For me, I decided it wasn't worth the trouble. Inside scratches often
aren't very visible since the index of refraction is similar for water and
acrylic. Repairs on the outside leave a low spot, which affects viewing in
a more subtle way than a scratch.

Jeff Dantzler
Seattle, WA