My 125g Acrylic Reef Build!

d-dzel

d-dzel

Member
I got this used 125g acrylic tank. It needs some small work, but nothing bad. It has some scratches on the front that I would need to sand/buff. Any ideas how, what products to use?
The background is a blue color and I wand to try and have black instead. Is there any paint that's fish-safe and won't come off underwater? Or any other ideas on how to make the change from blue to black? I can't take of the pain because it seems that the blue pain is inside the acrylic panels and there's no way to take it off.
As for the plumbing, the tank already has 2 drain holes and one return on the back left side. I was suggested to drill another return on the other side of the tank and maybe another drain as well. I'm probably going to use a 10g or a 20g long tank as a sump. What kind of return pump should I buy? Any specific rating?
I currently have 2 koralias #4, 1 nano, I MJ 1200 and a 900 for water flow and a rio 600 for my hang on fuge (which I'm probably going to get rid of if I have the 20 long sump)
Pics coming up when I find my camera...
 
dankbardy31

dankbardy31

Member
Originally Posted by D-Dzel
http:///forum/post/3058041
I got this used 125g acrylic tank. It needs some small work, but nothing bad. It has some scratches on the front that I would need to sand/buff. Any ideas how, what products to use?
The only product that I know of (not that there aren't hundreds) is Novus, they have stuff for fine scratches and heavy scratches in acrylic.
The background is a blue color and I wand to try and have black instead. Is there any paint that's fish-safe and won't come off underwater? Or any other ideas on how to make the change from blue to black? I can't take of the pain because it seems that the blue pain is inside the acrylic panels and there's no way to take it off.
Not sure about that
As for the plumbing, the tank already has 2 drain holes and one return on the back left side. I was suggested to drill another return on the other side of the tank and maybe another drain as well. I'm probably going to use a 10g or a 20g long tank as a sump. What kind of return pump should I buy? Any specific rating?
I would do a much bigger sump if it all possible. Pretty much the bigger the better that way you add more water volume and have place for a fuge. The return pump is based on the amount of water that can flow into your sump and the head pressure. There are sights that can help with the calculations.
I currently have 2 koralias #4, 1 nano, I MJ 1200 and a 900 for water flow and a rio 600 for my hang on fuge (which I'm probably going to get rid of if I have the 20 long sump)
Pics coming up when I find my camera...

Good luck and have fun with it. Ill look forward to the pics
 
nissan577

nissan577

Active Member
Originally Posted by D-Dzel
http:///forum/post/3058580
What's up?! haha no more nanos more me, and I;ve been pretty busy with work and school and more school

ive been busy with my girl! haha but my tank always!
haha and school to.
 
nissan577

nissan577

Active Member
sorry to kill it bro but a 20g long isnt enough. maybe a 55 or so. i have a 20g for my tank i really dont like it lol
 
d-dzel

d-dzel

Member
Originally Posted by nissan577
http:///forum/post/3058604
sorry to kill it bro but a 20g long isnt enough. maybe a 55 or so. i have a 20g for my tank i really dont like it lol
I was thinking of using my current 55g as a sump, but it seems way too big to be inside the stand. Only if I could find a 30-40g long, maybe that'll be better
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
NOVUS #1 Polish, 2 oz
NOVUS #1 Cleans, Shines, and Protects All Plastics.
1. If the surface is extremely dirty, apply NOVUS #1 liberally and wipe using long, sweeping strokes. Do not use pressure at this time or large dirt particles may scratch the plastic.
2. Re-apply NOVUS #1 Polish using short, circular strokes with a clean portion of the cloth.
3. When surface is thoroughly clean and uniformly covered, buff to a slippery glaze with a clean portion of the cloth. Surfaces buffed to a high glaze are more resistant to dust and future scratching.
4. Reapply NOVUS #1 regularly to maintain the anti static, smudge and scratch resistant properties.
Gently cleans all plastics without scratching. Leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static.
-Resists finger marking
-Contains no abrasives or harsh chemicals
-Leaves a smooth, clean, greaseless shine
NOVUS #2 Fine Scratch Remover, 2 oz
NOVUS NO. 2 Removes Fine Scratches from Most Plastics.
1. Observe condition of the surface to be treated. The deeper the scratches, the greater the pressure required to remove them. If the surface is dirty, clean with NOVUS No.1 before applying NOVUS No.2.
2. Shake well, Test in an inconspicuous area.
3. Apply NOVUS No. 2 liberally. Using a clean, soft cloth, polish with a firm back-and-forth motion at right angles to the scratches. Keep the cloth saturated with polish at all times.
4. When the worst scratches have been polished out, reapply NOVUS No.2 uniformly in a circular motion to the entire surface using short, circular strokes and light pressure. Allow to dry to a light haze.
5. Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the surface to a slippery glaze using firm, short strokes. This procedure is imperative in achieving the best results.
6. For heavy scratches, multiple applications of NOVUS No.2 or an application of NOVUS No.3 may be required.
7. Follow with NOVUS No.1 for best results.
Removes fine scratches, haziness and abrasions from most plastics. With repeated use, NOVUS No.2 restores faded and discoloured plastics.
-Removes the damage instead of filling it in -Buffs out quickly
-After restoring, seals with a coat of polish
NOVUS #3 Heavy Scratch Remover, 2 oz
NOVUS No.3 Removes Heavy Scratches from Most Acrylics.
1. Remove surface dirt and dust with NOVUS No.1.
2. Shake well. Test in an inconspicuous area.
3. Apply NOVUS No.3 liberally. Using a clean, soft cloth, polish with a firm back-and-forth motion at right angles to the scratches. Keep the cloth saturated with polish at all times.
4. Continue polishing until only fine scratches remain. Using cloth, remove all remaining polish, this is very important!
5. Using a clean cloth, apply NOVUS No.2 in a circular motion uniformly to entire surface. Polish using light pressure until NOVUS No.2 dries to a light haze. 6. Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the surface clean. Follow with NOVUS No.1 for best results.
Removes heavy scratches and abrasions from most acrylic surfaces. Use when damage is too severe to be restored with NOVUS No.2 polish.
-Requires use of NOVUS No.2 for final finishing.
-Not recommended for use on coated plastics.
 
d-dzel

d-dzel

Member
Thanks for the help Spanko! I just found a motorcycle store that carries them instead of ordering online!
 
d-dzel

d-dzel

Member
Originally Posted by nissan577
http:///forum/post/3059054
the 40 would be better! take pics!
Yeah, I'll probably go with the 40 long if I find one.
This the tank and as you can see, it has some crazy scratches that I'll be buffing them out

 
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