My First Acrylic Tank

[jason081180]

I recently bought a used 130 gallon acrylic tank setup from another member on Maast and I have a few questions and would really like to talk to you about it.

1. Any concerns with cleaning acrylic? I use bleach and vinegar for buildup in my glass tanks but not sure if that would hurt the acrylic at all.
2. I know I will need a special magnet cleaner for acrylic. I've heard the ones for glass tanks will scratch up the acrylic.
3. The overflow in my tank has two holes in it that I guess someone was trying to use for the return. I will not be doing it this was so I would like to plug these holes. so I need two pieces of 3in x 3in acrylic, blue if possible. Does anyone know where I can get some scrap pieces and a way to attach it to my current acrylic (supperglue or some acrylic glue) or maybe I'll just got to Lowes and get some clear plastic for window replacement, just not sure if its acrylic or what I should use to glue them together.
4. There are a few (I think) light scratches in the lower part of the tank close to where the sand would be. Would it be best to give the tank a good once over with some sort of buffing or scratch remover before I set it up? can Anyone recommend something?
5. This is also my first Tank with a sump so having someone look things over would be great. I had it full of freshwater the otherday just to check for leaks and watch the flow. Everything working good so far with the plumbing and sump. If anyone wants to come see it or help move it into place when I'm ready it would be greatly appreciated.

I will try to get pictures soon.

Thanks,
Josh

[jason081180]

This skimmer also came with the tank. Can anyone help me identify a brand or model. i have no idea about its capacity or anything.
Of course I have cleaned it up and looks new now.
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[jason081180]

Here is the picture of the overflow with the two holes in it that I would like to plug. I have put a red circle around them as one is kinda hard to see. I hope this helps.
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[jcnkt_ellis]

2. I would not use a magnet cleaner, there are plastic scrapers made for acrylic which will do a better job. A magnet cleaner, even if made for acrylic, can catch sand in between the pad and the tank leading to scratches when you clean.

3. Lowes and Home Depot both sell acrylic sheets you can use, but there are also a few acrylic speciality stores that sell their scrap acrylic for a heck of a lot less. You can use super glue to fuse acrylic together but it is not pretty to look at, otherwise weld-on is the product of choice as it dries clear.

Hopefully others will chime in on the rest.

[Dean]

Hi Jason! Congratulations on the new tank. What part of town do you live in and when are you looking to get your tank moved into place and set up? I'd be happy to help if I can.

1. Cleaning acrylic.. I would not use any chemicals near the tank. For mine I use a wet washcloth (using water) and a few paper towels. Vinegar wouldn't hurt anything but it stinks and water has worked great for me.

4. It takes a good bit of effort to buff out and polish acrylic to get scratches off. If they are in spots where it is highly likely to get scratched I wouldn't mess with it.

Just my opinions and experience. I hope it helps. :)

[jason081180]

Thanks Guys,

I have called an acrylic place in town and i think i can get some scrap from them for cheap if not I found 10-in x 8-in x .080-in Clear Acrylic Sheet at lowes for $3
Any scratches that are in the tank aren't very noticeable and even less i bet once i get sand in it and full of water so i will not worry about trying to do anything about it. it is likely to get scrached again there.

Can anyone help with the Skimmer Identification?

[moneytank]

Don't use superglue.......use weld-on 4.
What about just using a threaded bulkhead and putting a PVC plug in it ?
That way if you (or if you sell it later) the holes can still be used.

As for the skimmer, maybe an ASM skimmer but not positive since I've never had that brand.

[jason081180]

Hi Jason! Congratulations on the new tank. What part of town do you live in and when are you looking to get your tank moved into place and set up? I'd be happy to help if I can.

1. Cleaning acrylic.. I would not use any chemicals near the tank. For mine I use a wet washcloth (using water) and a few paper towels. Vinegar wouldn't hurt anything but it stinks and water has worked great for me.

4. It takes a good bit of effort to buff out and polish acrylic to get scratches off. If they are in spots where it is highly likely to get scratched I wouldn't mess with it.

Just my opinions and experience. I hope it helps. :)


Hi, Dean I would be grateful for the help. I am planning to setup the tank tonight and let it start filling. My RO will take forever to make 130 gallons. but if we can get it moved into place tonight that will be great. I will PM you as well.

[Dean]

Hi, Dean I would be grateful for the help. I am planning to setup the tank tonight and let it start filling. My RO will take forever to make 130 gallons. but if we can get it moved into place tonight that will be great. I will PM you as well.

Hi Jason
I am sorry I wasn't able to catch up with you that evening. Did you get the tank set up?

[jason081180]

Yes the tank is set-up and running good. I am still looking for about 20 lbs more sand and some bigger live rock and rubble. I will try to get some pictures.

[Dean]

I have a black background and black sand in my mixed reef and love it! I wont use whit sand again. Looking forward to some pics.