Electrokate Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Hi, I keep hearing from people that there is a version of sandpaper I can use to polish acrylic while the tank is running by putting it between the algae magnet and glass, but they don't know details. They say I don't need to remove the water, corals etc. Is there any truth to this, some new product that is safe? Or are they just confused? Would love it if it was true, I got an asterina starfish under the algae magnet and lots of damage down at the sand line that I can't reach even if I do drain the tank. Thanks, Kate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gill Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I remember Patrick at SWF telling me he does this; the sandpaper is something crazy like 6000 grit!!! Like everyone else you talked to I don't have specifics, maybey you could as Patrick? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 6000 may work and could be needed if they are deeper scratches, I have used 12000 with great (perfect) results. I did get mine from SWF too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanktop74 Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I used MicroMesh basically a very fine grit sandpaper, but its not paper.... does that make any sense??? I need to get the 12000 for finishing touches. Worked very well in my tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 wet/dry sand paper any good automotive parts store carries it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electrokate Posted May 30, 2012 Author Share Posted May 30, 2012 That is the stuff I have, just was under the impression you had to drain the tank to use it. Does the skimmer pick up the particles? Man, would this be handy with tank maintenance accounts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islandoftiki Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I would want to know what material is used for the abrasive and if it's aquarium safe. Some of the most common abrasives used in sand paper are Aluminum oxide, ceramic, silicon carbide, garnet, and chromium oxide--which would guess would be used most commonly on these really fine grit sand papers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wegotjs Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 You probably wouln't find the 12000 in a auto parts store. A little to specialized . I have 6000 to 12000 like Brad and it works great if you got some time on your hands.Mine is a clothed back and is designed for in tank work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisriverfisherman Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Micro mesh is the stuff. It depends on how deep your scratches are on what grit to start with... Also I would recommend using alot stronger magnet than a mag float. If your using a stronger magnet i would use a soft towel between the outside magnet and the acrylic. This will serve 2 purposes, 1) will ensure that the magnet wont scratch your acrylic and 2) the towel will serve as a handle. SWF use to rent heavy duty magnets, dont know if they still do. By using a stronger magnet will apply more pressure when sanding and will be done in less time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramy Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Woot this is what I have been looking for I have not been able to take any clear pictures of late because of all the fine scratchs in the acrylic my camera focuses on the tank and not the coral5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramy Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 where do I buy some sand paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 where do I buy some sand paper. Call around but Saltwater Fantaseas sells it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markvo Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Mightymagnets sells different grades of sandpaper attached to cleaning pad material in a kit to remove scatches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electrokate Posted May 31, 2012 Author Share Posted May 31, 2012 awesome... what a great bit of news. I cannot reach some of the scratches in the 120 even when it's dry and clean, my arms don't reach that far! I got a friend who is going to be super happy to hear this as well since his tanks are in a business. Thanks! Kate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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