how to clean acrylic tank.....

[Skeptic9962]

ive allways had glass tanks in the past but my new SPS tank is acrylic ive been using cotton cloths for the outside so it wont scratch it seems to not be scratching but is there any easier way to clean the outside and or inside...on the inside i use a 24" scraper pro with a plastic scraper....seems to do ok but hard to get alot of places with it...maybe one of the sponges?

let me know what is best possible thing to use...

 

[Scooterman]

Novus plastic cleaner works great, I use 100% cotton diapers for the cloth. I use a Hammerhead algae free mag to get the inside acrylic.

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.bestplasticcleaner.com/

Cleaner #1

 

[NC2WA]

For my acrylic tank, I use a Tiger Shark magnetic to clean the front panel. Before I had the tiger shark I use a Mag-Float. Don't waste your time or money on these. They magnetic is just not strong enough for my 1/2 inch acrylic. They just do not work.

For those hard to clean algae spots, I use 36" Kent's scraper with plastic blade; I also use the mop from time to time. I also have a supply of acrylic scrub pads just in case I want to really scrub the back of the tank, but the rabbitfish and foxface do a good job of keeping the tank clean of algae.


HTH,
Kirk

 

[NC2WA]

To clean the outside of the tank, I use rubbing alcohol and cotton diapers or cloth.

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~maintenance_algae_magnet_cleaners.html

Mag Algae cleaner!

 

[Scooterman]

Last for fine scratches Inside the water & Out.

https://www.micro-surface.com/default.cfm?page_id=1

& Use the Novus #2 & # 3 polish on the outside scratches.

 

[Reefreak]

Scooterman is right. Novus is an excellent product, I use it with a micro fiber cloth.
Be very careful with the magnets, they work great but the smallest piece of coral sand on the inside magnet will scratch your acrylic and make you say really bad words.

Hey NC2WA I have read that rubbing alcohol can cause a yellowing effect over time, don't know if it's true or not? "might want to do some research"

 

[NC2WA]

Shaun,

Thanks.

Can't say I've heard of this. I got this tip from Eric (VeralteAquatics). I did a quick search and found something on WWM. There was no mention of yellowing effect when rubbing alcohol was used.

 

[Reefreak]

So I guess its true..."you cant believe everything you read"

 

[veralteaquatics]

Cleaning your tank

Shaun,

Thanks.

Can't say I've heard of this. I got this tip from Eric (VeralteAquatics). I did a quick search and found something on WWM. There was no mention of yellowing effect when rubbing alcohol was used.

Kirk, although the rubbing alcohol shouldnt do any damage; it was not the advice I gave you. You should use DeNatured alcohol to remove marks for your water line put in Sharpie.

For general cleaning you should just get a really nice, high quality paper towel and some fresh water and wipe the tank down, and then return with a different; new dry paper towel and wipe the water off to dry. There's no reason to ever use any chemical or cleaning product on acylic. Anything that say it shines; does just that. Causing a slight glare when you look at the tank, and a glare will not make the viewing of the tank any better. The purchase of those several cleaners out there is simply a waste of money!!!

Better to spend the money on the best paper towels you can find, not those hard crusty cheap ones for the kids...

 

[NC2WA]

Eric,

Thanks for the clarification. Sorry I misquoted you. Where do you find denatured alcohol??

I think I will just still to the paper towel/water method; how can you screw this up??

 

[veralteaquatics]

If you only use it for clean up like I said, than the rubbing shouldnt be a problem, but the DeNatured is a little milder. Should be able to find it at any grocery.. But the water is the best way to go, and your right. Theres no way to mess that up!!! Cold water, hot water, warm water...Whatever your flavor is fine!!!

 

[NC2WA]

I've only use rubbing alcohol twice sent the last time you were out to the house. I normally keep the outside pretty clean, so there is no reason to use alcohol, just a cloth to wipe up water spots here and there.

Kirk

 

[fishoutofwater]

i have seen problems with using alcohol. if it gets in to any seams it can dry out the acrylic and cause grazing and loosin the seams. the novus os the best and only thing other than water to use.

 

[SP Aquatics]

i wrote this article a while back, should help out a little

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25539

 

[colin779]

I built acrylic tanks for about 3 years and i would not reccomend using anything other then water to clean the outside of your tank. The cotton diaper is perfect though.

 

[Skeptic9962]

yeah i went ahead and ordered the novus 8oz kit with all three of them and buffing cloths...not too bad only $24 now....only if the magnet that i have to get for my tank was only $24 lol....im going to have to get the 3/4"-1" one thats like $130 guy that made my tank wasnt the smartest he did good work but made it way too thick...1" acrylic for a 32gal rimless lol....owell it looks cool. thanks for all the input on this

 

[Scooterman]

That 1" for rimless sounds about right really, any less it would probably bow out some!

 

[SP Aquatics]

That 1" for rimless sounds about right really, any less it would probably bow out some!

Agreed, you want that 1" on a rimless tank. A year from now on anything less would be very ugly bowing.