One of the most common questions we hear at Acrylic Aquarium Co. is, "How do you keep an acrylic tank from scratching?" It’s a valid concern. While acrylic is incredibly strong and shatter-resistant, it is a softer material than glass and requires a different approach to maintenance.
Our philosophy is simple: we believe that a truly stunning aquarium should remain crystal-clear for a lifetime. That's why we build our aquariums with scratch prevention in mind, and why we guide our clients on the best practices for long-term care.
This article will show you how our manufacturing process minimizes the risk of scratches and provide a step-by-step guide to maintaining your tank’s flawless clarity.
1. Our Proactive Approach: Manufacturing for Clarity
The battle against scratches begins long before a tank is ever filled with water. It starts with the quality of our materials and the precision of our manufacturing process.
- Premium-Grade Acrylic: We use only the highest-quality cast acrylic sheets from leading manufacturers. This ensures the material is free of imperfections and has the optimal surface hardness to resist scuffs and abrasions from the start.
- Seamless, Polished Bonding: Our bonding process uses a specialised chemical solvent to create a seamless, molecular bond between the acrylic sheets. This eliminates rough, glued seams that could collect debris and cause scratches during cleaning. After bonding, every joint and surface is meticulously polished to a showroom finish.
- Protective Handling: From our workshop to your final installation, our team is trained to handle the acrylic with the utmost care. We use non-abrasive cloths and protective films to ensure the surface remains pristine throughout the entire fabrication and delivery process.
This commitment to quality means that when your aquarium arrives, its surface is already in the best possible condition, setting you up for success.
2. The Right Way to Clean and Maintain Your Aquarium
Proper cleaning is the single most important factor in preventing scratches. Forget the paper towels and standard scrub brushes—acrylic requires a dedicated approach.
- Use the Right Tools: Always use an acrylic-specific cleaning tool. We recommend a cleaning magnet with a felt or foam pad on the inside, and a non-abrasive blade scraper for any stubborn algae. For external cleaning, use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth.
- Submerge Your Cloths and Pads: Never start cleaning with a dry cloth or pad. Fully submerge the pad to soften it and ensure there's a film of water between the tool and the acrylic surface.
- Clean in One Direction: When cleaning the inside of the tank, use vertical or horizontal strokes to minimize the risk of scratching. Avoid circular motions, as they are more likely to push debris around and cause swirl marks.
- Watch for Sand and Gravel: Be extremely careful not to get any grains of sand or gravel caught in your cleaning tool. A single piece of substrate can cause a deep scratch. Lift your cleaning tools away from the tank's bottom to avoid this.
- Avoid Abrasive Chemicals: Never use household glass cleaners, paper towels, or scouring pads on your acrylic aquarium. These materials contain abrasive particles that will permanently scratch the surface.
3. Restoring Clarity: The Polishing Process
Even with the best care, minor scratches can sometimes occur. The good news is that, unlike glass, most scratches in acrylic can be polished out.
- For **light surface scratches**, you can purchase a specialised acrylic polishing kit. These kits contain a series of pastes that you apply with a soft cloth to gently buff away the scratch.
- For **deeper scratches** or for a full restoration of clarity, we highly recommend our professional polishing service. Our technicians use industrial-grade polishing compounds and equipment to restore your tank’s surface to its original, crystal-clear state. This is an excellent way to rejuvenate an older tank or correct any accidental damage.
A Commitment to Lifelong Beauty
At Acrylic Aquarium Co., we are passionate about the beauty and longevity of our creations. We believe that with the right manufacturing process and a little care, your acrylic aquarium can remain optically flawless for decades.
If you have questions about maintaining your aquarium or are considering a custom build, we invite you to explore our comprehensive guide to large-scale acrylic aquariums.
Or, to speak with one of our specialists about your next project, please contact us today.