Removing Fine Scratches from Aquarium Glass

Aquarium glass can become scratched through the use of abrasive cleaners or sponges, or razor blades to scrape off hard, green algae build-up. In some cases, these scratches are so light they are hardly noticeable. Over time, however, they can create rough or cloudy patches on the tank that detract from its appearance. It is possible to buff out these fine scratches with the proper equipment and enough time, especially if you catch them early on.

Things You'll Need

  • Cerium oxide paste (also called jeweler's rouge)
  • Lamb's wool polishing pads
  • Electric buffer
  • Dry erase marker
  • Extra fish tank
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty out the aquarium. Set up the extra tank with properly prepared water and move all fish into it. Empty the water from the aquarium and pull out any accessories, plants, filters and gravel. Depending on the size of your electric buffer and your aquarium, you may need as much room as possible to maneuver around while buffing the glass. You also do not want to get the cerium oxide paste on any of the aquarium items.

    • 2

      Mark the scratched areas. Shine a light into the aquarium at different angles to find all of the scratched areas. Some will show up better with the light directly on them and others won't. Mark these areas on the outside of the glass with the dry erase marker. This way, even if you can't see the scratches while buffing, you will know what area to work on.

    • 3

      Begin buffing the glass. Put a few drops of cerium oxide paste directly on the glass in the scratched areas. Use a lamb's wool polishing pad on the electric buffer and buff the glass in a circular motion. It can take up to an hour to begin showing any results that the buffing is working. Add more cerium oxide paste to the glass as needed during this time.

    • 4

      Check your progress. After an hour, stop buffing and wipe off the glass so that it is clear of any cerium oxide. Use a gentle cloth so you don't create more scratches. Shine the light through the glass again as you did before to see how much progress you have made. If areas no longer appear scratched, wipe off the dry erase markings for them. If you noticed scratched areas you didn't before, mark them on the outside of the glass.

    • 5

      Continue buffing the glass. It may take another hour or even two before your aquarium looks scratch-free. You can check your progress periodically by once again wiping up the glass and shining a light through it. Do this until you are satisfied with the way the aquarium looks.

    • 6

      Replace the components of the aquarium. Clean it thoroughly with gentle cleanser and cloths and then return all accessories, filters, plants and gravel to the tank. Fill it with water and make sure it is at the proper temperature and water quality. Then, you may return your fish to the aquarium.