really dumb ? but i need inputs

[BiGBlak]

i bought this tank from this guy and its kool and all no leaks or nothing im just feeling like i made a bad decision because of a few things. one there are like little scratches. would that mess with the view when i set it up and fill it up ? does your aquariums have its fair amount of cleaning scratches ? because it kinda annoying me and im feeling like i should of just bought a new one. the second thing is it came with filters but i have no idea on how to put them back together, i payed 160. the input is should i feel like i made the wrng decisson

[Mith]

First regarding te scratches.... some people are more tollerable to scratches. Me? I HATE them, but no matter how hard you try not to get them, you will. So, since you done have fish yet, filler up and see in YOUR opinion if their acceptable by your standards.

Secondly, you took time to join the AC will will give you access to a lot of aquariests! Got questions? ASK! We all have to be a beginner for a while and, NO questio. Is too dumb to ask. The only thing that's asked of you is that you try your best to post in the appropriate sub-forums! If you make a mistake and post in the innappropriate, one of the AC's friendly mods will move it for you!

Congratulations on your tank! I hope it works out for you!!

[MCHRKiller]

All of my tanks are scratched up on the front, mostly due to the fact for years I kept large aggressive fish in them that liked to knock gravel and driftwood around...plus it just happens. I dont really notice them when its full, sometimes the camera lense will pick up a scratch in pics. I also have one fairly deep scratch on my 100G which algae grows in sometimes...so its just one of the things ya have to deal with.

If you know the models of the filters(usually there is a sticker somewhere on the filter) you can look up the brand online and find a PDF instruction manual online. Or one of us here could help you. What size tank did you get?

[lowlight]

I would make the side with less scratches the front and see if that works for ya. As for the filters what kind are they? A pic of the filters would be good to. I wouldn't feel bad about the tank, I found out the hard way that the 55gal I bought was home made and I didn't trust it. I got a good stand though so that kind of made up for it.

[gadget228]

If the scratches really bother you and it is an acrylic tank you have the option of polishing them out if you haven't set the tank up yet.

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If it is a glass tank it can also be polished out but is harder to do and unfortunately I don't know of a polish that I could recommend that would be safe to use on your tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

I think it was a lot of money for a scratched tank but this tank will probably be around for a long time. You may later decide to use it for growing out plants, for a secondary tank, etc, so enjoy it for now and replace it when you win the lottery.

[BiGBlak]

isnt there like some kind of around the house method to polish the scratches out like tooth paste or somthing like that ?

[gadget228]

I have used toothpaste in the past to polish out scratches in acrylic and lexan before, add a little water and a cotton cloth and rub lightly in little circles over and over and over, takes a long time and if you rub too hard or let it dry out too much it will scratch. Car wax that has rubbing compound in it works better but don't know if it or toothpaste would be safe to use inside the tank.

With glass you really need a slow speed buffer with the right pad, it depends on what compound you are buffing with. I've buffed out car windshields before and the compound I used says it's non-toxic and it's for light scratches but don't know if it would be safe for aquarium use.

[Dacotah7]

If the scratches bother you greatly you could always try to resell it. Unless it is really bad, once you have it establsihed, stocked and decorated nicely, you may find that your focal point is not on the glass (or acrylic) but what's behind it. Which ever material it is, to ensure you do not add scatches make sure you use the proper cleaning tools for it.

To identify the filter, you can look at the aqua-supply websites or you local fish stores. Once you know the brand name it should be fairly easy to narrow down the model.