Yet another ZooDiver build thread (Shark display)

[Zoodiver]

This is totally off-track, so maybe you can direct to another thread if it already exists, but I am curious to learn more about buffing and polishing acrylic while the tank is filled -- ie, what steps are involved as opposed to a buff/polish on an empty tank? I'd love to hear more about doing both the exterior and the interior work!

Really can't argue with those results, fantastic work.

Underwater can be easy, and it can suck (to be blunt). This was a pain. Process is the same as out of the water. Think of the acylic like wood - and you need to sand it smooth. I start with an 800 sandpaper and work my way down. On the inside, I used a polishing pad as the final step. If it were dry, I'd use an acrylic polish (3M makes some good stuff, so does Novus).
The one thing you get to do outside that is sometimes not an option inside is use tools. Small scratches I do by hand just out personal choice. Using a polishing wheel (even if it's on a drill bit) helps alot.
Underwater, you can use pneumatic tools (air powered). I tried on this, but couldn't. The bubbles coming off the drill where so much it was splashing water over the edge of the tank.

Step One: Mark off the area around the scratch.
Step Two: Start with your heavier sandpaper and sand the whole area smooth (not just the scratch - you need to blend it away).
Step Three: Go to a finer grade paper.
Step Four: Yep, an even finer grade paper.
Step... well you get the idea. Sand until it's smooth and just lightly hazed over. Make sure to blend the entire area.
Last step: Use a polishing pad/buffing pad to really shine it up.

I'll take some pics of the stuff tomorrow when I'm at work to give you an idea of what the stuff looks like.

 

[heatherbeast]

I'm delighted to hear that I can totally tone up my noodly girl arms by doing this all by hand! Looking forward to the update, and thanks for going to extra effort.

 

[Aggressive By Nature]

I Love the store and the tank!!! I really like the new insert, it is Amazing!! If only I had the money for that tank.... If only
I did. I can't wait to see it in person!!

 

[Zoodiver]

Here are some more pics of removal I did this morning.

This is the buffing pad I prefer to use for easy stuff. It's made by 3M. I use this after the various levels of sandpaper (usually ending on 6000 grit). Today, I just had some light specs to take off, so it's all I used.

Taped off the area from the outside (sometimes it's a pain to see due to the reflection in the curve on the inside).

I tired to take a pic of the specs.... but the camera wouldn't focus that well (so I highlighted them).

And in I go... Circular motion, blend it smooth...

 

[Aggressive By Nature]

Are you ever worried that the Tessalata might bite you or one of the sharks might bite you?

 

[gangster]

Awesome job you have there bud!

 

[Zoodiver]

Are you ever worried that the Tessalata might bite you or one of the sharks might bite you?

Aware of them - yes. Worried - no.
I've spent over 1400 hours underwater with sharks and other big predatory fish. You have to take safety precautions and be very aware of the animals and your surroundings. There are several OSHA regulations we follow for diving in confined space like that aside from dealing with the animals.
Safety always comes first, and something I reinforce to EVERYONE when working with sharks is that things can go bad quickly, and there is no such thing as a little mistake. Fact of the matter is several of those animals are big enough to do some serious damage The largest black tip reef could take a volleyball sized bite out of me. And there are more ways to die doing this than just a bad shark bite then bleeding out before I could get out of the display. Will it happen? Probably not. More people die from vending machines tipping over on them. But it is the reality of the job. I have been bitten by sharks before, and I'm sure I will be bitten again. Everytime I get in with sharks (or crocs), I take a minute and clear my head. The last thought is that this could be that day when a 'routine' dive/cleaning turns bad. Doing work like this is no time to be distracted. It really helps you stay focused when you think of the big picture.

 

[Aggressive By Nature]

Aware of them - yes. Worried - no.
I've spent over 1400 hours underwater with sharks and other big predatory fish. You have to take safety precautions and be very aware of the animals and your surroundings. There are several OSHA regulations we follow for diving in confined space like that aside from dealing with the animals.
Safety always comes first, and something I reinforce to EVERYONE when working with sharks is that things can go bad quickly, and there is no such thing as a little mistake. Fact of the matter is several of those animals are big enough to do some serious damage The largest black tip reef could take a volleyball sized bite out of me. And there are more ways to die doing this than just a bad shark bite then bleeding out before I could get out of the display. Will it happen? Probably not. More people die from vending machines tipping over on them. But it is the reality of the job. I have been bitten by sharks before, and I'm sure I will be bitten again. Everytime I get in with sharks (or crocs), I take a minute and clear my head. The last thought is that this could be that day when a 'routine' dive/cleaning turns bad. Doing work like this is no time to be distracted. It really helps you stay focused when you think of the big picture.

I have a 3ft tessalata, and when i hand feed him, I always make sure that he isn't trying to bite my finger off! By the way, I got a chance to go down to the store today and I really like the new insert, but what happened to the southern ray that you said you guys got in there? When I was there I saw you guys had a blue dot stingray, and i've always wanted one, so i got him, and i hope he does well cause he's just so beautiful.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I was at the store earlier today..was looking at the tank and was going to ask if the Gymnothorax undulatus is still in there? Didn't see it

 

[Leptoe]

Wowzer....now that is a monster tank!