I would not go lower than 1500, and not jump more than 300. So you could do 1000, 1200, 1500. If you do to 2000, you would need to do 1800 first. Otherwise you are wasting your time with a sanding step, as you won't get the prior step out.
Make sure that when you change directions, you are not seeing anything from the prior sanding. So for example, if you did 400 horizontal, you need to do 600 vertical and make sure there is no horizontal scratch visible.
I'm not sure on the Novus step 3, that could be the case. I would go with the opinion of someone more experienced than me (maybe jahmic knows?). I've never heard that before.
OK, since you have a bigger tank, I WOULD recommend a random orbital sander for sanding (just switch to novus and buffing by hand after). You will get the best results, better than doing it by hand, and it will go faster. If you decide to, I would call Tom at Aquamart and ask him if he can sell you the same pack of orbital sander pads that he sold Dave in Stapleton. The pads are very hard to find, unless you order in bulk online (very expensive), but Tom is the Denver based acrylic manufacturer and suggested this approach to me when he came to my house to look at the damage to my tank. My tank looks amazing after having to start at 150 grit in some areas...I probably could have gone higher than 1500 but I don't see that the tank could look any clearer.
You will need to tape the edge/corners that are on the adjacent wall to the section you are sanding. You should use aluminum duct tape. You will also need to be consistent/steady but not push too hard (let the sander do the work), and do a complete pane without lifting the pad (back/forth) if possible...and set the tank on the floor to make it easier if you can. Or sit inside of it (like I did for my 200G).
Make sure that when you change directions, you are not seeing anything from the prior sanding. So for example, if you did 400 horizontal, you need to do 600 vertical and make sure there is no horizontal scratch visible.
I'm not sure on the Novus step 3, that could be the case. I would go with the opinion of someone more experienced than me (maybe jahmic knows?). I've never heard that before.
OK, since you have a bigger tank, I WOULD recommend a random orbital sander for sanding (just switch to novus and buffing by hand after). You will get the best results, better than doing it by hand, and it will go faster. If you decide to, I would call Tom at Aquamart and ask him if he can sell you the same pack of orbital sander pads that he sold Dave in Stapleton. The pads are very hard to find, unless you order in bulk online (very expensive), but Tom is the Denver based acrylic manufacturer and suggested this approach to me when he came to my house to look at the damage to my tank. My tank looks amazing after having to start at 150 grit in some areas...I probably could have gone higher than 1500 but I don't see that the tank could look any clearer.
You will need to tape the edge/corners that are on the adjacent wall to the section you are sanding. You should use aluminum duct tape. You will also need to be consistent/steady but not push too hard (let the sander do the work), and do a complete pane without lifting the pad (back/forth) if possible...and set the tank on the floor to make it easier if you can. Or sit inside of it (like I did for my 200G).