acrylic seperation on 300?

rsantangelo3@co · 01/04/2009, 07:44 AM

I bought a used acrylic 300 from a guy. Havent reid water yet because I am building the stand ect... I noticed when buying theere is maybe a 6" section in upper frnt left seem that has white hazing almost looks like salt build up between the seam. Also on the left side where it mates to the frnt there is a crack with web like smaller ones coming off it. Now the guy said it was like that when he bought it. My question is could these possibly be seperation and salty creep got inbtween the seam over time or if this is common for acrylic tanks??? Also call me weird but I also put my mouth on the area and blew and air went through. I did the same in healthier looking areas and the air did not. So now im worried. However the white part does not look like it went through seem yet for the seam is still visable and does not look violated other than a few bubbles pushn on it. This said it really is only say 1/16th inch from the whitsih marks. All info will help to put my mind at rest! Pics cant upload but if you shoot me your email ill be more than happy to forward them for better judgement- Thanks in advance!

Emory Speight · 01/04/2009, 10:51 AM

Having experienced the failure of a nano acrylic in one of the joints due to less than perfect assembly technique, if it were me, I would try to locate someone local who is very experienced with acrylic tank construction who could examine the joints and give an expert opinion on whether any of the joints could be headed for failure. My 18x18" nano had warning signs in at least one of the joints , but I comforted myself by saying I was dealing with a small amount of volume. But when it let go at 1 a.m. and I awoke to water gushing out on the floor, that feeling of comfort was instantly washed away. Since you have much more at stake, I think you will sleep much better at night just having gotten an experts' opinion. I hope it all works out well for you. Emory

THolleyH46 · 01/04/2009, 11:07 AM

That doesn't sound too good IMO, I'd second having someone look at it. I had to repair my acrylic tank but it was on the bottome out of view, so I used a patch and did it myself. The seam can most likely be repaired but I'd have someone take a look, especially at the cracks as they will only grow and when its holding water I'd guess they would grow all the quicker.

indianagrays · 01/04/2009, 11:19 AM

i would not fill a 300 if i thought it had cracks or almost had cracks....

rsantangelo3@co · 01/04/2009, 11:24 AM

How would you go about locating an expert?

Emory Speight · 01/04/2009, 11:45 AM

To locate an "expert", I would start with any lfs that handles ordering for custom acrylic tank builders. Also, I would check with commercial sign shops as they often employ craftsmen/women who fabricate acrylic signs,display cases,etc. Another route I would suggest is to get in touch with someone like James at Envisions who has given a lot of helpful acrylic advise on this site. Hope that helps. And there is an acrylic diy thread here that has some very experienced people who could offer advice.

01/04/2009, 07:44 AM	#1
rsantangelo3@co Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ct Posts: 846	acrylic seperation on 300? I bought a used acrylic 300 from a guy. Havent reid water yet because I am building the stand ect... I noticed when buying theere is maybe a 6" section in upper frnt left seem that has white hazing almost looks like salt build up between the seam. Also on the left side where it mates to the frnt there is a crack with web like smaller ones coming off it. Now the guy said it was like that when he bought it. My question is could these possibly be seperation and salty creep got inbtween the seam over time or if this is common for acrylic tanks??? Also call me weird but I also put my mouth on the area and blew and air went through. I did the same in healthier looking areas and the air did not. So now im worried. However the white part does not look like it went through seem yet for the seam is still visable and does not look violated other than a few bubbles pushn on it. This said it really is only say 1/16th inch from the whitsih marks. All info will help to put my mind at rest! Pics cant upload but if you shoot me your email ill be more than happy to forward them for better judgement- Thanks in advance!

01/04/2009, 11:07 AM	#3
THolleyH46 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 210	That doesn't sound too good IMO, I'd second having someone look at it. I had to repair my acrylic tank but it was on the bottome out of view, so I used a patch and did it myself. The seam can most likely be repaired but I'd have someone take a look, especially at the cracks as they will only grow and when its holding water I'd guess they would grow all the quicker. __________________ TOM "No, I didn't spill any water on the floor near any electrical cords!" Current Tank Info: 120 Tall reef tank

01/04/2009, 11:24 AM	#5
rsantangelo3@co Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ct Posts: 846	expert? How would you go about locating an expert?

01/04/2009, 10:51 AM	#2
Emory Speight Moved On Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phila.,Pa. Posts: 88	Having experienced the failure of a nano acrylic in one of the joints due to less than perfect assembly technique, if it were me, I would try to locate someone local who is very experienced with acrylic tank construction who could examine the joints and give an expert opinion on whether any of the joints could be headed for failure. My 18x18" nano had warning signs in at least one of the joints , but I comforted myself by saying I was dealing with a small amount of volume. But when it let go at 1 a.m. and I awoke to water gushing out on the floor, that feeling of comfort was instantly washed away. Since you have much more at stake, I think you will sleep much better at night just having gotten an experts' opinion. I hope it all works out well for you. Emory

01/04/2009, 11:19 AM	#4
indianagrays Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 107	i would not fill a 300 if i thought it had cracks or almost had cracks....

01/04/2009, 11:45 AM	#6
Emory Speight Moved On Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phila.,Pa. Posts: 88	To locate an "expert", I would start with any lfs that handles ordering for custom acrylic tank builders. Also, I would check with commercial sign shops as they often employ craftsmen/women who fabricate acrylic signs,display cases,etc. Another route I would suggest is to get in touch with someone like James at Envisions who has given a lot of helpful acrylic advise on this site. Hope that helps. And there is an acrylic diy thread here that has some very experienced people who could offer advice.