Patching Existing Drill Holes

zeminabr · 01/18/2013, 09:33 PM

I just purchased a used 150 gallon acrylic tank, and it will need some modifications. Step one: I need to patch some drill holes in the bottom that are not in the correct location for my supply and return lines. I plan on cutting a piece of acrylic (larger than the hole) and caulking it down to the bottom using reef safe silicon. Has anyone done this? Has anyone had issues with this approach?

uncleof6 · 01/18/2013, 09:45 PM

You cannot bond, or seal, acrylic with silicone. If you want to permanently patch it, use a weld on product, probably weld-on 16.

Easier would be to use a capped bulkhead, of the proper size. That way the patch can be undone later, if needed.

zeminabr · 01/18/2013, 10:12 PM

So I can just use capped bulkhead fittings to plug the openings? I thought about that, but I feel unsure about it. That does sound a lot easier than something permanent, though.

uncleof6 · 01/18/2013, 10:29 PM

But you would use bulkheads to plumb the holes, for drains/returns, were they the right location--right? I don't see the difference and in fact, there is no difference.

zeminabr · 01/19/2013, 10:52 AM

Well, I guess that is one hell of a point. Sometimes it just takes someone to come along, slap you in the face, and tell you to wake up lol. Thanks, uncle. I appreciate it.

01/18/2013, 09:33 PM	#1
zeminabr Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 153	Patching Existing Drill Holes I just purchased a used 150 gallon acrylic tank, and it will need some modifications. Step one: I need to patch some drill holes in the bottom that are not in the correct location for my supply and return lines. I plan on cutting a piece of acrylic (larger than the hole) and caulking it down to the bottom using reef safe silicon. Has anyone done this? Has anyone had issues with this approach?

01/18/2013, 09:45 PM	#2
uncleof6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AWOL Posts: 12,013	You cannot bond, or seal, acrylic with silicone. If you want to permanently patch it, use a weld on product, probably weld-on 16. Easier would be to use a capped bulkhead, of the proper size. That way the patch can be undone later, if needed. __________________ "Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." (oft attributed to Einstein; most likely paraphrasing by Roger Sessions; compactly articulates the principle of Occam's Razor) Current Tank Info: 325 6' wide Reef

01/18/2013, 10:29 PM	#4
uncleof6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AWOL Posts: 12,013	But you would use bulkheads to plumb the holes, for drains/returns, were they the right location--right? I don't see the difference and in fact, there is no difference. __________________ "Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." (oft attributed to Einstein; most likely paraphrasing by Roger Sessions; compactly articulates the principle of Occam's Razor) Current Tank Info: 325 6' wide Reef Last edited by uncleof6; 01/18/2013 at 10:35 PM.

01/18/2013, 10:12 PM	#3
zeminabr Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 153	So I can just use capped bulkhead fittings to plug the openings? I thought about that, but I feel unsure about it. That does sound a lot easier than something permanent, though.

01/19/2013, 10:52 AM	#5
zeminabr Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 153	Well, I guess that is one hell of a point. Sometimes it just takes someone to come along, slap you in the face, and tell you to wake up lol. Thanks, uncle. I appreciate it.