Sealing Acrylic Tank

ccscscpc · 10/15/2006, 07:53 PM

I have a 300+ gallon acrylic tank that has been in storage for a few years. My question is what preventative measures can I take to ensure there will be no leaks when I fill this tank up? It has been driven around and knocked around a bit during the move. Is there anything I can do structurally to add to the corners also? I am not too worried about the look b/c I can build decorative corners over the tank to match the stand and hood.

Thanks for any help and advice!!!

bertoni · 10/15/2006, 09:34 PM

I suppose you could clean it carefully and then check the seams. A bit of acrylic cement would probably fix any issues, but I don't think I'd worry too much if the tank has no visible cracks. Just make sure the stand is flat and solid.

ccscscpc · 10/16/2006, 05:50 AM

Thanks! I found something called Weld-On #3. Would that be the recommended acrylic cement for a fish tank? It says it glues the sheets by softening the surface and welds them together.

Could I also buy a couple of pieces of acrylic and place them over the corners with this acrylic cement to really make sure nothing will ever leak?

Thanks!!!

Shagsbeard · 10/16/2006, 05:57 AM

Read up on working with acrylic at:

http://www.melevsreef.com/

bertoni · 10/16/2006, 01:03 PM

The Weld-On should be okay, and I suppose you could reinforce the corners, but I don't think it's necessary. Acrylic is very strong and the bonds are much more effective than glasswork.

MCary · 10/16/2006, 01:11 PM

Acrylic is chemically bolded or welded together. The seams should be as strong and the rest of the acrylic. Crazing or small cracks along the seams may be something you can look for. But if that is significant it would be dificult to repair. As far as solvent glues I use mostly Weld-on #4 for capillary applications and Weld-on #16 for applications needing a more viscous solution. Also I believe weld-on #40 is good for that.

Mike

ccscscpc · 10/16/2006, 02:12 PM

Thanks a lot for the information!!!
I just get paranoid with such a big tank and that amount of water in my new house. I really do not want to take any chances with anything that is why I want to seal everything to be safe.

navajo · 10/16/2006, 03:40 PM

Just to give you peace of mind, just give the tank to me and buy a new one...

Seriously though, I am with everyone else, as long as there is no crazing, I'd bet it will be fine. I believe they do make a Weld-on that is more like a gel. Can't remember the number right now though. But it could be "smeared" along the existing seams if it would make you less anxious.

And please post pics when you get it up and running. We all LOVE pictures!

Good luck!

ccscscpc · 10/17/2006, 09:23 AM

To be honest I wouldn't mind trading this tank for something smaller like a 180 or 200+. That would be easier for me to manage and start up for me right now.

Randall_James · 10/17/2006, 09:46 AM

I would not use any cements on the tank at all. If it has a problem, it needs to be evaluated by a pro.

Weldon 3 or 4 (4 evaporates slower) will probably cause more trouble for you than good. #16 can be used but it is pretty messy stuff (is more like airplane glue)

10/15/2006, 09:34 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I suppose you could clean it carefully and then check the seams. A bit of acrylic cement would probably fix any issues, but I don't think I'd worry too much if the tank has no visible cracks. Just make sure the stand is flat and solid. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/16/2006, 01:03 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The Weld-On should be okay, and I suppose you could reinforce the corners, but I don't think it's necessary. Acrylic is very strong and the bonds are much more effective than glasswork. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/16/2006, 03:40 PM	#8
navajo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 644	Just to give you peace of mind, just give the tank to me and buy a new one... Seriously though, I am with everyone else, as long as there is no crazing, I'd bet it will be fine. I believe they do make a Weld-on that is more like a gel. Can't remember the number right now though. But it could be "smeared" along the existing seams if it would make you less anxious. And please post pics when you get it up and running. We all LOVE pictures! Good luck! __________________ Tom (The Tool Man) "Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to KEEP fish and his family will soon be eating Ramen Noodles..." Current Tank Info: 210 GAL SW/ 55 GAL Heavily planted FW/ 3000 GAL KOI Pond/

10/17/2006, 09:46 AM	#10
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	I would not use any cements on the tank at all. If it has a problem, it needs to be evaluated by a pro. Weldon 3 or 4 (4 evaporates slower) will probably cause more trouble for you than good. #16 can be used but it is pretty messy stuff (is more like airplane glue) __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

10/15/2006, 07:53 PM	#1
ccscscpc Moved On Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New England Posts: 52	Sealing Acrylic Tank I have a 300+ gallon acrylic tank that has been in storage for a few years. My question is what preventative measures can I take to ensure there will be no leaks when I fill this tank up? It has been driven around and knocked around a bit during the move. Is there anything I can do structurally to add to the corners also? I am not too worried about the look b/c I can build decorative corners over the tank to match the stand and hood. Thanks for any help and advice!!!

10/16/2006, 05:50 AM	#3
ccscscpc Moved On Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New England Posts: 52	Thanks! I found something called Weld-On #3. Would that be the recommended acrylic cement for a fish tank? It says it glues the sheets by softening the surface and welds them together. Could I also buy a couple of pieces of acrylic and place them over the corners with this acrylic cement to really make sure nothing will ever leak? Thanks!!!

10/16/2006, 05:57 AM	#4
Shagsbeard Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Morro Bay, CA Posts: 2,143	Read up on working with acrylic at: http://www.melevsreef.com/

10/16/2006, 01:11 PM	#6
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	Acrylic is chemically bolded or welded together. The seams should be as strong and the rest of the acrylic. Crazing or small cracks along the seams may be something you can look for. But if that is significant it would be dificult to repair. As far as solvent glues I use mostly Weld-on #4 for capillary applications and Weld-on #16 for applications needing a more viscous solution. Also I believe weld-on #40 is good for that. Mike

10/16/2006, 02:12 PM	#7
ccscscpc Moved On Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New England Posts: 52	Thanks a lot for the information!!! I just get paranoid with such a big tank and that amount of water in my new house. I really do not want to take any chances with anything that is why I want to seal everything to be safe.

10/17/2006, 09:23 AM	#9
ccscscpc Moved On Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New England Posts: 52	To be honest I wouldn't mind trading this tank for something smaller like a 180 or 200+. That would be easier for me to manage and start up for me right now.