Acrylic Leak?

ReeferRob · Jul 2, 2008

So I bought a DIY acryclic fuge a month back. Somehow when glueing everything together in the stand something shifted. I can not see a hole, feel a hole or find the source of the leak with a small dental tool. But when I went to fill it or check for leaks with about a liter of water, some began to leak out of the corner. I didn't know what else to do other than drip some more of the glue there, but that didn't work.
What should I do, any ideas would be great thanks.

ServantSoldier · Jul 2, 2008

is it leaking from a seam?

johnr2604 · Jul 2, 2008

I would personally let it dry out then run a bead of weld-on 16 or equivalent on the inside of all the seams then let it dry for 24 hrs

ReeferRob · Jul 2, 2008

yes leaking from the seam at the corner from how the water runs.

Ive used the weldon not sure the number but that is what Ive been using with syringe.

ServantSoldier · Jul 3, 2008

Depending on how well the edges were prepared will determine what solvent will be best. If they weren't prepared well, weldon 3 or 4 won't bond the sheets, otherwise these would be my first choice. In any situation weldon 16 or 40 can be added on the inside for a leak free bond. 16 won't be pretty due to the bubbles it forms when setting, but it is easy and performs well.

Good luck

Russellaqua · Jul 3, 2008

For a small pinhole (sounds like what you have) you can also use some aquarium sealant. Just allow it a day or two to fully cure and you'll be leak free. With only a pinhole the structural integrity of the fuge won't be compromised, so you don't necessarily need to use more glue.

tunicata · Jul 3, 2008

I had this problem with a DIY sump I bought. Considering it was a small hole, and I figured I knew where it was (water would only go down to a certain level and only leak from one corner seam) it would be no big deal.

I used aquarium sealant and it works for a few days then leaks again. After a few months it changed color...yellow and purple.

I used two different silicone aquarium sealants. The leakage wasn't that bad and I just dealt with unhooking the sump every 2-3 mos. A PITA.

So, now I've bought weldon 4 and 16. I was told 16 would be my best bet for an annoying hole. I haven't used it yet. I'm letting the sump dry out a bit.

Good luck.