Cracked acrylic tank

[HappySticks]

So last fall I picked up a used 240g tank. When I got it home I noticed a small(4”) crack on the bottom. I think the last person tried to lay it down with the bulkheads still in the tank. The crack doesn’t go all the way through the acrylic.

someone told me that I could use acrylic glue to bond a new panel to the bottom of the tank and using a product like Weldon would bond the existing bottom and the new acrylic together effectively making a new bottom for the tank. They told me to use at least 3/8” acrylic, 1/2” being a better option

Is this a viable option? I know it can be done but is it recommended?

tank is 96x24x24 so would hate to trash it due to a small crack.

Opinions?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have seen numerous times whereas people have welded/fused (with weldon) a new sheet to the existing for a successful repair. Call it a gamble but I say it’s logic to fuse two panels together successfully

 

[albano]

Yes, I’ve done it on a 130g tank. Drilled both ends of crack to stop it from running, then ‘welded’ extra panel to outside of cracked panel. Been fine for over 10 years.

Also, I don’t remember the #, but there is a very thin (liquid) type of Weldon, that when applied to the crack, will be sucked into the crack to seal it.

 

[lapin]

It can be done. The bigger the panel the better to distribute the weight since the crack is now a weak spot. You want to make sure both panels are squeaky clean and then clean them again. I would practice with a few small pieces to see how (Sci-Grip) Weldon #3 or #4 flows (capillary action) before doing your repair. Stay away from #16 as it will make a mess.

 

[X-37B]

Yes, I’ve done it on a 130g tank. Drilled both ends of crack to stop it from running, then ‘welded’ extra panel to outside of cracked panel. Been fine for over 10 years.

Also, I don’t remember the #, but there is a very thin (liquid) type of Weldon, that when applied to the crack, will be sucked into the crack to seal it.

This is the stuff your talking about. Not sure I would use it to fix a crack all by its self.
I made sumps with this stuff in the 80's and it does create a permanent bond.

 

[albano]

This is the stuff your talking about. Not sure I would use it to fix a crack all by its self.

No, not to fix crack alone... I wanted to seal the crack as extra insurance
The applicator for the liquid is similar to a hypodermic needle, as only a very small amount is used.