cracks on top panel acrylic 220g
- Thread starter reefnoob616
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[h=4]Crazing[/h] Crazing is the term for the network of fine surface cracks that can appear on acrylic. It is generally harmless but the cracks can deepen and lead to failure.
When I asked a local tank manufacturer how serious crazing was, he showed me an acrylic pipe that had failed solely due to crazing. He suggests crazing occurs most on polished acrylic surfaces. Most tank manufacturers polish the top pane so that you don't cut yourself on the sharp edge of the cut-outs. It is nice to not cut yourself here but a better way to avoid both crazing and scrapes is to give the edge a bevel (a 45 cut).
What to Look for in an Acrylic Tank
When I asked a local tank manufacturer how serious crazing was, he showed me an acrylic pipe that had failed solely due to crazing. He suggests crazing occurs most on polished acrylic surfaces. Most tank manufacturers polish the top pane so that you don't cut yourself on the sharp edge of the cut-outs. It is nice to not cut yourself here but a better way to avoid both crazing and scrapes is to give the edge a bevel (a 45 cut).
What to Look for in an Acrylic Tank
reefnoob616
Active Member
Ok so now we know what it is.... Is there a way to fix it since its right on the edge? Must be some sort of epoxy or glue you can put across it to help strengthen it. On my tank that part will be covered so its not that big of deal to be polished.
No, you can't fix it. Its in the Acrylic. And besides, from the looks of yours, I'd say they are fairely new, and I'd not worry about them for a long time to come. Eventually it will fail, but long after you've gotten a new tank.
reefnoob616
Active Member
You do see that it goes in about 1/2" full thickness? Just making sure its ok. Little nervous with 220g of water.
Yea, I see it. You don't have enough of it going on for it to be trouble yet. The tank I scrapped had it all through the top after I polished it. Couldn't risk keeping water in it. You just have a few starts in there.
SunCorals
Active Member
I have some stuff called weld on they make differnet types for different repairs. I will snap a pic tomorrow. You can try a pen aplicator and see if it flows down into the crack? It would create a permanent bond.
