Crazing or seam separation?

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

I have an acrylic 90 gallon 4' tank. The only panel I have noticed this on is the top panel. All side and bottom panels are clear and imperfection free. Just curious if this is seam separation or standard crazing. Trying to make a few decisions on my setup and this may make things easier to decide on which route to go once I know. To my knowledge it has been this way since setup over a year and not gotten any worse.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

@cromag08 , would really like if could chime in on this one. You seem to have an amazing handle on acrylics. Thanks in advance.

cromag27 · Mar 19, 2017

separation. sorry!

Reefrookie220 · Mar 19, 2017

+1 Definitely separation.

For lack of a better way to explain it, crazing looks like a bunch of little "cracks" or lines that start around a seam,and travel away from it.

The separation you can see that it looks like the chemical weld has released.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

All I needed to hear. Makes my decision for me right there. Since on top and been that way from start, I know this is a loaded question but, immediate change over needed or so I have time to do my next build right?
Second question, is there a Weldon product I can use to "reseal" that portion once broken down for a setup later?

Thank you for the honest answer! Looks like it's time for me to do some tank shopping.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

I had a feeling. I kind of already knew that, but was hoping someone would say: "Nope, looks good" lol. Hope and a dream. Haha

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

All I can say is The Wife isn't gonna be happy with me about this one. D'oh.

Reefrookie220 · Mar 19, 2017

I'd the tank has been set up for this long, and it's around the top brace only, imho you've got time.

That being said, that could be a large gap soon. I'd replace when I could, but wouldn't run to the shop right now for a tank.

Plan your upgrade!

Reefrookie220 · Mar 19, 2017

Be sure to note any bow to the tank wall this was sealed to. If any is noticed at any point, it's time to replace asap.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

Thanks! Gonna sit down with the accountant/wife this eve and see what we can make happen. May take a ride this afternoon and at least price some options. Appreciate the help! Looks like a new build thread may be in the works soon. Lol

jasonrusso · Mar 19, 2017

I just got rid of my 150 acrylic for the same reason. I had one spot that was about 1.5" that was completely white and just small separations. I never saw any salt on the outside. The guy who bought it said he can fix it.

Maybe this can work when it's empty. I was afraid to try anything when it was full. Weld-On 4 Acrylic Adhesive - 4 Oz and Weld-On Applicator Bottle with Needle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096TWKCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lCSZybVX6JR6W

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 19, 2017

jasonrusso said:
I just got rid of my 150 acrylic for the same reason. I had one spot that was about 1.5" that was completely white and just small separations. I never saw any salt on the outside. The guy who bought it said he can fix it.

Maybe this can work when it's empty. I was afraid to try anything when it was full. Weld-On 4 Acrylic Adhesive - 4 Oz and Weld-On Applicator Bottle with Needle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096TWKCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lCSZybVX6JR6W

Thanks for the input! Fortunately the wife and I are talking about house shopping this moment as well, so a move was to come anyway. So basically all I'm going to be looking for is something large enough to keep all my coral and fish happy. I don't have any fish requiring a large tank so that's a plus! I'll take all the extra rock and put in my garage at work in a large food grade drum with flow and a heater to keep it alive and ghost feed every so often to feed the critters. I can also move the 90 to the garage at work to do a full rebuff and attempt some seam repairs out of my living room. I'm a tank half full kinda person so it will all work out.