Fix or glue a broken protein skimmer

[Reefmon]

So I get a deal on a second hand reef octopus 5000ext and break it by dropping it! Didn't been in one or two pieces but in 3 pieces!!

Any experience in glueing it so it doesn't leak? I've purchased weld-on 4 and weld-on 16 but scared to trying it because of it not working. I would really appreciate you guys help

 

[jsker]

Acrylic glue, stuff smells great and is what you need to glue acrylic. In Orlando I use Farco Plastic for get my glue and Acrylic for my tank projects

 

[143MPCo]

It's already broken so you really have nothing to loose, I would use the weld-on 16 as it's thicker and will fill in better... after it's glued in use masking tape to hold in place.

 

[Reefmon]

I was thinking the same thing 143MPCo on the tape. I'm worried it will not fill the gaps and leak

 

[143MPCo]

as long as all the breaks are not missing additional pieces you will be ok.

 

[143MPCo]

Do a dry fit and look over all the breaks for missing smaller pieces or gaps.

 

[jsker]

I was thinking the same thing 143MPCo on the tape. I'm worried it will not fill the gaps and leak

I have a tube of the stuff you need to use down at the office. I will take a picture and post it tomorrow. You need to use an Acrylic glue. Anything else will not work over time.

 

[kschweer]

Agree with the Weldon 16. With the thicker glue any gaps should be filled. I would dry fit everything together and take your time making sure everything fits together correctly and mark the pieces so you can line them up when gluing. Masking tape will help hold things in place while the bond sets up like stated before. Also let the glue sit on the parts for a little while before putting things together to let it soften up the acrylic a bit before bonding. Best of luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[143MPCo]

I have a tube of the stuff you need to use down at the office. I will take a picture and post it tomorrow. You need to use an Acrylic glue. Anything else will not work over time.

that's what weld-on 16 is...

 

[Reefmon]

1down 2 to go. Will wait until tomorrow before I cement the other piece. Thanks guys

 

[jsker]

that's what weld-on 16 is...

Yep, that is it.

 

[Amoo]

It ain't fix't right if you didn't use duct tape somewhere along the way!

 

[bobman]

Also if you have a leak after this you can always glob some JB weld on it. Not a pretty fix but works great to seal it.

 

[redfishbluefish]

It ain't fix't right if you didn't use duct tape somewhere along the way!

You're a real man as long as you include a hammer along with that duct tape. If it can't be fixed with either a hammer and/or duct tape, it can't be fixed!!!!

 

[kschweer]

You're a real man as long as you include a hammer along with that duct tape. If it can't be fixed with either a hammer and/or duct tape, it can't be fixed!!!!

A friend of mine always says if you can't fix it with a hammer, find a bigger hammer...lol

 

[Reefmon]

Couldn't find a hammer but I think this will do

 

[143MPCo]

@Reefmon how did you make out?
Have you leak tested it yet?

 

[Reefmon]

@143MPCo Haven't done a leak test but it all looks solid. Surprised how fast it was for it to cure. Max cure is 18 hours so I want to at least wait till then to leak test

 

[143MPCo]

Haven't done a leak test but it all looks solid. Surprised how fast it was for it to cure. Max cure is 18 hours so I want to at least wait till then to leak test

If you have a leak one trick is to take some Acrylic sawdust mixed with weldon and press (gloves should be used) into the area to seal it.

 

[Reefmon]

Sounds tricky and messy but good idea.