Help - Leaking Acyrlic/PVC Combo Sump!

LeonThePeon · Dec 18, 2019

After about 60-70 gallons ended up on my floor - I can't figure out how to fix this leak. I've tried all sorts of stuff to try to stop it from leaking from the outside - but my choices of materials seems limited to adhere between PVC and the acrylic window and be aquarium safe.

I've tried:
- SCI Grip 16
- SCI Grip 4
- Goop marine
- Loctite Repair putty
- Loctite Clear Silicone

Nothing works.

I'm guessing I have no choice but to try to seal from the inside - but I don't know what to use. Thoughts?

Thanks

ScottieB · Dec 18, 2019

Sorry to hear, I think the only way unfortunately is to drain that chamber, dry it, figure out exactly where is coming from and possibly try a product like Weld-On 3... I used it to seal a crack on the bottom of an acrylic sump that was damaged in shipping, it worked like a charm.

The bio-media can just be temporarily added to the display, keep the powerheads and heater running in the display and we can try to get you back up and running in no time.

Dimmy007 · Dec 18, 2019

Weldon 4 I believe is your best bet.

Dimmy007 · Dec 18, 2019

Weldon 3 vs 4 _ 3 is very fast setting non flammable. 4 is flammable and moderately fast setting. If you smoke use 3 but both should do the trick

LeonThePeon · Dec 18, 2019

4 is so watery - and I'm not able to completely disassemble the entire sump to flip it upside-down to get to the leak though. If I try to apply it right side up, it would just drip down and probably not hold?

ScottieB · Dec 18, 2019

I used 3, wasn't sure of the difference. I know 3 was a really thin liquid also, just drip some in and it will track along the seams. Maybe try to clamp the edges together to make them more flush? No need to go upside down, some will drop down but most will work into the seam.

Dimmy007 · Dec 18, 2019

LeonThePeon said:
4 is so watery - and I'm not able to completely disassemble the entire sump to flip it upside-down to get to the leak though. If I try to apply it right side up, it would just drip down and probably not hold?

That makes it tough to do. I figured you would be able to remove the sump and do it that way. You could try JB Kwik Weld. Its a thicker paste you mix together. Or try the marine weld. That works wet. Buy the stuff in the tubs not the syringe. The stuff in the tubes are more paste like. I am not 100% sure on the pvc to acrylic but it is worth a shot and most local hardware stores have it. It says it bonds most plastics. The kwik weld is a 6 minute set but always give it more time if you can.

Blue Tang Clan · Jan 3, 2020

LeonThePeon said:
After about 60-70 gallons ended up on my floor - I can't figure out how to fix this leak. I've tried all sorts of stuff to try to stop it from leaking from the outside - but my choices of materials seems limited to adhere between PVC and the acrylic window and be aquarium safe.

I've tried:
- SCI Grip 16
- SCI Grip 4
- Goop marine
- Loctite Repair putty
- Loctite Clear Silicone

Nothing works.

I'm guessing I have no choice but to try to seal from the inside - but I don't know what to use. Thoughts?

Thanks

Is this an Advanced Acrylics sump? I just received mine from them.

Jamesmost · Apr 5, 2021

Hey now....
How did u fix ?
Was cmn from the window seam ?
Mine just started leaking

Jamesmost · Apr 6, 2021

Bottom seam is leaking,,, pvc/acrylic..

Whats the best move ?
Glue ?

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Apr 6, 2021

Weld on 4 and the applicator. Ive also used jb weld 2 part epoxy on the inside of my lifereef skimmer per jeffs instructions. The weld on 4 will seal it. Ive rebuilt a whole skimmer cup that smashed on my kitchen floor with it and it is water tight.
I can get the jb weld i used for u tonight when i get home fron work but i siggest the weld on 4 again....
D

Jamesmost · Apr 6, 2021

monkeyCmonkeyDo said:
Weld on 4 and the applicator. Ive also used jb weld 2 part epoxy on the inside of my lifereef skimmer per jeffs instructions. The weld on 4 will seal it. Ive rebuilt a whole skimmer cup that smashed on my kitchen floor with it and it is water tight.
I can get the jb weld i used for u tonight when i get home fron work but i siggest the weld on 4 again....
D

Weld on 4 available locally or have to order ?