How do I fix these cracks - Acrylic

[craprap]

This is a picture of the top of a 125 gallon acrylic tank. It is in the corner of the large opening by the overflow on the top of the tank. There is a spider effect happening and one hairline starting to make it was towards the over flow. Any suggestions on what I should do? I do have a canopy so it can be an ugly fix. Thanks

 

[flower]

If it is a removable top do you really have to have it? Can you order a new piece?

 

[craprap]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3045276
If it is a removable top do you really have to have it? Can you order a new piece?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. It is the actual large opening on the top of the tank. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[bmkj02]

Weld-On. Dont remember the number but use the one that looks like water not the paste (in a metal jar). I would pour some on it to fill in the small cracks unless you want to glue a piece of acyrlic on top of it

 

[tr1gger]

I wouldnt really say those are "Cracks" but more stress fractures. Im unsure if that would comprimise the strength of the tank.
How did they get there or did you buy it like that?

 

[craprap]

Originally Posted by tr1gger
http:///forum/post/3045547
I wouldnt really say those are "Cracks" but more stress fractures. Im unsure if that would comprimise the strength of the tank.
How did they get there or did you buy it like that?
I brought this tank new, 5 years ago. I checked the tank is sitting level. I am not sure how long these cracks have been there. About a month ago I bought more rock and redid the whole layout. I have rocks the entire width and height of the tank. I built it up from the middle(front to back). As I built upwards I went towards the back, so I do rock resting against the back of the tank.
These cracks remind of the wet/dry unit I use to have. It use it get extremely hot in the base, and the wet/dry developed these cracks. I replace it and put a fan in the base and I haven't had a problem since.
I do have 4 - 48" VHOs in the top canopy. So I was thinking these cracks are from the heat from them.

 

[tr1gger]

Its very possible it is from heat. I would say since its on the top of the tank, its really not bearing the load say the sides or bottom are. I think it should be ok structurally. Do you have any fans for those lights?

 

[gypsana]

I agree about them possibly being caused by the lights. I would not put anything on them, you will make it look worse than it does now.

 

[slade1274]

Water thin Weld-on product available in small glass bottle at most craft stores would work great. It has a capilary effect and is drawn into the gaps and actually fuses the acrylic together. That is the same method the manufacturer uses on all of the tank joints; so it's good. It will not mess up the appearance as it is drawn into the crack itself.

 

[gypsana]

Originally Posted by slade1274
http:///forum/post/3047486
Water thin Weld-on product available in small glass bottle at most craft stores would work great. It has a capilary effect and is drawn into the gaps and actually fuses the acrylic together. That is the same method the manufacturer uses on all of the tank joints; so it's good. It will not mess up the appearance as it is drawn into the crack itself.
I built my own acrylic tank and I used Weld-on.It does work by fusing acrylic together but with such fine cracks it is going to spread over the surface hence giving a possibility of a clouded spot.

 

[stdreb27]

Judging from where it is at, I wouldn't even bother messing with them.

 

[devilfish]

Quote:
Originally Posted by slade1274 http:///t/358447/how-do-i-fix-these-cracks-acrylic#post_3047486
Water thin Weld-on product available in small glass bottle at most craft stores would work great. It has a capilary effect and is drawn into the gaps and actually fuses the acrylic together. That is the same method the manufacturer uses on all of the tank joints; so it's good. It will not mess up the appearance as it is drawn into the crack itself.
this guy is a freak psycho and is not to be trusted. He once had me inject my fish with a hypodermic needle filled with h2o calling it a "hypo" treatment of some sort for ick. maniac.