acrylic bonding??? what to use

[Panduriniii]

What is used to bond acrylic to acrylic that is reef safe of course.

 

[lotsofgallons]

use weld-on #16..it comes in a toothpaste type tube and works wonders. just go to your local acrylic fabrication shop and ask for it

 

[powdertang05]

use weldon 3 on how to use it go to melevsreef its a step by step and shows you with pics

 

[BrokeColoReefer]

#16 is for gap filling joints
#3 is a fast setting version of #4 and is illeagle in california and some other places
#4 is what is common to make typical joints out of acrylic, but because of the altitude that i live at, i have to use 3. I dont know why.
#3 and #4 require a perfect fit, and will leave a bubble free finish
#16 will fit almost any joint but leaves tons of bubbles when it cures.

 

[champscorner]

definatley check out melevsreef site. i'm getting ready to build my sump in about a week and have been spending alot of time on his site. not only does he lay out several step by step sump plans but he also lists a place to order the weld-on. i'm actually ordering weld-on #4 and 16 tomorrow. i do have a question though, should i use #3 or #16 on the interior baffles?

 

[BrokeColoReefer]

You can use three if your fit is good. If not, 16 will work just fine. Its just bubbly, which doenst matter in a DIY sump. FWIW, i use three every where i can, i only use 16 if i goof up a seam.
I also use 16, with a syringe, to put a very small bead along the edges. It assures you it wont bust, and it also will prevent any leaks if you didnt get the seam work done perfeclty the first time with 3.

 

[schneijt]

I bought a sump on eBay that I had to glue together myself. It seemed to have small leaks no matter how much of the thinner stuff I wicked into the seams. I bought #16 and put a small bead along the inside seams, and it's rock solid now and leak-free. I'd recommend using both to ensure you get the best possible bonding of the acrylic panels. It's worth it to make sure you never have to deal with a leaky sump...

-Joe

 

[BrokeColoReefer]

FWIW, i would be ****ed if i bought a sump that had to be patched with 16. If the cuts and edges are fit together properly, 3 is all you need. If your material didnt wick it was because of the joint work, not the glue. But, i complety agree, for a DIY sump that is not for sale, goop it up with 16, just realize its not going to look very pro. After all, its just a sump right?

 

[champscorner]

thanks guys, but i have one more if you don't mind. if my demnsions are 40x18x16 and plan on having the three baffles for the bubble trap and the baffle for the refugium would this hold the sump together good enough as not to bow or should a make a top flange? thanks again

 

[champscorner]

sorry forgot something..... also should i worry about cleaning up the edges after the sump is complete and if so what's the best way to go about this?

 

[champscorner]

anybody know if the flange is necessary?

 

[BrokeColoReefer]

unless the baffles are spread out pretty evenly, you will want a top brace. I dont think that three baffles close together will stop bowing. If your using 1/4" no way, if your using 1/2" maybe. I would put a top brace on anyway,