Patching Holes in Acrylic Sump

[moe103]

My current set-up for ATO is a float valve drilled into my sump. I am upgrading to the Apex ATK and would like to close up the hole where the float valve is currently installed. What would be the best way to do this?

 

[mcgyvr]

Cut piece large enough to cover the hole plus some...apply a solvent like weldon3 or 4 or 16 and press piece over hole from the inside...let setup per solvent directions..
Its quite easy..

 

[moe103]

Thanks for the reply. How long do I have to keep the area dry before refilling the sump?

 

[mcgyvr]

Thanks for the reply. How long do I have to keep the area dry before refilling the sump?

That depends on the solvent you use.. see its instructions for full cure time.. Typically a few hours is likely sufficient but 24 hours would be better for the weldon/scigrip products discussed above...
I have put acrylic fabricated/solvent applied parts into water service after an hour or 2 without issue..

 

[moe103]

I can't leave the area dry for too long as my tank is up and running and the hole is at the water line. Would it make sense to apply the patch to both sides of the hole? This way the outside portion has more time to cure as it wouldn't be coming in contact with the water?

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

 

[mcgyvr]

I can't leave the area dry for too long as my tank is up and running and the hole is at the water line.

Why? Its a sump.. No reason it can't just be taken offline and drained down a bit to keep it out of the water.. Any algae/rock in there will do just fine for 24+ hours without circulation..

If you can't fully drain the sump then use weldon 16 as its "thick" and will not run into the water..

 

[Clowning_Around]

Why? Its a sump.. No reason it can't just be taken offline and drained down a bit to keep it out of the water.. Any algae/rock in there will do just fine for 24+ hours without circulation..



If you can't fully drain the sump then use weldon 16 as its "thick" and will not run into the water..

Agreed and for DT just keep your powerheads on.

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