xinumaster
reef addict
can I just use a aquarium silicon to fixed a leaking acrylic tank?
silicon and acrylic
- Thread starter xinumaster
- Start date
Solitaryensis
New member
I dont think thats a good idea - when you fill the tank, it will likely open up the seam from the pressure. Acylic expands with heat and cold so even if it doesnt bust during the initial fill, im sure youll have problems shortly down the line. Why not use some acrylic weld?
xinumaster
reef addict
I was just gonna use that silicon for that buffer in the sump.
sfsuphysics
Active member
Where is the leak? If it's in a "nice" it's possible to use weldon #16 (thick stuff) and force it into a crack/around a seam. If it's a crack in the acrylic I might try to patch it with another piece of acrylic on the inside. If it's a seam low in the tank... don't know if I'd risk that... hell who am I kidding... *I* would risk it, although that doesn't mean it's advisable.
But if there's no need for strength (ie baffles in a sump, sides to a tank) then by all means it's ok to use silicone, I had a couple small leaks from some bad acrylic work (the acrylic itself was warped) in a prop tank, and I just ran a bead of silicone around the whole thing. Has been going strong for years, but it is NOT a strength bond, simply a sealing bond.
But if there's no need for strength (ie baffles in a sump, sides to a tank) then by all means it's ok to use silicone, I had a couple small leaks from some bad acrylic work (the acrylic itself was warped) in a prop tank, and I just ran a bead of silicone around the whole thing. Has been going strong for years, but it is NOT a strength bond, simply a sealing bond.
