Skimmer Help

[griss]

I have an OLD eshopps cone skimmer. It's the type with a seam on one side of the cone. I noticed last night that bubbles are literally pouring out of the seam. I believe that over time, the acrylic has started to separate on this seam. I really would prefer to not have to buy a new skimmer right now. Would it be possible to use one of the thicker grades of Weld-On to seal it? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[kharmaguru]

I have an OLD eshopps cone skimmer. It's the type with a seam on one side of the cone. I noticed last night that bubbles are literally pouring out of the seam. I believe that over time, the acrylic has started to separate of this seam. I really would prefer to not have to buy a new skimmer right now. Would it be possible to use one of the thicker grades of Weld-On to seal it? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

That's what I would do. Even a strip of silicone if all it has to do it seal the crack (but you'll have to wait longer to use it with silicone).

 

[griss]

That's what I would do. Even a strip of silicone if all it has to do it seal the crack (but you'll have to wait longer to use it with silicone).

Thank you. That's what I was thinking. I think I have some Weld-On on my tool bench. I'll probably give that a try first since I'll soon be dosing the Dr. Tim's Re-Fresh and Waste-Away combo. I want the skimmer ready in case the tank clouds up when dosing that.

 

[mtnbike101]

Any concerns with anything leaching from the Weld-On?

 

[griss]

Any concerns with anything leaching from the Weld-On?

I don't think so. I've used it in various tank related projects in the past. It's also the adhesive that acrylic tank manufacturers use to, "weld" the acrylic panels together.

 

[mtnbike101]

I don't think so. I've used it in various tank related projects in the past. It's also the adhesive that acrylic tank manufacturers use to, "weld" the acrylic panels together.

Thanks for the info!

 

[griss]

Thanks for the info!

No problem.

 

[AntGF]

Hello griss, I am new here. Maybe try some UV resin, it cures fast and hard with a UV light. I use it on many things plastic needing repair.

 

[griss]

Hello griss, I am new here. Maybe try some UV resin, it cures fast and hard with a UV light. I use it on many things plastic needing repair.

Thank you. Is that something you can get at a hardware store?

 

[AntGF]

Thank you. Is that something you can get at a hardware store?

I don't know, is possible. I get mine on Amazon.

 

[griss]

I don't know, is possible. I get mine on Amazon.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

 

[griss]

Found this in the archive and two of the responses state to use Weld-On to repair almost the exact same issue I'm having.

That said, one of the responses says NOT to use Weld-On as it will cause the acrylic to crack or craze due to eShopps flame polishing their acrylic. I don't believe that to be the case. Here's why. About 5 years ago, while cleaning the skimmer, I dropped the collection cup and broke it into two pieces. I was able to use Weld-On to glue the two pieces back together with no issues. That repaired collection cup is still in use today.

 

[griss]

I do have some Weld-On. Skimmer cleaned and soaking in vinegar to remove Ca buildup before trying to seal it.

 

[griss]

Here’s what I was dealing with

Here’s the repair to the cup. I know, it’s ugly but has worked for 5 years.

 

[griss]

The Weld-On

Not a pretty repair, but it think it’s going to work.

 

[griss]

Now, I wait 24 hours for it to cure.

 

[JohnL]

Nice work

 

[griss]

Nice work

Thanks

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Looks only comes into play in the display.

 

[griss]

The fix worked.