Used Acrylic Sump

[blando233]

Hey guys,

I just got a used a acrylic sump from my buddy and i just cleaned it with vinegar and water and letting that dry. I noticed some silicone i believe coming off so i thought of going through the whole thing and putting new silicon just to be safe. I assume i would use silicon or do i need to use something else for acrylic? Also he said there a is a SMALL leak where the side connects to the bottom and he says its not a leak where it drip or anything just where salt builds up on the outside. When i go through with the silicon do you think that will fix that problem?

 

[nuxx]

Probably not silicon on an acrylic tank.

For acrylic you'll need acrylic glue like Weldon.

 

[blando233]

Probably not silicon on an acrylic tank.

For acrylic you'll need acrylic glue like Weldon.

Ok thank you does it go on just like silicon and is there any certain kind i need from weldon? The stuff that is inside the sump looks like silicon where the sides meet.

 

[skeeter_ca]

You would need to clean off all the silicon. Silicon should not be used for acrylic. It does not stick well to it as you will see when you peel if off. Get some Weldon 16(I believe that's the number) Thick solvent. It reminds me of model airplane glue of the older days. Prop up the sump so the seam is at the bottom and run a bead of solvent the entire length. Let it cure for about an hour and then do the next seam the same way until you are done with all the seams. Let it cure for at least 24 hours and you should be good as gold.

skeeter

 

[blando233]

You would need to clean off all the silicon. Silicon should not be used for acrylic. It does not stick well to it as you will see when you peel if off. Get some Weldon 16(I believe that's the number) Thick solvent. It reminds me of model airplane glue of the older days. Prop up the sump so the seam is at the bottom and run a bead of solvent the entire length. Let it cure for about an hour and then do the next seam the same way until you are done with all the seams. Let it cure for at least 24 hours and you should be good as gold.

skeeter

Awesome! thanks guys for the quick responses.

 

[blando233]

I went to Home Depot today they did not have Weldon 16. Any other suggestions or is there anything in particular i should look for maybe? I think i found it on the internet but it is 16 bucks no biggy but thought it would be somewhere local.

 

[MitchSutherland]

A couple plastic shops is most likely where you'll find it. It's more like pvc glue consistency than silicone. Where exactly are you located?

 

[theatrus]

Got any pictures of the sump? Seems kinda odd that someone used a bunch of silicone in it.

 

[hipower]

Got any pictures of the sump? Seems kinda odd that someone used a bunch of silicone in it.

Probably tried to fix the leak with silicone, look up plastics in your phone book.

 

[blando233]

I am in Rochester NY. Well he used to work at Caribbean Forest and its one of our LFS here. But the stuff is every edge etc. Unless it is not silicone but i feel like it is. I can take a pic of it tomorrow and upload it. I just want to fix the small little leak but it really doesn't leak leak just salt forms there. I just want to go through the whole thing to make sure.

 

[blando233]

Also this is what i found on the internet

http://www.aquacave.com/weld-on-16-thickened-acrylic-glue-5-oz.html

 

[MitchSutherland]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/IPS-weld-on-16-acrylic-plexiglass-glue-adhesive-5-oz-/200980510773?nav=SEARCH
I actually know the seller of this. Ships fast, good guy, and cheaper. And I had a very small leak in my over flow box. Online it states running Weldon 16 up and down a seam for added protection actually doesn't help. What I did was had quarter inch acrylic strips cut at a plastic shop(scraps=free). I used the Weldon 16 with the acrylic strips to "plug the seam" where it was leaking. Worked perfectly. I was a little generous with the Weldon 16 because I did not want it to to leak. Actually I am willing to bet if you put in the message to the seller(on eBay). "May I have a few acrylics scraps to plug an aquarium leak?" He will give you some. I guarantee it. He is a plastics shop.

 

[MitchSutherland]

Btw silicone feels rubbery and smushy when cured. Weldon 16 is pretty hard and dense. I feel that's what you're seeing not silicone.

 

[azjohnny]

I went to Home Depot today they did not have Weldon 16. Any other suggestions or is there anything in particular i should look for maybe? I think i found it on the internet but it is 16 bucks no biggy but thought it would be somewhere local.

You can find Weldon on Amazon

 

[blando233]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/IPS-weld-on-16-acrylic-plexiglass-glue-adhesive-5-oz-/200980510773?nav=SEARCH
I actually know the seller of this. Ships fast, good guy, and cheaper. And I had a very small leak in my over flow box. Online it states running Weldon 16 up and down a seam for added protection actually doesn't help. What I did was had quarter inch acrylic strips cut at a plastic shop(scraps=free). I used the Weldon 16 with the acrylic strips to "plug the seam" where it was leaking. Worked perfectly. I was a little generous with the Weldon 16 because I did not want it to to leak. Actually I am willing to bet if you put in the message to the seller(on eBay). "May I have a few acrylics scraps to plug an aquarium leak?" He will give you some. I guarantee it. He is a plastics shop.

^ Really i cant go through the seam and it wont fix the problem? Hmm ok i will have to look for some scraps then because i thought i would go through the whole thing and make sure so i am sure everything is in different sizes etc.

Btw silicone feels rubbery and smushy when cured. Weldon 16 is pretty hard and dense. I feel that's what you're seeing not silicone.

^yeah it is pretty rubbery etc. What i will do is go through and peal all that off and redo it with acrylic cement to make sure i have no leaks down the road.

You can find Weldon on Amazon

^ yeah i went on Amazon and i saw it just wondering if it was the same thing because the one i found was red and the one on Amazon was blue so i which i am sur eno biggie but wasnt sure if it made it a difference.

 

[blando233]

Also if i need to get scraps or strips where would be the best place to go get some cut any suggestions on that? I will try googling around here in Rochester to see if i see anything.

Thanks guys

 

[iSeeMax101]

You can buy Weldon online pretty easy

 

[MitchSutherland]

I read online using the Weldon 16 just on the seam like silicone is ran, is not the best thing to do. You should buy the Weldon from the EBAY link above..Then apply the Weldon 16 in the area and smash the acrylic scrap pieces into the area. This is basically plugging the seam that has failed, by putting a new seam over it. There won't be different sizes or anything if your plugging the one hole. I just called and talked to him for ya. He could send about 3 or 4, four inch long strips with the Weldon 16. They would fit flush in the leaky corner/bottom. If you do this, click on the "ask the seller a question". In that box put "Also need some scrap strips for aquarium". He will know what to do after that.

 

[MitchSutherland]

You don't have to do that. But it worked for me pretty easily for my leaks. If you need help message me.

 

[blando233]

I read online using the Weldon 16 just on the seam like silicone is ran, is not the best thing to do. You should buy the Weldon from the EBAY link above..Then apply the Weldon 16 in the area and smash the acrylic scrap pieces into the area. This is basically plugging the seam that has failed, by putting a new seam over it. There won't be different sizes or anything if your plugging the one hole. I just called and talked to him for ya. He could send about 3 or 4, four inch long strips with the Weldon 16. They would fit flush in the leaky corner/bottom. If you do this, click on the "ask the seller a question". In that box put "Also need some scrap strips for aquarium". He will know what to do after that.

^awesome thank i will do that. If i have questions i will message you. Thanks!!