Acrylic crazing
Sat, 09/18/2010 - 15:19
Hey Jeff, this is Ben from OBX. I have a question about acrylic crazing. I have a 3 month old acrylic tank that is 24w 20d 14h rimless with 1/2" acrylic. All four corners are crazing already. At the very top of the tank the front bows out about 1/2". Should I be worried about it? The crazing is not bad yet. You can only see it by looking up towards the light on the tank wall or when the moon lights are on. All the cracks are only 1/16" long or so. Would it be possible to put some type of brace on it. Or should I consider looking for a new tank. Thanks, Ben
Sat, 09/18/2010 - 21:33
#2
depends
Hey Ben,
Yea, rimless are usually built with a thicker dimension acrylic. 1/2 is only good up to 18" width at a 12" height. The 24" width along with the 14" height is quite a bit over the limit. At three months old, there should be no crazing......anywhere. Todd is correct about the solvents. Undue stress is another culprit. However, I am thinking since it is only in the corners, a single part weld was used and/or the 1/2" just can not support the stress.
A euro brace will help the issue and can be fabricated and installed in about two hours. I would ask the fabricator to route a euro and see if they are willing to do the install. I would be glad to do it, if you bring me the tank. Looking at $100. Not a good option, since it is up and running and you are a ways off.
At the least, you can fab your own center brace or just purchase a bar clamp to hold you over for the time. I'm not feeling like I would trust it too much longer, without a center brace or better. Can you tell or do you know if it was welded with 4 or 40?
I am here all the time, just not always available on the phone. Pm's and e-mails are the best way to get me. I always reply to them.
Sun, 09/19/2010 - 09:23
#3
How hard would it be to
How hard would it be to install the euro brace my self if I had one made. I do not know what it was welded with; I purchased it from a guy on ebay John with Advanced Acrylics. I tried contacting him with no response; figures! I think that the 1/2" acrylic is the problem for the span of the acrylic pane. I all most would rather get a glass tank made to replace this one; depending on price. Can you get custom glass tanks. I would like 30"w 22"D and 16"H with a external horizontal overflow. Two drains and two returns all through the overflow. Is it worth it to get starphire glass? Thanks for the help!
Sun, 09/19/2010 - 17:43
#4
sure
You could weld one on. Not really something you want to do for the first time on an existing system. Could be disastrous.
As for the custom glass, I will send a quote request out tomorrow. It could take a day to two weeks for a response. Yes starphire is worth the extra.
Wed, 09/22/2010 - 13:35
#5
Thanks Jeff. I think I would
Thanks Jeff. I think I would like to go the starphire route. If you could please email me once you get the quote. My email is bejamn122280@aim.com. Looking forward to it. Thanks, Ben
Thu, 09/23/2010 - 19:18
#6
Thanks for all the help guys.
Thanks for all the help guys. I spoke to John from Advanced Acrylics, where I bought the tank. He is going to make me a new tank free of charge. This time I will get the euro brace so I don't run into this problem again. Now I have a question. If I was going to do an external overflow on the back wall that would house two 1.5" bulkheads how big should it be. Also Jeff; I am thinking of using the old tank as my sump. Could you get some plugs for the bulkheads and make a euro brace and a few baffles for it. Or should I just trash it. Thanks again, Ben 
Sat, 11/06/2010 - 11:01
#7
Hey Jeff. I wanted to ask
Hey Jeff. I wanted to ask about converting my old tank into a sump. I now have the new tank up and running and it is euro braced. I would like to have the old tank braced on the top so it does not bow any more. Doesn't have to be a euro brace; just a couple of pieces to keep it straight. Also would like four chambers: one for the drain, one for the skimmer, one for the refuge, and one for the return. Is this something you could or would be interested in doing. And any idea on an estimated cost. I could drop the tank off any time and there is no hurry on getting it done. Thanks, Ben
Mon, 11/08/2010 - 14:03
#8
quote
It would cost around $125.00. If you can send me a diagram, I can be more accurate.
Sat, 12/11/2010 - 12:23
#9
Sump?
Hey Jeff,
Just wanted to check on the progress of the sump. Would like to pick it up before xmas if possible. Let me know. Thanks, Ben
Sun, 12/12/2010 - 18:07
#10
done
you can pick it up this wed-thur.
Personally, I'd consider looking for a new tank - especially since you say all 4 corners are doing it AND the panel is bowing out. Using the wrong solvents on acrylic is the main culprit for crazing.