hello MFK I could really use some advice.
I have an 8x3x2.5 acrylic tank that is around 2 years old. I've noticed some crazing on the front of the tank on the outer edges, I've kept an eye on it and it is slowly spreading. The seams don't have any crazing in them but there are a few tiny bubbles near the interior seams joint. 90% of the seams are free from the tiny bubbles. There appears to be more seam bubbles on the front of the tank where the crazing is versus the rear of the tank. I don't see any crazing on the rear of the tank, only on the front panel and on the side panels near the front of the tank.
I did some reading and read that if my tank is unlevel it could cause this. I've taken a level and sure enough the back/rear of the tank is lower than the front of the tank, the level bubble is touching the black line towards the front of the tank. I'm planning on draining the whole thing, undoing the plumbing and trying to shim the rear of the stand. The stand is welded steel. It has 8, 2" legs that come down to a 2" steel perimeter beam.
The tank also sits on foam on top of wood. I'm reading that the foam may be bad for the acrylic tank also and could be a part of the problem. I'm thinking about removing it when I attempt to level the stand.
The tank has been running for around 4 months now. No leaks or issues other than the crazing and I really want to keep it this way.
Questions: I'm hoping Pharoah and some of you vets can help advise me
How urgent is it that I level this stand quickly? Is the crazing a sign of imminent doom? Should I be freaking out right now? I am heading to my other home for a week tomorrow, can this wait until I return? It's been setup in this location for around 4 months now.
What kind of shims should I use under the rear steel beam that won't compress or crush under the extreme weight of the tank, stand and water?
Should I remove the foam from under the tank and put the tank straight down on the plywood between the tank and stand?
Should I consider putting a bead of Weld-40 to the interior perimeter of the tank to strengthen the possibly weakened seams?
Any advise or stories are welcomed. I thank you in advance. Posting some pictures now.
I have an 8x3x2.5 acrylic tank that is around 2 years old. I've noticed some crazing on the front of the tank on the outer edges, I've kept an eye on it and it is slowly spreading. The seams don't have any crazing in them but there are a few tiny bubbles near the interior seams joint. 90% of the seams are free from the tiny bubbles. There appears to be more seam bubbles on the front of the tank where the crazing is versus the rear of the tank. I don't see any crazing on the rear of the tank, only on the front panel and on the side panels near the front of the tank.
I did some reading and read that if my tank is unlevel it could cause this. I've taken a level and sure enough the back/rear of the tank is lower than the front of the tank, the level bubble is touching the black line towards the front of the tank. I'm planning on draining the whole thing, undoing the plumbing and trying to shim the rear of the stand. The stand is welded steel. It has 8, 2" legs that come down to a 2" steel perimeter beam.
The tank also sits on foam on top of wood. I'm reading that the foam may be bad for the acrylic tank also and could be a part of the problem. I'm thinking about removing it when I attempt to level the stand.
The tank has been running for around 4 months now. No leaks or issues other than the crazing and I really want to keep it this way.
Questions: I'm hoping Pharoah and some of you vets can help advise me
How urgent is it that I level this stand quickly? Is the crazing a sign of imminent doom? Should I be freaking out right now? I am heading to my other home for a week tomorrow, can this wait until I return? It's been setup in this location for around 4 months now.
What kind of shims should I use under the rear steel beam that won't compress or crush under the extreme weight of the tank, stand and water?
Should I remove the foam from under the tank and put the tank straight down on the plywood between the tank and stand?
Should I consider putting a bead of Weld-40 to the interior perimeter of the tank to strengthen the possibly weakened seams?
Any advise or stories are welcomed. I thank you in advance. Posting some pictures now.
