Noticed my 210 gallon acrylic has some crazing and top warping.

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fishdat

fishdat

Polypterus
MFK Member
Dec 31, 2014
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Western Canada
I have to admit I didn't know about crazing 4 years ago when I bought this tank so I can't see whether this is a new development or old damage. Just learned about it and decided to check my tank and now here we are.

The concrete floor is about 0.75" unlevel, so the tank leans to the left hand side when facing it. It's sitting on styrofoam. The side with less pressure is showing the worping and worse crazing.

The lefthand front side. The back end doesn't merit pictures.
20200421_232510.jpg
 
Accidentally posted before rest of pictures posted.

This is the righthand front side.20200421_232415.jpg

This is the side view of the righthand back end. The crazing is at the surface.
20200421_232456.jpg

And the warping on the top.
20200421_232443.jpg

There's also this lighter area slighty off to the left of center on the seam attaching the back panel to the top.
20200421_235200.jpg
 
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It's hard to tell what we are looking at exactly from the pics. Is the crazing in between where two panels meet or at the end of one panel?
If it's outside edge and not between the seams it's because they didn't polish the cut edges to "finish" the tank. Non issue.

If it's in the seam that could be an issue. I don't remember what number of weld-on product you'd be looking for if its in the seam. There is a very thin weld-on applied with a syringe that could fix it.

I'd guess the warp is caused by that lamp placed on top of the tank. The bulb is heating the acrylic differently then in other areas which is causing it to rise.
 
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twentyleagues said:
It's hard to tell what we are looking at exactly from the pics. Is the crazing in between where two panels meet or at the end of one panel?
If it's outside edge and not between the seams it's because they didn't polish the cut edges to "finish" the tank. Non issue.

If it's in the seam that could be an issue. I don't remember what number of weld-on product you'd be looking for if its in the seam. There is a very thin weld-on applied with a syringe that could fix it.

I'd guess the warp is caused by that lamp placed on top of the tank. The bulb is heating the acrylic differently then in other areas which is causing it to rise.
Click to expand...

It's both. The seams also have a wedge for reinforcement though.

Good to know about fixing being possible.

The lamp has an led spotlight, cooler than the T5, and I have one on the other side too without warping.
 
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Depends how the tank started and if he notices this getting worse or not. If this is all new crazing it’s not good. If he bought the tank like that then it’s likely fine. Keep an eye on it. If it gets worse drain the tank, add weldon 40 along all seams or acrylic rods and you are good for life.

Looks like 1/2” material which is a little undersized for the tank size.
 
Lepisosteus said:
Depends how the tank started and if he notices this getting worse or not. If this is all new crazing it’s not good. If he bought the tank like that then it’s likely fine. Keep an eye on it. If it gets worse drain the tank, add weldon 40 along all seams or acrylic rods and you are good for life.

Looks like 1/2” material which is a little undersized for the tank size.
Click to expand...
I found an old picture and it's definitely developed all this since purchase. I've been keeping an eye on it and it seems like it's worsening.

I'll be looking into Weldon 40 and rods. Thanks for the advice.
 
fishdat said:
I found an old picture and it's definitely developed all this since purchase. I've been keeping an eye on it and it seems like it's worsening.

I'll be looking into Weldon 40 and rods. Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...
Even consider scrapping the tank. Sell it as a terrarium and buy a better made one
 
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