Bubbles in Acrylic Seam - Opinions, Please

[glenngreen]

This is a 240 (8x2x2) acrylic tank, about 3 years old. The seller says these bubbles in the seam showed up 2 years ago or so, and have not changed since then. No leaks, no changing size, etc. Its otherwise a good deal, and I really want a 240 tank. Is this one worth the chance?

 

[shiv]

I have no experience with acrylics, but have read it on the forum that the tanks can be patched up. Maybe you can do the same.

 

[ScoobyRacing03]

If you can reseal it I'd think it would be ok but I wouldn't feel comfortable using it as it is right now

 

[glenngreen]

Anyone with an acrylic tank have seams like this?

 

[glenngreen]

I posted this once, but I think this title is more clear to folks.

I have a shot at what I think is a good deal on a 240L acrylic tank setup. The seller shared these pics of some bubbles in a seam. He said the tank is 3 years old, and these bubbles have been there about 2 years. There has been no changes in them for the whole 2 years. Should I be worried, or should I finally get my monster tank and be happy?

 

[12 Volt Man]

I would not get that tank. if the bubbles were there from day one and didn't change, thats different. but the seller said they developed after a year with water in.

just because they didn't change in the last two years doesn't mean they might not get worse after you buy, especially since the tank has been drained and will be refilled again, which removes all the pressure then puts it back again. high stress on the tank. with big bubbles like that, its not worth the risk. this is 240g of water we are talking about, not a 10g tank..

for big tank you want maximum quality with in reason. a tank like this with a possible flaw is just not worth it.

acrylic tanks can leak, granted probably not as often as glass tanks with silicone seams, but they can still leak. my LFS had a 1200g acylic tank began to leak after 8 years. surprising, but true..

 

[killerfahaka]

personally, I would not buy it...

 

[Pharaoh]

I would not get that tank. if the bubbles were there from day one and didn't change, thats different. but the seller said they developed after a year with water in.

just because they didn't change in the last two years doesn't mean they might not get worse after you buy, especially since the tank has been drained and will be refilled again, which removes all the pressure then puts it back again. high stress on the tank. with big bubbles like that, its not worth the risk. this is 240g of water we are talking about, not a 10g tank..

for big tank you want maximum quality with in reason. a tank like this with a possible flaw is just not worth it.

acrylic tanks can leak, granted probably not as often as glass tanks with silicone seams, but they can still leak. my LFS had a 1200g acylic tank began to leak after 8 years. surprising, but true..

I agree.

 

[Camshaft Ramrod]

NOOOooo!

 

[cvermeulen]

I'd buy it. I would just acrylic cement a cleat into the corner where the bubble is and try to get some Weld on #4 to wick into the bubbles if I could. With a 1/2x1/2 cleat cemented into the corner it will be stronger than the day it was made, and if you're careful, it won't look too bad either.