How bad are bubbles in acrylic seams?

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davis101

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2009
667
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18
canada
Basically done building my 480, but there are a few spots where small bubbles and some short lines in the acrylic seam formed. The thickest is maybe 1/8" in one small spot up the side. The tank is 8x4x2 high and the acrylic is 1/2". I think I know why the lines and bubbles formed. I hand sanded the edges to prep them and they werent perfectly flush when I finished. Do you think I will be okay? I was going to use weld on 16 all around the bottom edge just to add a bit more re-enforcement to the seams. Also how long should I wait to test fill? A week?

Basically I'm asking how detrimental are a few bubbles to the integrity of a tank.

Thanks in advance.
 
what did you use for seal? weld-on?
 
weld-on 4. I got a couple perfect seams but I got a thin line in a couple seams. Some are hair thin but one is like 1/8" at its widest point.
 
It was definitely my edge prepping that was the problem. It was almost impossible to get it perfect with a sanding block. (I thought every one was perfect, but I guess not)
 
impossible to take apart and redo. weld-on #4 fully sets in 24 hours, I use it all the time at work. I would fill out side or in the garage and water test for a week, with heat. not cold.
 
Oh I know its impossible to redo. I had to rip off the front panel to redo it after I realized the acrylic wasn't touching in certain spots. That was like 20 mins after I applied it and it was a massive pain to get off. It says 72hrs for 80 percent strength.
 
then i would go by that, i may not be remembering directions right, I have not read them in a few years.
 
So do you think it would be okay to start adding water after 72 hours? I think I will start with a couple inches just to make sure all the corners are sealed and then add a couple inches every 6 hours or so.
 
where are you water testing?
 
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