PROBLEM with Sweetwater Epoxy paint ratio not 3:1 its 4:1

[Sphyrna]

I am not to sure where to post this. I did a quick search on here and saw that others had the same problem. I was hoping someone might be able to offer some advice.

I purchased some black Sweetwater epoxy paint from Aquatic Eco Systems. I mixed it according to the directions listed on the back of the can in a 3:1 ratio. I ran out of activator part B before I ran out of resin part A. So I suspected something was not right. I contacted the manufacture and they informed me that their epoxy was to be mixed in a 4:1 ratio. After a long conversation with Aquatic Eco Systems they agreed to replace the used epoxy and acknowledge their negligence for the mis print on the label.

Needless to say I have already painted around 100 sq ft with the incorrect ratio. I spoke with Pilgrim the manufacture of Aquatic Eco Systems Sweetwater epoxy paint. They informed me that there is a possibility that because of the unbound polymer chains of activator the epoxy might not be aquatic fish safe.

I have noticed others on here have accidentally made the same mistake and was hoping they could offer some advice.

Can anyone verify this ratio to be fish safe?

If I have to remove this epoxy and reapply it because of Aquatic Eco Systems negligence. I will be over the top upset.

One of Pilgrim's employees told me they have on several occasions told Aquatic Eco Systems of the miss print and that they needed to change it. Why this wasn't done I will never know.

I hate paying for others oversights.

 

[mike b]

hmmmmmm I wonder if theyd replace mine too I built my plywood using the 3:1 ratio and was wondering why it didnt seem to add up that Id run out of one but not the other but unlike you I didnt contact aquatic eco systems anyway to answer your question Ive not seen any adverse effects with my fish theyve been in the tank about 10 months I think? something like that i cant actually remember

 

[Macomber]

I posted a few months back about the mixing ratios being wrong... I noticed it while mixing it in 1/4 size batches so I ended up just mixing the entire pot.

Since your going to be receiving an extra can of epoxy, wouldn't just adding another coat to the tank make it fish safe?

 

[Sphyrna]

mike b,
I am glad to hear things worked out and the epoxy seems to be fish safe. I assume that the epoxy provides a water proof barrier with good adhesion to the sub surface?

Macomber,
The plan at this point is like you said to re-coat over the epoxy. However two potential problems exist. First if the second coat of epoxy chips ever the base coat will be exposed and second what if the ratio changed the adhesion properties like the manufacture mentioned.

 

[sross]

If my memory serves me right I think when I built my first tank about 5 years ago. The instructions on the sweetwater can said 3:1. My tank held water and fish just fine for several years before I built another tank and took the old tank apart.

 

[Sphyrna]

What I find astonishing is the fact that Aquatic Eco Systems has known about this problem for several years according to the manufacture.

 

[sross]

Yeah that's crazy

 

[VLDesign]

Glad I didn't try Sweetwater on my new tank.