Tip and pour method for acrylic tank seam repair - resources?

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davenmandy

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Feb 1, 2012
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Does anyone have any links/resources that I can research about the tip and pour method of acrylic aquarium seam repair? I am finding limited stuff on it, I have yet to really dig deep but wondered if anyone had any good links or DIY articles they can pass along so that I can learn how to do this properly. I am goin to use Weld-on #40, I have no idea how much I would need for the seams on a 7x4x2, if anyone had an idea that would be good because I can't get it locally, have to buy it online. My seams are starting to go milky, and I have never done this before so I really want to make sure I do it right, any suggestions on where to look for guidance is appreciated. Thanks.
 
Ya Russ has helped me a lot, he's a good guy, but I feel everyone and their uncle PM's him about acrylic tanks, so if he feels like chiming in great, but I've bugged him enough lol. Thanks though, I am willing to learn and do the research myself, not asking for a hand hold, just a point into where I can read up on this, threads, articles, websites, etc.
 
Just wanted to add that I am unable to get a gallon kit where I live, everyone says I would have to take 4 as they come in cases of 4 but do not want to stock 3. So if I were to order more pint kits (I have 1, and 8 pints in 1 gallon) how many more pint kits should I order? Bearing in mind this is my first time doing this, and on top of the seams I have to patch a crack in the brace about 6-8" long.
 
Tip the tank on the side that I want to work on so its flat on the ground, so I can work on all 4 seams? Or tip it so that the one seam that I want to do is the only thing touching the ground and then lean it against the wall or something? And just pour it along the seams and leave it, or do I use something to apply it evenly type of deal so it has a proper seal that reinforces the seams? I have never done this before, I bet you I am overthinking it but it is a big task for me, I'm playing with something that I can't replace in a day. Anything else I should know about weld#40 that will help when using it to ensure a successful seam reinforcement?
 
Put the corner you want to reinforce downward, so the tank makes an upward V. You work one seam at a time. Then when you pour gravity will make the weld on fill the seam. I let it sit for a couple hours to set. Try not to spill/splash when pouring. If you do, don't wipe just leave it and let it trickle down. I wiped some and just made it worse. It gets hot when mixed, go slowly because a huge pour of hot liquid will craze the rest of the acrylic it touches from the heat. This is my advice from my experience and the Wednesday13 thread. It will take days maybe week or longer most likely to do the entire tank. Make sure you have a safe place for those awesome Leo's while you work.

Good luck bro.
 
Leaning against the wall and approximating the 45 degree angle is what I did. Pour and let it set like this. Phixer builds wooden jigs to hold the tank. I just leaned against the wall.
 
Diesel you are the man, thank you. I get the concept now. What do you mix it in? Do you use a wooden stick or something to help apply it evenly or literally just pour it along the seam like water and let gravity do the rest? How much of it roughly do you pour on the seam, just enough to cover like 1 cm of both adjoining panes? I can't get my hands on a gallon kit, everyone says I have to buy 4 because they won't stock 3, how many pint kits you think it would take? I appreciate the input.

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