acrylic question

[reefrash]

I recently repaired an acrylic tank using weldon #4 anyone out there know how long it takes to off gas, and when I can restock it? I normally say "get a new tank", but this one is custom, and was an easy fix.
thanks

[Reefland]

I would think 24-48 hours would be sufficient.

[reefrash]

Thanks, thats what I was thinking but the guy at TAP plastics got me all scared "it takes a full two weeks to off gas", and I was thinking "it's just MEK if I leave the bottle open it evaporates in a day or two". Cool.

[Meric]

Acrylic joints continue to cure even after it has dried on the outside. For safety sake if there is a lot of pressure you may want to wait at least a week, before filling. Otherwise the joint may craze or fail from pressure.

[Reefland]

But the fumes should effect anything on a low pressure joint after 24 hours would they?

[Meric]

Since it is still curing, it would be releasing small amounts of gas as the Solvent continues to dry inside the joint. It may not be sufficent to be toxic, but there would still be some gas releasing the whole time. Depends on how big a crack he fixed and where exactly it is located. I would have more concern on the Crack/Joint crazing if it is put under pressure or wetted too quickly.

I have heard about people who have built their own sumps with acrylic, waiting 24 - 36 hours before adding water, only to have the sump fail 6 months later because the joint didn't cure long enough.

There's always some risk when you DIY, you just have to determin what is accepatable to you. I personally would let the joint cure at least 5 days, unless it is small and near the top of the tank.

[reefrash]

It's not in an area with any kind of stress, I just didn't want to kill the fish. Actually, I got excited with the ease in wich the operation went, I might even try to make an overflow box for fun whee.....
BTW thanks guys.