Prevent further "Crazing" in Acrylic Tank

**cxj** · 03-22-2009 03:10 PM

Hi, (I really need help)

I purchased a used 180 gallon 2'x2'x6' 3/8" thick acrylic tank. This is my first acrylic tank. I noticed a little imperfection in the front middle of tank but the guy (whom sold me the tank) told me that I won't see it once I fill the tank with water. I believed him...

I did some research, it is crazing. A nice guy that deals with acrylic tanks told me to reinforced the top (brace) with three additional pieces (3/4" or 1" thick) clear cell cast acrylic. Using Weld On #16 and clamps. This reinforcement will make the top stronger therefore it will PREVENT further crazing.

I have been trying to look for scrap pieces but no luck. (2) 6"x24", (1) 12"x24" 3/4" thick. Right now a 24"x24" 3/4" thick clear cell cast acrylic will cost me $90 shipped. I want to make sure this is going to help before I make another investment into this tank :-(

Can anyone have any advise on this matter? Any input? Thanks

Charlie

acrylic fish tank manufacturer

**dougc** · 03-22-2009 06:30 PM

3/8" sounds awfully thin for a 180 gallon tank. As one who has seen a 210 gallon tank break (glass, not acrylic), I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone.

Is the crazing in the middle of the panel or at an edge? Isn't the top already braced?

**cxj** · 03-22-2009 06:56 PM

Yes some on the edge but on the front panel also. The idea is to make the top brace thicker to prevent further crazing.

**tholleyh46** · 03-23-2009 12:27 AM

Do you have some photographs of this crazing to see exactly what you're dealing with?

**tholleyh46** · 03-23-2009 12:36 AM

I had cracking, which certainly isn't the same issue but a panel I glued in (two actually, one inside and one outside) kept the tank with watertight integrity, but the cracks are certainly noticable, albeit on the bottom where they are you can't see them unless you are looking up from the sump. I did stop drill all the cracks, and none of them have edged further from the stop drill. You can see the acylic cement (still blue) in the stop drill holes and old plumbing holes in the photo provided.

Best of luck and post a photo if you get the chance!

**cxj** · 03-24-2009 10:11 PM

Here are the pictures. How likely is it for an Acrylic tank to leak or break apart?

**lizardarm** · 03-27-2009 10:05 PM

Honestly, I wouldn't spend any more money on this tank. As stated above, 3/8" thickness isn't typically considered sufficient for a pane of acrylic that size. Did the seller tell you how old the aquarium is? Can't say for sure if the crazing will be visible when it's filled with water; but those a weak spots in the acrylic and it would be a shame to spend thousands of dollars building up a beautiful reef tank just to have it wiped out in one fell swoop (not to mention your floor).