Some questions about acrylic tanks.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:21 pm

I have a few acrylic tanks, but I'm no expert on them. They're stronger and lighter than glass, that's a plus. The downside is they scratch easily, but it's not a deal-breaker for me. I'm in the market for a new, larger tank, but I'm stuck. Two of my current tanks are clear for life, and I'm really happy with them - the scratches aren't even noticeable with water in them. My newest tank is actually an old one, a tenacore 75 with an acrylic stand that's probably around 20 years old. It had some bad scratches, but I was able to fix them, and for $150, I'm satisfied.

Now I'm looking at 6-foot tanks - 135, 165, or 180 gallons. All of them are pricey. My issue is that the two standard companies, Sea Clear and Clear for Life, use 3/8-inch acrylic for these sizes. The custom companies, on the other hand, use 1/2 to 3/4-inch acrylic, but they take months to make, and I'm not sure about their quality. Plus, they're not local, so I'd have to deal with shipping. The custom company I was considering just got a bad review - apparently, they sent out a tank that was wrong, even after the buyer had paid months ago. That's not reassuring.

I came across a 125-gallon tank for sale with crazing, and I'm wondering if it's worth considering. From what I've read, crazing isn't a big deal - most people say it's not a problem. Here's a picture of the tank. The price is right, and I could use it until I find something better. I'm just looking for some input - thanks.

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Wed Mar 30, 2022 10:08 pm

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

If that crazing's on the bottom, I'd just patch it up with some Weld-On and a piece of acrylic.
Are those cracks surface-level or do they go all the way through?
What's the story behind that crazing, anyway?

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:12 am

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, it's on the bottom. I'd just use a patch to cover it, but I'm not sure about the glue. Would I need to apply it on both the inside and outside of the tank? Haven't had a chance to see it in person yet, so I'm still unsure.

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 3:34 am

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Originally posted by lunar

Yes it the bottom. Now would you just glue the patch over the craze? Would it be needed in side and outside. Haven’t seen it yet. So not sure.

I'd recommend a 1/4" patch on the inside, that's what I did with my own acrylic tank that had cracks. So far, no issues at all.

Can you feel the defect on the outside? If so, I'd do the outside too.

Make the patch wide enough, just in case the craze spreads. And don't be shy with the Weld-on - it evaporates, so excess isn't a problem.

And I know you know this, but I'll say it anyway - use a pad under the tank. I like those grey camping sleep mats from Amazon, super cheap.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:37 am

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

I've been doing some research online, mostly on saltwater forums. It seems like people don't recommend using pads under acrylic tanks. I never used them under mine, not because I was told not to, but because I just never heard of it. Apparently, acrylics can handle a lot more than glass, even when it comes to being level. They say they can be up to 1/4" off due to flex. My tanks started out level, but as I filled them, they shifted. Only one is still level now. Mine are all 3/8" acrylic, though.

I'll take a closer look at this tank tomorrow. It's cheap enough that I'm willing to take the gamble. I'll fill it up and leave it outside for a bit to see if the crazing spreads. I'm thinking of using it temporarily until I can find something better.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:14 pm

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Picked up the tank, the craze doesn't go through on either side. Haven't filled it yet, it's raining here. The whole spot is 2" long by 1/2" wide. Thinking a 4" patch of 1/4 acrylic would work, just on the inside.

I'd get the acrylic and Weld-on from a local hardware store or online at Amazon, maybe eBay. Would need to make sure it's the right type of acrylic and Weld-on for this job.

elixir · Post by **elixir** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:36 pm

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Looks good to me.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 5:59 pm

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Thanks Finny, I'll check that out. Got the tank on its stand now and filled it halfway. Stand's just a basic trim stand, no center support, so I emptied it and added a wooden base. Filled it back up to about 60% now. I'll let it sit overnight and see how it does, then fill it up the rest of the way tomorrow if all's good.

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:12 pm

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

Thanks Vinnie I will look into that. It came with a home made stand. So I put it on the stand and filled it 50%. The stand is just a trim stand with no center piece of wood. So I emptied it and added a wood base and filled it about 60% will leave overnight and if good fill tomorrow.[ATTACH]129216[/ATTACH]

That stand is really well-made.
You've got a knack for finding great deals on acrylic tanks.

tigercub · Post by **tigercub** » Fri Apr 01, 2022 3:03 am

Re: Some questions about acrylic tanks.

I've had pads under my acrylic tanks before, no issues to speak of. That being said, I'm sure many have gone without them and been just fine. Guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference.