Acrylic Tank Eurobracing Failure

[CAPT_Dave]

Hello Reef Central. I have a 120g acrylic tank that is about 4 years old. The center cross brace has separated and the front is bowing about 1/8th inch at the top. The horizontal brace that runs across the front of the tank is intact and I see no signs of stress on the side seams. The cross brace has been covered with a light bar since I set up the tank and the bar blocked my view of the seam so I have no idea if it failed recently or shortly after I filled it 3 years ago. Should I be concerned?

[CAPT_Dave]

Picture.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170709/eaf262fdc9fe06dcd9188db3f1eab624.jpg

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[mcgyvr]

Should I be concerned?

Probably.. but we cannot answer that question concretely without extensive details on thickness/construction pictures,etc.. and even then its mostly fairly educated guesses..

[thegrun]

I would certainly be concerned, no manufacturer is going to install a center brace unless there is a good reason to do so. That said, it should be easy to fix. Use a pipe clamp to pull the top back together tight and use Weld On #4 solvent to weld/glue it back together. Keep the clamp on for 24 hours to get a solid structural joint. After 24 hours remove the clamp and you should be good to go.

[mcgyvr]

^^ and possible add some more braces as its clear that what the manufacturer did wasn't sufficient..

[ca1ore]

Ruh-Roh! Gots to fix that!

[pfan151]

I'd do as mentioned above and then add another piece above the original brace but that also overlaps the front and back panel.

[SPS_77493]

I would use Weldon 16 which is a little thicker and hold as well as 4.


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[chriscobb]

I'd be concerned can't get a good look at the picture on my phone, but as suggested possibly overlapped piece. Weldon 4 would be solvent of choice not 16 for structural

[chriscobb]

I know it was asked before, but what material thickness? That cross bracing from the cross bracing wasn't done correctly to begin with. I'd personally opt to build the top correctly, but Weldon 4.

[CAPT_Dave]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to follow it. I got a pipe clamp and have some Weldon 40, 2 part, but the consensus seems to be Weldon 4 so I'll get some. Acrylic is half inch.


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[DasCamel]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to follow it. I got a pipe clamp and have some Weldon 40, 2 part, but the consensus seems to be Weldon 4 so I'll get some. Acrylic is half inch.


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Ehhhhhhh, Weld on 40 can be even stronger. Make sure to leave some 40 in the joint, don't want a dry joint. I added support braces with 40. Very strong. Did it as a precaution though.

May want to lower the water ASAP. Make repairs easier.

4 is great if both pieces match perfectly.

[thegrun]

I would use Weldon 16 which is a little thicker and hold as well as 4.


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Sorry, but for a structural bond Weld on 4 (or #3) is superior to #16 and #40.

[DasCamel]

Sorry, but for a structural bond Weld on 4 (or #3) is superior to #16 and #40.
Sure, if it's flush.

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[CAPT_Dave]

Fixed and holding with Weldon 40. Thanks for all the advice.

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