Leaky Acrylic Overflow

MitchSutherland · 08/24/2015, 11:01 PM

Hi. I have a 90 gallon acrylic tank with an acrylic internal overflow. I began filling the tank and it leaks into the drain department before rising to the level of the overflow grate. The leak is in the bottom of the overflow box. I know silicone does not work with acrylic. I know the tank must be drained. I don't know if I am able to use Weldon to reseal. A material like silicone, where I could create a beaded seam, would seem to be very useful here. But like I said silicone does not work with acrylic. So any ideas? I know if I have a stand pipe it won't matter. But the tank is drained so I just want to fix it. Any help would be appreciated.

shifty51008 · 08/25/2015, 12:50 AM

Use weldon 16. It is thick so it kinda acts like a runny silicone but will fuse the acrylic together

MitchSutherland · 08/25/2015, 12:54 PM

Okay if I have a stand pipe installed would that eliminate any problems?

MitchSutherland · 08/25/2015, 12:57 PM

I am reading that if the stand pipe is just under the overflow grate(which it is), it won't cause a problem. I am just thinking if it keeps leaking won't it just continue to drain from the display and into the stand pipe? Until the water level reaches below the leak?(my leak is on the bottom seam of the over flow, so obviously it won't work).

ericarenee · 08/25/2015, 01:04 PM

Depends on the stand pipe.. If it turns down and creates a siphon it will leak until the siphon is broken . This will be at or near the lowest point water can enter into the pips..

If the stand pipe is NOT Glued into the bulkhead it can leak around the bulkhead .

I think its best to Drain the tank and fix it correctly....with weld on 16 as said above.

MitchSutherland · 08/25/2015, 01:11 PM

Okay could I just use that Weldon 16 similar to a silicone? Or do I need to glue in a piece of acrylic with it as well?

MitchSutherland · 08/25/2015, 02:06 PM

I am basically asking, do I need to glue a piece of acrylic? Or may I just use the Weldon on 16 to seal the area?

ericarenee · 08/25/2015, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchSutherland

I am basically asking, do I need to glue a piece of acrylic? Or may I just use the Weldon on 16 to seal the area?

The weld on alone should be fine. If the crack is not more then say 1/16of inch.

08/24/2015, 11:01 PM	#1
MitchSutherland Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mishawaka, Indiana Posts: 258	Leaky Acrylic Overflow Hi. I have a 90 gallon acrylic tank with an acrylic internal overflow. I began filling the tank and it leaks into the drain department before rising to the level of the overflow grate. The leak is in the bottom of the overflow box. I know silicone does not work with acrylic. I know the tank must be drained. I don't know if I am able to use Weldon to reseal. A material like silicone, where I could create a beaded seam, would seem to be very useful here. But like I said silicone does not work with acrylic. So any ideas? I know if I have a stand pipe it won't matter. But the tank is drained so I just want to fix it. Any help would be appreciated.

08/25/2015, 12:50 AM	#2
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	Use weldon 16. It is thick so it kinda acts like a runny silicone but will fuse the acrylic together __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

08/25/2015, 01:04 PM	#5
ericarenee Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 3,110	Depends on the stand pipe.. If it turns down and creates a siphon it will leak until the siphon is broken . This will be at or near the lowest point water can enter into the pips.. If the stand pipe is NOT Glued into the bulkhead it can leak around the bulkhead . I think its best to Drain the tank and fix it correctly....with weld on 16 as said above. __________________ 240+G Mixed BB Reef tank.. 350 G Marine Pond. And the expensive stuff that runs it. Chic's are for Chic's You silly men Go Fishing or something... Current Tank Info: 240= gal Reef /550 Gallon Saltwater pond 72 G Bay front Tropical aquarium

08/25/2015, 12:54 PM	#3
MitchSutherland Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mishawaka, Indiana Posts: 258	Okay if I have a stand pipe installed would that eliminate any problems?

08/25/2015, 12:57 PM	#4
MitchSutherland Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mishawaka, Indiana Posts: 258	I am reading that if the stand pipe is just under the overflow grate(which it is), it won't cause a problem. I am just thinking if it keeps leaking won't it just continue to drain from the display and into the stand pipe? Until the water level reaches below the leak?(my leak is on the bottom seam of the over flow, so obviously it won't work).

08/25/2015, 01:11 PM	#6
MitchSutherland Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mishawaka, Indiana Posts: 258	Okay could I just use that Weldon 16 similar to a silicone? Or do I need to glue in a piece of acrylic with it as well?

08/25/2015, 02:06 PM	#7
MitchSutherland Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mishawaka, Indiana Posts: 258	I am basically asking, do I need to glue a piece of acrylic? Or may I just use the Weldon on 16 to seal the area?