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Longterm Reliability of Acrylic Products

Maxima

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Maxima Newbie

Maxima

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I would to gather inputs on longterm Reliability of DIY Acrylic made sumps, Tank, Calcium Reactors. I wonder if anyone have issues with leakages after a period of time. I notice Acrylic leakage tend t be an issues with most DIY, but never actively discuss in this forum :blink::blink: .

:thanks:

Max

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Achilles Tang Newbie

Achilles Tang

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Even commercial acrylic stuff will leak over time if the workmanship and QC isn't up to scratch.

Most DIY projects will likewise leak if the workmanship is not good enough.

In the case of acrylic, what kind of solvent grade they use for a permanent weld and the workmanship in doing the sealing/welding is important, DIY or commercial... it involves human skill and knowledge.

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Maxima Newbie

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Even commercial acrylic stuff will leak over time if the workmanship and QC isn't up to scratch.

Most DIY projects will likewise leak if the workmanship is not good enough.

In the case of acrylic, what kind of solvent grade they use for a permanent weld and the workmanship in doing the sealing/welding is important, DIY or commercial... it involves human skill and knowledge.

I think commercial projects involve 2 grade of solvent.

the first applications is to joint up the contact

the second applications of a gel like cement is to enforce any potent holes and also double strength the connection.

Is all these material(Acrylic Solvent & Acrylic Cement) available in S'pore?

If the answer is "NO".........so :sick:

Max

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Morgan Newbie

Morgan

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Max, how do you term 'long term'?

more than 2yrs.....?

My PM skimmer is still working OK after 3+ yrs, although I broke the neck off during cleaning last year. I have the neck glued back and have no problem so far.

Workmanship is very important as well as finishing on the egdes that is to be bond. Big gaps and the bonded parts will be very weak and can give way after some time.

Handling by the hobbyist is another, if the unit is subjected to knocks everytime it is maintain....it wouldn't last very long

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Maxima Newbie

Maxima

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Max, how do you term 'long term'?

more than 2yrs.....?

My PM skimmer is still working OK after 3+ yrs, although I broke the neck off during cleaning last year. I have the neck glued back and have no problem so far.

Workmanship is very important as well as finishing on the egdes that is to be bond. Big gaps and the bonded parts will be very weak and can give way after some time.

Handling by the hobbyist is another, if the unit is subjected to knocks everytime it is maintain....it wouldn't last very long

I'm actually referring to local vs oversea commercial workmanship & Knowledge. The key is the curing process, heard of UV curing? There isn't enough knowledge locally to DIY something as good as what you get from German or US.

:thanks:

Max

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Ian Newbie

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I think commercial projects involve 2 grade of solvent.

the first applications is to joint up the contact

the second applications of a gel like cement is to enforce any potent holes and also double strength the connection.

Is all these material(Acrylic Solvent & Acrylic Cement) available in S'pore?

If the answer is "NO".........so :sick:

Max

Actually there is those solvents here. Just not easy to get and not cheap at all. And I'm using them for my products. And also one those solvents I use is made in Germany. :)

I have a very very small :evil: project coming along and will finish in 2 weeks time. Do come by and take a look!

Acrylic Aquarium Filtering Systems

Acrylic tanks, sumps, protein skimmers, overflow box, refugium, calcium reactors, zeovit reactors and many more...

Our New Address:

Blk 9003, Tampines St. 93,

Tampines Industrial Park A,

#03-134, Singapore 528837

(Located behind Tampines SAFRA)

Contact Nos.

(Tel) +65 9298 9489

(Fax) +65 6588 4711

Please direct your...

Email me : info@iaquatic.com

*Please do not send PM's to us. Thank you

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Ian Newbie

Ian

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Hi Max!

Application of the first solvent, if done perfectly with the correct tools and methods, the second solvent (thicker kind) is not needed. The second solvent is for closing gaps or small leaks.

Commercially done tanks only use the first solvent. I've actually been in contact with a few Acrylic tank manufactures in the US and … (lets just say they are very very helpful all the way!) One of the reasons why I'm going into this line full time. :D

Acrylic Aquarium Filtering Systems

Acrylic tanks, sumps, protein skimmers, overflow box, refugium, calcium reactors, zeovit reactors and many more...

Our New Address:

Blk 9003, Tampines St. 93,

Tampines Industrial Park A,

#03-134, Singapore 528837

(Located behind Tampines SAFRA)

Contact Nos.

(Tel) +65 9298 9489

(Fax) +65 6588 4711

Please direct your...

Email me : info@iaquatic.com

*Please do not send PM's to us. Thank you

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Maxima Newbie

Maxima

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Max

I have an acrylic sump made by Aquatechnic, at least 10 years old without any leaks/problems

:(:( Here we go.....1 good example.......but the price $$$$?

I saw 1 Aquatechnic 6ft glass tank with 12mm glass without bracing......10yrs still good. Although you can see lots of these thin & lean quality workmanship in German....it is definitely lacking here........

:huh::huh:

Max

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