Longterm Reliability of Acrylic Products

[Maxima]

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 .

Max

[Achilles Tang]

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.

[joachimsim]

Would you know what 's the right type of solvent grade suitable for tanks and sumps? AT?

[Achilles Tang]

chloroform is one of them - a highly controlled substance.

[Maxima]

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

Max

[Achilles Tang]

How about stuff like Weld On? I think a lot of acrylic makers use that overseas and I think its easily available in SG?

[Morgan]

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

[joachimsim]

Wouldn;t knocks on Glass tanks be the same as it seems according to Ian Acrylic Tanks are stronger in bonding than glass!

[Maxima]

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.

Max

[Ian]

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

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 project coming along and will finish in 2 weeks time. Do come by and take a look!

[Ian]

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.

[IanJ]

Max

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

[Maxima]

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........

Max

[Achilles Tang]

I think once the DIY people get hold of the right kind of solvents, problem solved!

[Maxima]

Where's Home Depot????? We need 1 Home Depot in Singapore!!!!!