Cracks in Acrylic Tank?

[sharkauto]

Has anyone had cracks form on the face of an acrylic tank from heavy vibration or earthquakes? I have a 100 gallon acrylic tank 60x18x22 that formed hundreds of horizontal cracks on the front face during 2 weeks of construction near by. The sewer in the street was replaced less than 30 feet away 15 feet deep they dug a hole and filled it with gravel packing it with a hydraulic impactor on a large escavator. Pictures fell off walls and items fell from tables and shelves and lights swung. The tank sloshed for 2 weeks off and on for hours at a time and cracks up to 1" long formed in vertical rows and patches (see attached picture). The construction company admits to the heavy vibration, but tells me the cracks that formed in my tank are a coincidence and not caused by the vibration and shaking they do admit to. They told me this damage is common to acrylic tanks due to age and there is nothing on the web about acrylic tanks damaged by vibration? The claims manager told me he would be willing to pay for the damage if he had an expert to tell him this damage can happen. Has anyone ever had or heard of damage caused to a tank from earthquake like vibrations? Please help B4 my tank is in pieces on my floor. Thanks.

 

[mojoreef]

I would think any acrylice tank builder could atest to that happening. I would check with one of our sponsors for a contact name and number

Mojo

 

[mcoomer]

Call your insurance company, describe the damage, and submit a claim with them. Let them pursue a claim against the construction company. Only other route I can think of is to lawyer up and let them pursue it. Probably not worth it for the cost of a tank.

Mike

 

[Aquanaut]

Ooooh man...I feel your pain. Seems like acrylic bowage stressing your tank. Could you exterior laminate another acrylic sheet to re-inforce the bowing condition? At our last PSAS meet we used special bonding curring glue to work with acrylic sheets. Something to consider as a safety. I'd plan a back-up plan for disaster. Unlike your situation, my +11yr old acrylic is showing identical patterning in all the stress areas...curved corners and bottom joints and especially arount the opening of top portals. I attribute mine to halide heat in an enclosed canopy and leaning in durring maintenance of my aged system. I am not waiting to replace my system. I wouldn't delay what you perseve to be a bad situation waiting to happen. Time for Noah to finish the ark soon.

Best wishes to you.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes definitely report this to your insurance company now... while the details are fresh in your mind. I am not an expert but I do deal with plastics and adhesives. Environment does affect various plastics... namely chemicals, UV, thermocylicing, vibration, can all attribute to the 'ageing' of the material. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and maybe replacement cost if you can capture the image.

 

[sharkauto]

Thanks for the replies and advice. The claims manager said he would pay if I could show him that an expert like many on this forum could confirm this damage is likely caused by the vibration and sloshing around of water for 2 weeks. My home owners insurance will cover the loss after a $500 deductible which I hate to pay as this damage was caused by the construction and I should not be out anything. Same issue for paying a lawyer to sue. Still hoping someone on this forum with acrylic tank damage and/or manufacturing experience can confirm this heavy vibration likely caused this damage. Can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[Chichas01]

get a hold of Jason at CFI, in the sponsor forum. ha could probably answer that.

 

[mcoomer]

get a hold of Jason at CFI, in the sponsor forum. ha could probably answer that.

I believe that Jason would certainly qualify as an expert.