Thoughts?

[ac7av]

I would think that laminating even a 1/8 inch thick sheet over the bottom would cure the crack from spreading and the leak. No need for a thick layer of all your doing is just laminating it on the bottom. You can get sheets at any hardware store for under $50. You will probably spend more on the Weldon to do the job.

 

[TotalVapor]

I would contact Jason@CFI

he could get you a new bottom on the tank pretty quick. He did that top in his sponsor thread.

 

[lvsuckerfish]

I would cut a 1/2 to use as an inlay and re glue to the walls and also the bottom. probley better to find an acrylic shop to do this for you if you have no experience with acrylic and glueing.

 

[ntswift]

Okay i will try to call Jason and see what he says. I agree with the laminating the bottom. I'm just hesitant at this point if it'll work. I will see what he says though. Thanks a ton!

 

[dogfrog]

Could the whole bottom just be cut off and a new one glued on. It might make the tank an inch shorter

 

[lvsuckerfish]

with 1/2 in it will work if you can redo the complete bottom thats better but hlaf inch will make it all the more stonger even with the cracks I would do weldon 3 in the cracks to seal them up before hand though weldon 3 is the watery(if thats a word) adhesive. should slide in the cracks to help seal them up before the in lay is set. with alot of glue....

thats sucks hope it all works out good for you.

 

[iroll253]

Cant you just cut a square around the crack and patch it like you do holes?

 

[Jesse_emel]

from looking at the pictures in your build thread it doesn't look like putting a new piece that covers the whole bottom is an option. This tank is not rimless. So I'm assuming you'll have to flip the tank upside down, seal the cracks and cover the whole bottom with a new thin piece of acrylic. Then re-drill the bulkhead holes? If you need help flipping that bad boy over let me know.

Also I was taught to put sheets of egg crate over the whole bottom before putting in any sand and especially rock. Gives the bottom a chance to survive in case of an impact.

 

[ntswift]

yeah cutting the bottom off and resheeting it is an option as well. However I'm not sure on the cost of that. I did use weldon 3 for the cracks before I put the patch on it and then used Weldon 3 to patch with as well. I am just really stumped on how it is still leaking. I even sealed around the patch to make sure no water came in from the sides. I agree with you Jesse, I do need to put egg crate in the bottom of the tank. I really dont like the looks of it in the bottom but its just added protection that is definitely needed. I think the best option is flipping it over or at least on its side and patching the bottom with 1/8 or 1/4 inch acrylic. I cant really patch the bottom from the top down because as stated its not a rimless tank and it would have to be in pieces to get it thru the holes up top. I might take you up on that offer Jesse if you wouldnt mind helping me flip it? I still need to call Jason at CFI just to make sure it will work and go from there first.

 

[NC2WA]

ntswift,

You can't go wrong calling Jason @ CFI, and is prolly the wisest thing you can do for piece of mind IMO..

 

[ntswift]

definitely will be a piece of mind coming from him what to do to fix it because I have heard so many good things about him. I'll keep you all posted! Thanks!

 

[ntswift]

Well I talked to Jason and he confirmed that I should replace the whole bottom. It wasnt nearly as bad of a price as I thought it would be. So now to get it over to him with out doing anymore damage! haha

 

[lvsuckerfish]

thats along the lines i was going with it as a thin peice will not hold all the weight from a cracked piece of acrylic with the weight it can and will crack more sooner or later atleast with a half inch piece you will have added security of a fail a safe being a thicker material. 3/8 will do the same and with that pressure and weight thats just an accident waiting to happen glad it is a price you like I have heard great things about Jason from others on the site.

 

[ntswift]

Me too so I feel very comfortable sending it to him to get fixed and trust that its going to get done right.

 

[NC2WA]

ntswift,

Glad to hear this...my entire system, (tank, sump, stand) was built by him..Excellent workmanship, you made the right call..

 

[lvsuckerfish]

now just don't drop anything on it and be glad it wasn't glass

 

[ntswift]

LMAO...Thanks LV...you being from vegas like me, know how luck rolls...