cute. real darn cute.

[ron popeil]

alright well, im assuming my canopy was just too close to my tank. my beautiful acrylic tank is now marred with two cracks.

the top of the tanks upper framework of support stuff has been severed. one crack is around the right corner overflow. the other is on the opposite side of the tank.

for some reason, my initial thought is stress fractures from uneven weight displacement. but i think that is just my own phobia coming out. im sure more than likely the cracks are heat induced.

ill try to get some pictures up later, but does anyone have any suggestions or advice for this? should i be excessively concerned or...am i just going to have to live with it?

is it in need of repair?

thanks

[Illusion]

well I am not too Acrylic Savy but I am sure one could get some 1/4" or 1/2" acrylic and "Patch" it... Dont know how well it would work but it could be a good suggestion... But I do have a Few "heat" induced cracks in my Top Brace due to the Previous owner going Overboard with the lights LOL.. Top is 5/8" on my tank as well LOL... I was told not to worry about it and it doesnt really seem to hurt anything..

James

[NeilsReef]

Hello,

Do you have any outgoing fans in the hood to draw the heat out of the canopy?

Better questions to start with: what are the dimensions of your tank & hood? What type of lighting are you using + wattage?

Acrylic tanks are extremely strong, but excessive heat can do a job on the top of them (as well as other things), if adequate ventilation is not in place.

Oftentimes they can be repaired quite easily depending upon where the crack is, you may even be able to repair it with all the inhabitants inside. It may look a little unsightly to get it repaired but I recommend it. With out seing a picture I can't tell whether or not the cracks are cosmetic, or structurally significant.

I am sure any LFS will have what you need to repair it yourself, wish you the best!

Hope this helps, if it is the lights I would turn them off so it doesn't get worse, just my opinion.

[Piero]

regardless of tyhe cause, the presence of theose cracks now will reduce the tank's structural integrity...and may end up turning into a bigger disaster down the road. Better safe than sorrry.

[Kevin1000]

If the cracks are only in the upper struts connecting the front and back of the tank you can repair those pretty easy without endangering the structural integrity of the tank - this kind of problem is more common in glass tanks but probably easier to repair in acrylic tank --- a pic would help.

[d rock59]

jordan,

throw some pics up and i think it will make it more clear. Also, if you need a hand fixing it i can help. I ve worked a "little" with acrylic.

[drock59]

also, how close are you lights to the top of the tank?

[drock59]

whats the word??

[liquidfunk]

I had that happen,,, I used a clamp, threw on a 4x4 hunk of acylic on the underside, glued it with #16 (the thick stuff) and its perfect. It didnt "close" the gap, but I know its not going anywhere.... I would do something, but I wouldnt panic, just try and clamp it shut a bit, glue on some reinforcments and go from there.


Once you get a picture PM it to envision, he is the local acrylics master, and he was very very helpful for me when building my sump. He was wonderful help with my newbie questions.

[Big Dave]

I would also suggest using some Weld-on. You can use some #4 (smaller #s are thinner, more runny) - the #4 will seep into the cracks, clamp them together. Then do the 4"x4" piece over the top of the crack. Should work like a charm!

HTH

-Big Dave

[ron popeil]

thank you so much guys for the tips and advice. im sorry i didnt get any pictures up, but i had the little boy over. tomorrow ill get some pictures up, and then try to test out these tactics.

thanks again for the help.

[wanareef]

Jordan

You really don't have a "canopy" per say, just a big pendant. Just depends on where the cracks are, how far apart they are and if they are on the inside or outside.

Usually Weldon #16 will work, if there is any space but no more than - 1/16" if the crack is not thru the piece then you can use Weldon #4. Remember, these areas have been stressed and not trying to scare you, should hold together for some time.
good luck

[Reefin']

maybe drilling the end of the crack so it does grow?and fill or patch.