Acrylic aquarium damage?

[maciek]

Hi, I just bought my first never used acrylic aquarium and noticed something in the picture I captured. My question is: does this indicate a potentially weak structure in the aquarium? I dont care about how it looks. I only care if it is safe

 

[KrisReef]

“Crazing” happens a lot in seams on acrylic tanks, and on acrylic tubes (reactors & skimmers) and usually gets worse looking over time. I always fill test glass or/and acrylic tanks outside to verify that they are not going to leak.

I have a protein skimmer that is badly crazed (so not use vinegar or solvent to clean them- use diluted muriatic or citric acid to clean them) but it has held water for 10 years looking like a badly shattered glass.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

@Troylee

 

[UncommonSense]

Hi, I just bought my first never used acrylic aquarium and noticed something in the picture I captured. My question is: does this indicate a potentially weak structure in the aquarium? I dont care about how it looks. I only care if it is safe

This is a solvent welded structural seam… that doesn’t look good at all! — some of my first hobby acrylic welds looked like this…

The tank is brand new, correct? If so, I would consider returning it, and trying a different manufacturer! — this should not have passed quality control!

Example of how a welded seam should look; optically clear, even on this ancient trickle filter:

Here’s another trickle filter I have designated to scrap acrylic, given that it leaks from this seam, which looks a lot like the welded seam in question:

 

[Troylee]

Hi, I just bought my first never used acrylic aquarium and noticed something in the picture I captured. My question is: does this indicate a potentially weak structure in the aquarium? I dont care about how it looks. I only care if it is safe

All those welds look poor.. I wouldn’t trust that tank myself.. how big is it? Looks to be 1/2” acrylic so I’d imagine it’s a good size.