acrylic corner help

[lben4737]

I have a acrylic tank that looks beautiful except the weld in the corners has turned orange. Could I add some weldon #4 to the joints and let is seep in? would it help with the discoloration of the old weld

 

[Timfish]

When acrylic joints fail they typically turn a silverish color from altered refraction/reflection of light through the joint. If the joint has turned orange it sounds like algae or cyano has might have worked it's way into the joint and maybe died. If this is the case It's douptfull wicking #3 or #4 or applying #16 isn't going to help much and certainy isn't going to get rid of the discoloration. If this system is full of water it's best to empty it while you attempt repairs.

 

[lben4737]

When acrylic joints fail they typically turn a silverish color from altered refraction/reflection of light through the joint. If the joint has turned orange it sounds like algae or cyano has might have worked it's way into the joint and maybe died. If this is the case It's douptfull wicking #3 or #4 or applying #16 isn't going to help much and certainy isn't going to get rid of the discoloration. If this system is full of water it's best to empty it while you attempt repairs.

The tank has been in storage for a while. If you look at it from the front of the joint it shows discoloration. If you look at it from the side it's nice and clear. I just didn't know if I could get something to wick into the joint to help

 

[Timfish]

Interesting, you might try cleaning it with a tooth brush and H2O2. Whether or not that helps, you can reinforce the joints a bit by using weldon 40 on the inside f the joint. But whether you try #3, #4, #16 or #40 you want to test it in an inconspicuous spot first. If the acrylic is old the glues might cause "crazing" or small microfractures in the surface of the acrylic.

If you choose to use #40 it is a lot more tedious than the others but gives a much stronger joint. It is a 2-part and you will need a good scale to measure the 2 parts. Once mixed it has the consistency of 90 weight oil and can be gently poured into the corner joints. Each joint will need to perfectly horizontal when you pour it and the #40 needs to set up well before the tank is moved so it will take some time to reinforce all the joints. If you also place acrylic rods in the joints that will add additional strength to the joint.