Anyone weld HDPE board? Sump

[Breef320]

Hello fellow reefers,

I was given a 180g tank that housed coi previously and it came with a 4’x2’ sump that he made from, what I believe to be, HDPE. I’m going to try and reconfigure the sump a little to add a refugeum.
He welded the seams of the sump but I haven’t done it before.

I’ve looked at some YouTube “university” videos but some of these guys make it look at easy as Extreme Home Makeover on HGTV in the early 2000s.

Anyone have any experience with this?
Recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve never specifically worked with HDPE in structural applications; however, the solvent welding process should be quite similar to acrylic (albeit using a different solvent)….

This is not an easy job for the inexperienced, and requires a LOT of prep work to do well…

Reference this for a comprehensive guide to prepping and solvent welding acrylics to learn some of the principles of structural plastics fabrication! — I was successful in making my first watertight weld (after numerous test welds) by using this guide!

Acrylic Fabrication Q & A

I am very active on a similar mega-thread elsewhere but I couldn't find an active one here on R2R. @Troylee started the Acrylic 101!!!!! thread a while back, but it doesn't look like he's very active here anymore. Maybe this thread will suck him back in, he has great advice. SHORT CUT LIST...

www.reef2reef.com

Edit; it looks like Starboard HDPE specifically… There will be several options for welding or adhering panels together in the marine boating industry; just do your research on reef safe chemical compositions if you go with a specialized HDPE adhesive/sealant!