Post by paddysdaddy on Feb 25, 2012 12:19:07 GMT -6
First, no pics yet, this is really ugly at the moment.
I have a 42" diameter, 60 inch tall acrylic cylinder tank. It was a mixing tank at U of Louisville and the intermittent owner was thoughtful enough to cut it down (poorly) from 96" tall. It is 3/4 acrylic with a double layer bottom-which was falling off when I bought it.
I drilled and tapped for 30 stainless 1/4x20 x 3 1/2"bolts, and used epoxy in the holes for insurance. I used the high $ epoxy between the mating surfaces, then used it on the inside after the bottom was attached. It leaked. Repeat epoxy. Leaks. Consulted a very smart acrylic tank builder, friend of the family for 30 years kinda guy, he recommended Silicone #795 (it does not come in Clear. Sidenote: This is what you want to reseal slate bottomed tanks). 795 bonds acrylic, glass, concrete, steel, aluminum, lexan to ANYTHING. Two $13 tubes of black color silicone installed extremely well (120 degree silicone, acetone for degreasing, etc), gorgeous work. LEAKS. A year passes, I consult another very smart fellow who recommends a product that shall remain nameless until it is proven. Installed it, again, very good surface prep, processes, technique etc. Gorgeous work IMHO. LEAKS! But this time is leaks from one of the filled holes from the former mixing vanes on this former mixing tank.
Two days ago, all holes drilled out, degreased, filled with Silicone II.
I am going to fill it now. Pray for me.
I vow to all that's holy, if it leaks this time, I will install 400 lbs of hydraulic concrete, filling this tank 4" deep for the final attempt at "sealing" this tank. I will do this with an evil laugh.
If it leaks after that, it is going to meet Mr Makita Circular Saw with his Tungsten Carbide teeth.
If, by some chance, it holds water, I have a colony of Pearsii that would look good in there
but let's just pray for a leakfree tank for now.
I have a 42" diameter, 60 inch tall acrylic cylinder tank. It was a mixing tank at U of Louisville and the intermittent owner was thoughtful enough to cut it down (poorly) from 96" tall. It is 3/4 acrylic with a double layer bottom-which was falling off when I bought it.
I drilled and tapped for 30 stainless 1/4x20 x 3 1/2"bolts, and used epoxy in the holes for insurance. I used the high $ epoxy between the mating surfaces, then used it on the inside after the bottom was attached. It leaked. Repeat epoxy. Leaks. Consulted a very smart acrylic tank builder, friend of the family for 30 years kinda guy, he recommended Silicone #795 (it does not come in Clear. Sidenote: This is what you want to reseal slate bottomed tanks). 795 bonds acrylic, glass, concrete, steel, aluminum, lexan to ANYTHING. Two $13 tubes of black color silicone installed extremely well (120 degree silicone, acetone for degreasing, etc), gorgeous work. LEAKS. A year passes, I consult another very smart fellow who recommends a product that shall remain nameless until it is proven. Installed it, again, very good surface prep, processes, technique etc. Gorgeous work IMHO. LEAKS! But this time is leaks from one of the filled holes from the former mixing vanes on this former mixing tank.
Two days ago, all holes drilled out, degreased, filled with Silicone II.
I am going to fill it now. Pray for me.
I vow to all that's holy, if it leaks this time, I will install 400 lbs of hydraulic concrete, filling this tank 4" deep for the final attempt at "sealing" this tank. I will do this with an evil laugh.
If it leaks after that, it is going to meet Mr Makita Circular Saw with his Tungsten Carbide teeth.
If, by some chance, it holds water, I have a colony of Pearsii that would look good in there
but let's just pray for a leakfree tank for now.
