Adhesive for Aquarium

[zph2k]

I want to glue acrylics crystals together to create ornaments for the fish tank…. Can anyone tell me Superglue (“Loctite” for Plastics) would be safe for goldfish? I am also looking to see if I can also use PVC clear Cement. I would appreciate any information on how to glue together acrylic crystals for aquarium.

Thanks
Zaw

[jesster2]

Hey. Pretty sure the loctite or any super glue would break down in the water. Not sure about the pvc cement though. You can always try just some clear silicone. Good Luck.

Jesse

[HNLim]

Use the glue for plastic model (http://www.airfix.com). Just make sure you allow at least 24 hours for the glue to dry and set. It should last a lifetime.

[bekko]

You should use a solvent cement containing methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane or DCM. The solvent cement softens the acrylic so the two pieces fuse together as if they were one. The chemical volatilizes away so there is nothing left behind to pollute the water and no glue to break down later. When done properly, the bonded seam is as transparent as the acrylic sheet itself so the finished product is more attractive then it would be using a glue.

It is packaged under several brand names and may also contain other organic solvents. Weld-On brand may be the most widely available. They have a water-thin product which is drawn into the seam via capillary action. Use a syringe to apply it. There is also a thicker formulation for seams which are a little ragged and have some small gaps to fill.

-steve

[flaringshutter]

I don't want to derail this thread, but I have a related question. I need to add a glass center brace to a glass tank that lacks one. Would I do this just using silicone or is there a glue that manufacturers use for glass-glass seams, something that might work better?

[bekko]

In a glass aquarium, much of the pressure is taken up by the molded plastic frame rather then the silicone sealer. If needed, the brace is molded into the frame. If I were going to just glue a piece of glass in place I might use that stuff made for gluing a rear-view mirror onto the windshield of a car. You can get it at an auto parts store. Using a notched piece of wood or a piece of metal with with a lip on the ends to hold the glass panel from the outside would be better.

-steve

[flaringshutter]

Steve, thanks for the suggestion! I can't use a braced frame since this is an oddly shaped tank. I bought it from the the original owner. He purchased it new from an aquarium dealer who had it custom built for a magazine shoot. It is tall and wide but only 12 inches deep - odd dimensions.

Secondly, I don't think I could remove the current frame. I would be afraid of breaking the tank. I could add a piece of plastic to the current frame, but I thought perhaps a glass brace would be stronger - my 120 gallon has a glass brace at the top. I'm just not sure if the 120 gallon brace is glued or siliconed or what...

I might try your idea of a piece of metal... or do you think adding a plastic brace to the existing frame would work?

[Ichthius]

If it's a glass brace it's siliconed. You want as much contact surace are as possible for a strong bond.

To an earlier post super glue is safe. You can glue living corals with it b

[flaringshutter]

David, do you think it would be safe to drain the tank down halfway, brace the top with a couple bar clamps and silicone the brace in place? Or should I break down the whole tank?

[Ichthius]

Do you have a picture and dimensions?

I'd be weary of putting pressure on the side seams causing a split.

Does it have a frame?