Do I have a problem? (acrylic question)

[Europhyllia]

have been storing the large sump in a spare room until the new tank and stand comes in and something got dropped on it.

There is a small crack in the bracing and a very fine, very small (1/3") hairline crack going from the top bracing down the side.

You can not feel any of these cracks but you can see them.

In the picture the bottom of the sump would be on the left, top on the right (it's standing on its side)
http://www.dominopads.com/SUMPCRACK.jpg

Is this most likely just a slight blemish? Or something that will impact structural integrity?

Tank and stand will be here this weekend and because of the size of the sump and the location of the tank removing the sump later will be difficult.

If I need to do something about this I should do it now.

What (if anything) should I be doing with this? What materials would a repair require?

Obviously if it just stayed the way it is now nothing would happen.

I just don't know what the potential/likelyhood is of the crack in the side to expand further down in time. Or how significant the crack in the bracing affects stability.

Thoughts from the experts?

[BIGBIRD123]

You can try and get some weld-on and see if it will fill the crack or get another piece of acrylic and glue against it as a scab...

[Europhyllia]

here are a couple more pics:

top down view on the bracing
http://www.dominopads.com/sumpcrack2.jpg

general location of the crack(s)
http://www.dominopads.com/sumpcrack3.jpg

Can I use 1/8" acrylic or do I need something thicker. Is there a certain kind of weld on I should use? Can I get it at Lowes or is it some kind of specialty thing?

There's no gap whatsoever so injecting glue would probably not be possible - only patching

[BIGBIRD123]

You would be surprised the cracks the weld-on can get into. You will have to buy it at one of the acrylic suppliers or maybe ace still has some...

[robalv]

weld on 3 you can pick some up at allied plastics off the I35 and Walzem you will need a dispenser you can get that there as well..

[ismvel]

Allied Plastics or Regal plastics carry the weld on. You won't find it at lowes or home depot. Thing about these plastic shops though is you have to come up during the week and pick it up. They carry bankers hours and close up on weekends :)

If you can't get up here during the week, shoot me a PM. I need to run by there and pick up some scrap anyhow tomorrow. Let me know by then.

ismael

[hobogato]

yep, weldon #3 or #4 will seep into the crack and then a small patch of acrylic on the side and under the brace would shore it up. just gimme a call and i will fix it up for you if you want - i have a few scraps lying around.

[Europhyllia]

I'll call you when we get back from the zoo and bring it in as soon as you have time so it can dry and be ready for this weekend!
THANKS :)

[roscozman]

Ace is the man. He has helped us and so many other members here on MAAST.

[aquasport24]

Ace is the man. He has helped us and so many other members here on MAAST.
Yes he is, i droped and broke my sump at six different places. I thought it was a gonna ,but Ace fixed it and it still kicking after 2 years w/ no leaks.

[Europhyllia]

Cool.
A few months back I probably wouldn't have even cared since it's on top and not where the water is but now I am a little paranoid about little cracks and their potential to expand into big cracks.

[txav8r]

I would just patch it. Ross & Eve's sump had several cracks like that and was leaking at 1 seam. I patched that for them and as far as I know it's still holding.

[txg8gxp]

You got to love all the help you can get from maast members, best group I have been around.

[Europhyllia]

Yes very true. :)
Tomorrow's schedule:
bring sump to Ace to have it fixed in the morning
then in the afternoon head over to Alton's to borrow his 100g tub and pump

[ReefOne]

Looks like a easy a fix. Crack was just in the bracing, which Ace should be able to fix no probs.

[Europhyllia]

Looks like a easy a fix. Crack was just in the bracing, which Ace should be able to fix no probs.
almost. There's a tiny one on the side right below the bracing. That's teh one I was worried about would get longer once there was water added.
Yes, hopefully it will be all glued for good tomorrow. :)