Gluing Acrylic

[betiuminside]

Hello,
Just built my DIY ATO acrylic holder, and I wanted to know how long do I need to wait before putting it in the sump. ( let it dry?)
Basically the bottom glued part will not touch the water at any time, unless the power goes out.
Here's a picture.
13194

[rrasco]

I think it's recommended you don't touch it for about 24 hours to let it fully cure.

[betiuminside]

Oky doky... thanks!

[Europhyllia]

Really? Since it's a solvent and the structure doesn't hold water I think you could use it sooner. :)
You know how it sort of fuses/melts the parts together rather than truly glue things...

[rrasco]

You *could* probably get away with it sooner, but what's one day? I set mine up and let them sit over night before doing anything with them. It is true they feel solid after an hour or so, depending on the joint and what kind of solvent you used, but if it's going to support any type of weight, I would wait just to be sure.

[betiuminside]

I used acrylic cement and it's a tiny part ... so I will wait just to be sure...

[Sherita]

at least 24 hours. The joint needs to fully cure. Otherwise you could risk stressing the joint and having it come apart on you. Besides, if you wait 24 hours, you don't need to worry about VOC's coming off the solvent weld and possibly doing harm to your tank.

BTW, that's a mighty fine looking float switch bracket you have made. You have a place for your tubing and everything. I like it :)

[betiuminside]

Thank you Sherita! I will wait for those 24 hrs. Not willing to risk any solvent on the tank! LOL
Thank you for the compliment about the bracket! my 2nd acrylic work! It's becoming easier and easier to work with it.