How to Repair Acrylic Fish Tanks

Repairing cracks in an acrylic fish tank will keep your fish healthy and your aquarium in good shape for years to come. Not fixing leaks properly can result in even more damage to the tank, costing you more money and time. Fixing an acrylic fish tank may require some time and concentration, but is well worth the result.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Rag
  • Face mask
  • Syringe
  • Acrylic cement
  • Clamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any fish, decorations and rocks from the tank, and drain the water.

    • 2

      If you feel any rough edges when running your hand across the cracks of the tank, sand them down with 250-grit sandpaper. You can use finer sandpaper, but getting smooth edges along the cracks may take more work.

    • 3

      Clean the tank with isopropyl alcohol and a rag. This will remove any sanding residue or finger print oils left on the fish tank. Not removing residue on the fish tank can cause the acrylic cement to not join to the acrylic surface properly.

    • 4

      Allow a few minutes for the alcohol to dry completely.

    • 5

      Place the acrylic glue or cement into the syringe. Use a face mask to keep from breathing in any dangerous fumes when using the acrylic glues. WeldOn works best for repairing acrylic fish tanks. WeldOn offers several different glues with different consistencies, depending on the size and depth of the crack you need to repair.

    • 6

      Place the syringe needle into the crack and push down on the stopper to inject glue into the crack. Do not mash the syringe too hard, this will make the glue come out too fast. Slower is better in this case. If you are repairing a broken seam or gluing two pieces back together, apply the glue to one piece and mash the pieces together.

    • 7

      Allow the glue to dry for 24 to 48 hours before putting water and fish back into the tank. Place a clamp on pieces that needed to be glued back together to hold the pieces in place.