How to Fix an Acrylic Aquarium

Resilient acrylic can be found in a variety of places, from architecture to artwork and even in fish tanks. The clear material creates a strong barrier to protect fish while still allowing observers to see the colorful variety of water life within. When a crack develops in your tank, however, the results can be devastating. Damage along a seam can result in immediate tank failure, and even if the crack does not immediately begin to leak, it is a sure sign of trouble ahead. Fixing small damage on an aquarium may not save your tank but may be able to buy you valuable time to find and prepare a new aquarium for your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • New tank or holding material
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Towel
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Rag
  • Protective gloves
  • Acrylic glue or filler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move your fish and other tank inhabitants carefully into a new tank or other safe location, such as holding troughs. Keep the temperature in the temporary tanks as close as possible to the home tank to avoid too much shock to the fish.

    • 2

      Drain the tank of all remaining water. Wash the acrylic tank with clean warm water and dish soap to remove residue from the fish and old water. Dry the tank thoroughly before continuing.

    • 3

      Prepare the acrylic surface. If you are gluing two separate pieces together, such as the corner where two acrylic panes meet, both surfaces must be completely flat. Sand both surfaces with 240-grit sandpaper to flatten the edges.

    • 4

      Rub the damaged area with a rag dampened in isopropyl alcohol to remove residual dust, oil from your hands or other contaminants. These contaminants can ruin the way the glue holds the acrylic together.

    • 5

      Wear protective gloves when working with chemicals to repair your tank. Glue your acrylic pieces together with acrylic glue; use thicker glue if the surfaces are not completely flat despite sanding, or thinner glue if they are flat and you do not want any gap between them. Apply the glue and allow it to sit for 30 seconds or until you see it start to fade. Press the pieces together and apply weight to the joint for at least an hour to allow it to dry.

    • 6

      Fill in cracks or chips in the acrylic tank with acrylic filler. Spread the filler directly into the gap with the applicator that comes with the product or with a small putty knife. Allow the filler to dry per product instructions.

    • 7

      Wipe away excess glue or filler with a rag dampened in isopropyl alcohol. Wash the tank again in warm water and dish detergent to remove residual chemicals. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.

    • 8

      Return water and fish to your tank.