view on UV glue

[cdarjanto]

Dear all,

I need your kind view on the usage of UV glue in aqua tank construction (to give a better strength and reliability) in terms of the toxicity in the ecosystem introduced later. Of course there will be silicon sealant too.

Thanks


Chris

[BFG]

Chris, may we know what is a UV glue?

[cdarjanto]

This is a type of glue that uses UV light to cure it. It forms a permanent, crystal clear bond between the surface, e.g. glass, hence after it is cured it can't be split and reused to build new tank.

Quote:

Physical Properties (uncured glue):

Base Resin: Modified Acrylated Resins
Solids: 100% - No Solvents
Appearance: Viscous Liquid - Clear
Refractive Index: 1.49
Flash Point: Over 200 Degrees Fahrenheit
Shelf Life: One Year
Toxicity: Low, Mild Skin Irritant
Viscosity: 2,187 cps


Has anyone used this for their tank? Is it toxic for aqua flora/fauna?

Chris

[alanyeo99]

Have you seen any tank made with this type of glue? What is the texture of the glue after cured, soft or hard?

[cdarjanto]

Dear All,

I have done some research on this type of glue....I found out two things:

1. The texture is like that of crystal; clear and hard.

2. The good thing is that it's almost unbreakable, meaning it's super strong.

3. The bad thing is the bond can be softened with water contact, meaning not suitable for aqua use without any additional treatment (e.g. maybe additional silicon to seal the contact.

Conclusion: Very risky, unless someone knows how to seal the connection perfectly....otherwise it's a NO

[alanyeo99]

IMO, the glue is probably only suitable for nano tank and not anything larger. Big tank needs a certain degree of flexibility (at the silicon joint) in order for the glass to hold the expansion due to pressure caused by water volume. The hard texture of UV glue may cause the glass-joins to shatter when pressure is asserted. Again as you mentioned, it does not makes sense to apply additional silicon over the UV glue.

[joestoys]

Silicon is the best to use to join the tank .... some how it gives the tank so flexibility compare the UV glue.

when you fill the tank with water - naked eyes will not notice actually the centre of the tank will flex- water presures will push out wards centain 1-2 or 3mm on to in surface of tank ( the longer the tank the more stress at the center- silicon allow the tank that cos silicon when dry it's like rubber band able the stratch as for UV glue after applying UV light to dry.... it will dry into hard solid crystaL. if yiu band or stratch it- will crank and give way-

SO WHEN WATER IS PUOR INTO THE TANK WITH UV GLUE- i can confirm- the glass will crack- either at the side or centre and maybe everything will fall apart. PLEASE DON'T DO IT! DANGEROUS!!!!!

US glue method is for showcases, display shelves.... withOUT water in it.