DIY mini betta tank

[jonc711]

Hi all,

Recently I got 2 mini acrylic betta tanks from a forumer. The tank was actually diyed and the silicon was very thin, causing major leaking to occur when I put down the tank that was half filled onto the floor. Anyone knows what type of silicon is safe to seal up the leakage without being poisonous to the fish and where to get it?

[stormhawk]

Most of these acrylic tanks are made from a single piece of acrylic molded to form a single tank like those cheap plastic tanks. The rest are joined at the seams with a type of sealant that is safe for use in aquariums. Silicone is not recommended for long term bonding. I would advise you to use Google to get an idea of what type of sealant is safe to use. Read this to have a rough idea on what to do:

http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com...-silicone.html

You might be able to find instructional videos on acrylic tank repair on Youtube.

[eddy planer]

Hi jonc711,

I must be straight forward to comment my opinion. Any acrylic material will not went well or bond with silicon and only bond properly on special acrylic glue.

If you still want to use this back, my advice removes all the silicon excess, I mean all of it and get yourself an acrylic glue from the hardware. I will conversely guide you along when you acquire the special glue. okay

hope this will help you.

[jonc711]

Thanks for all your input! I will be getting the acrylic sealant soon, thanks!

[mike8333]

Have you found the acrylic sealant ?
I don't seem to find them anywhere.

[jonc711]

Someone said that it can be found in art-friend. Its watery form in a bottle with red cap

[jonc711]

This is the pic she provided and the price is less than 1 green note $5

[stormhawk]

Probably chloroform. This solvent was used in secondary school technical classes to bond acrylic together. I'm not sure if it's aquarium safe but once the plastic has bonded it should pose no problems. Just let it sit for 48 hours to fully cure before using it.

[pyl]

bro save the trouble.. get a few cheap SU containers

[mike8333]

Chloroform does not seal gap if I am not wrong.

[diazman]

Chloroform does not provide a strong enough bond. Its meant to piece acrylic pieces together only and will give way under pressure. Additionally, the bond weakens over time. I had that stuff from my left over DNT classes and that stuff just dries up over time even when kept in a tight lid glass bottle Gave the joints a light knock and the acrylic parts gave way haha

[cdckjn]

Choloroform is good to join acrylic. But to get a good water-tight joint, reinforce with silicon. Silicon allows stretching and flexing over time.

[BFG]

I don't think silicone could adhere to acrylic.

[DeadEnd]

Choloroform is available easily from the shelf? It can knock people out when inhale leh

[stormhawk]

I believe you can get it from Artfriend or those hobby stores. It's a common chemical sold for some industrial applications. I believe to purchase it in larger quantities you will need a permit, but a small bottle is sufficient for your needs.

[Navanod]

Be very careful with choloroform from Artfriend. Its in a dark tinted bottle that's probably better suited for TCM oils. When I removed the screw cap, the silicon stopper under it just popped out (from built up pressure of evaporate Choloroform) and splashed choloroform droplets into my eyes.

Was in great pain and momentarily blinded until I could stagger to the sink to flush my eyes. Imagine if I was wearing contact lenses? The lenses would be fused to my eyeballs!

[Merviso]

Wow Navanod, that's scary! Thanks for sharing this...

[jonc711]

I have already mended the tanks with chloroform and silicone. Thanks for all of your advice...