Cracked overflow

[Classictint]

Is it worth fixing? It’s not an old tank 50g EXT

 

[Dooly]

can you cut the silicone out, remove the overflow section and replace with new? If so, I would say definitely worth it..

 

[joseserrano]

Can seal those teeth, and add a hob overflow not pretty, but functional

 

[Classictint]

Was hoping to have a piece of glass or acrylic cut to replace it

 

[Jimbo327]

Definitely able to replace that. Use wire to cut the silicone of the external overflow, then razor to clean off any silicone. Then just use regular glass to resilicone back on. There isn't much pressure so it should be easy.

 

[laverda]

Just go to a glass shop. They should be able to make one easily.

 

[Classictint]

Thanks guys. There’s a glass shop nearby so I’ll see what they say.

 

[bluemon]

Thanks guys. There’s a glass shop nearby so I’ll see what they say.

good luck! You got this.

it’s an external overflow so thankfully it’s an easy fix.

 

[Discotu]

What are the outside dimensions? I might have a piece of acrylic that would work. You just might to mill it down to size.

 

[Classictint]

What are the outside dimensions? I might have a piece of acrylic that would work. You just might to mill it down to size.

It was originally on the interior but wasn’t sure if I could do it on the outside? Would need (2 ) 1” holes
I can Venmo you $50 or whatever you want

3.5 x 8” overflow (external)

3 1/4x 7.5 “ (internal )

 

[Discotu]

I have a piece of 7/16" thick acrylic that will work. You can have it but you'll need someone to fab it for you. I have a friend but will probably charge more than $50 to machine it. Eitherway I can create a CAD drawing for you. BTW i think you meant two holes for 1" bulkheads. Actually hole diameter will depend on what bulkheads you use. Sch40 vs sch80 etc. Also, I would consider adding 3 holes so you have the option of doing a bean animal overflow, assuming there's room for 3 bulkheads. Finally, since it has to be machined anyway I would mill a step around the perimeter so you have two glue surfaces, interior and on the bottom edge of the overflow box.

here's what it would look like. unfortunately you can only fit two 1" bulkheads with given the flange diameter.

 

[Dooly]

I've read that the bonding strength of silicone between glass and acrylic is not ideal and that glass should only be bonded to glass?

 

[Discotu]

True, silicone is not the preferred adhesive for acrylic but with the right surface prep (milled) it will stick. Additionally the volume of water in the overflow box is minimal so it'll see very little pressure. I WOULD NOT just glue a flat piece of acrylic to the bottom. With the above step design it will hold.

 

[Jimbo327]

Maybe reach out to IM and show them you have a cracked external overflow. Ask them if they will sell you the glass to fix it. They might just have extras.

 

[Classictint]

Maybe reach out to IM and show them you have a cracked external overflow. Ask them if they will sell you the glass to fix it. They might just have extras.

IM does not recommend fixing it
I believe they are the distributor, not the manufacturer

 

[Classictint]

I have a piece of 7/16" thick acrylic that will work. You can have it but you'll need someone to fab it for you. I have a friend but will probably charge more than $50 to machine it. Eitherway I can create a CAD drawing for you. BTW i think you meant two holes for 1" bulkheads. Actually hole diameter will depend on what bulkheads you use. Sch40 vs sch80 etc. Also, I would consider adding 3 holes so you have the option of doing a bean animal overflow, assuming there's room for 3 bulkheads. Finally, since it has to be machined anyway I would mill a step around the perimeter so you have two glue surfaces, interior and on the bottom edge of the overflow box.

here's what it would look like. unfortunately you can only fit two 1" bulkheads with given the flange diameter.

View attachment 126987

That picture is exactly what I was thinking of on my drive home. I have a few other tanks to keep me busy so it’s not super urgent. I got the idea looking at the overflow lid.

 

[Jimbo327]

IM does not recommend fixing it
I believe they are the distributor, not the manufacturer

I believe their tanks are Made in China. They probably just don't want to deal with it and be responsible if something goes wrong.

 

[laverda]

I've read that the bonding strength of silicone between glass and acrylic is not ideal and that glass should only be bonded to glass?

Also acrylic expands slightly when wet constantly and can cause issues. It is best to use glass.

 

[Discotu]

there's enough material to do something like this too, that way you have adhesive contact with 3 sides of the glass (except for the back). I would still run a bead of silicone on the inside as well. With regard to acrylic expansion, the amount is negligible and easily taken up by the joint gap that you would have to design in since that overflow box probably isn't perfectly square. FWIW i made acrylic corner brackets with a similar design that I glued (gorilla glue silicone) to the top front corners of my rimless tank and they feel like they are bolted onto the glass.

 

[Classictint]

there's enough material to do something like this too, that way you have adhesive contact with 3 sides of the glass (except for the back). I would still run a bead of silicone on the inside as well. With regard to acrylic expansion, the amount is negligible and easily taken up by the joint gap that you would have to design in since that overflow box probably isn't perfectly square. FWIW i made acrylic corner brackets with a similar design that I glued (gorilla glue silicone) to the top front corners of my rimless tank and they feel like they are bolted onto the glass.
View attachment 126992

I love gorilla tape and the 2 part expoxy