How to Repair a Plastic Tank

Plastic is a common source of building material in society, from fish tanks to cars. There are several different blends and types of plastic; among the most popular are fiberglass, PC blends, PP, and polyethylene. No matter the type of plastic tank, there are a number of different ways to fix it, including using adhesives, or taking the plastic pieces to a professional repair shop, which is normally recommended for larger and/or more detailed repairs. Sometimes plastic tanks cannot be fixed and will need to be replaced. If you are holding water or a heavy animal in your plastic tank, you need to take extra care and apply a strong adhesive in such cases.

Rubbing alcohol
Old rag or cloth
Epoxy glue (2 part)
Flat clean space
Old towel or painter's plastic
Sandpaper
Flexible primer
Top coat with flexible additive

Instructions

- 1
  Pour some rubbing alcohol on the old rag or cloth.
- 2
  Clean the area of the tank that is to be glued back together thoroughly to remove debris, dirt, and grime.
- 3
  Apply the 2 part epoxy glue and hold the two pieces together for at least 2 minutes. Epoxy is a strong adhesive, and as long as you get one that will not be affected by water, it will hold the plastic together, allowing you to put water inside.
- 4
  Set the tank on an old towel or painter’s plastic on a flat, clean surface.
- 5
  Allow the plastic to dry for at least 12 hours. More time is better.
- 6
  Use sandpaper to remove excess epoxy from the surface to make the outside surface even. Do not remove any epoxy within the crack as this will weaken the structure more and make it unsuitable for animals.
- 7
  Paint with a flexible primer.
- 8
  Allow to dry for at least 4 hours.
- 9
  Paint over the primer with a top coat that has a flexible additive. This will allow the plastic to shrink and expand with volume, heavy weights, and/or the temperature. This is useful if animals are to be housed in the tank.
- 10
  Allow to dry for at least 4 hours. Do not use for at least 24 hours.
- 11
  Pour almost boiling water over the inside area of the tank. This will remove odors and other harmful fumes that could be toxic to animals. Make sure the tank is completely dry from painting before you do this. Allow to dry thoroughly afterwards as well.

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