k guys need tips on sealing pond liner joints..

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wheatgerm

wheatgerm

Plecostomus
MFK Member
May 22, 2010
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this is totally a rookie mistake but i started out with a plan to build a small tank out of pond liner, to get the feel for it and decide if i wanted to use it for my big build in a few month... i cut the liner to fit each wall individually then was planning to seal up the joints.. then i found out that i cant really find anything local that sticks well to it lol. i got the pvc liner brand and i was checking tonight on the net and it recommends for ponds if you need to attatch 2 seams you should use pvc adhesive. so unless i get someone telling me a HUGE NO tonight then i think i am going to try it in the morning.. another question is, is pvc adhesive the same as pvc cement that you use on your sprinkler lines? if i use this stuff should i also use the purple primer before i use the glue? lets hear your thoughts and ideas
 
Test some scraps and see what you end up with. Pond liner is appears to be identical to shower liner (I've been told that it is but haven't confirmed it). If worse comes to worse, get some shower pan adhesive (available at Lowes, Menards, and HD).

I just don't see PVC cement doing the job.
 
do you think shower pan adhesive would be better than pvc cement? i was planning on testing it out first but didnt know what i would fall back on if it didnt work.. should i use the primer do you think i know that the primer somewhat melts the plastic so it makes a better bond but i dont know if any of the above will be fish safe.?.?
 
my biggest problem will be bonding the liner to the window because when i cut it i didnt leave enough to wrap around the window i just cut it off right at it. im going to see it the pvc glue will stick to it.. they are both smooth surfaces? heck its worth a try, if not ill cross that bridge after i get these joints to hold water
 
First, I think you need to determine what PVC glue is the right one. I agree with Kallmond, PVC pipe cement and the PVC pond line glue you need are different. Once you determine the glue, I think you are going to need to find scraps of the pond liner and overlap the corners. It doesnt sound like you left any overlap on the sides. You biggest issue is going to be the viewing window. If you cut the pond liner right up to the edge of the glass, I have a feeling you have a "fail" on your hands. There is a post here someplace where a pond liner was used and cut to size, if I find it I'll post the link.
 
thanks guys. i tested the cement on some scraps and it bonds great. the down fall is when i started coating my strip that was going to run over the top of my 2 pieces it dried way faster than i could work. so that was a bust. i heard dow 795 works great on pond liners but i can't freakin find it anywhere local? any tips on something that is similar to it that i could get at a plumbing or hardware store? i only need 2 tubes or less so its pointless for me to order online
 
you'd probably have better luck finding dow 795 at a glass shop than at a plumbing supply. That said, there are products designed to do what you're looking to do. I'd research those before trying to cobble together something. I'd start with the people who sold you the pond liner, I'm sure they have or know of the right stuff to seam it.
 
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