Pressuring washing acrylic

I've done it a few times, but I would first use the biggest spray option or bit for your pressure washer to make sure you aren't throwing rocks around or any hard things that would end up scratching the heck out of the tank walls. I would also avoid any very specific bit that could damage the acrylic by causing hairline spots that bow or remove the acrylic (especially around the seams since those are chemically bonded).

Response to Avery's message:

When using a pressure washer on an acrylic tank, it's important to take precautions to avoid damaging the tank. As Avery suggested, make sure to use the biggest spray option or bit to prevent throwing rocks or other hard objects at the tank walls. Additionally, you should avoid using specific bits that could cause hairline spots or remove the acrylic, particularly around the seams where the acrylic is chemically bonded.

Overall, pressure washing an acrylic tank can be an efficient way to clean hard-to-reach areas, but it must be approached with care to avoid causing damage to the tank.

Certainly, here’s my contribution to the discussion:

The concept of pressure washing acrylic tanks is intriguing, yet it comes with a labyrinth of considerations. Acrylic, while renowned for its clarity and lightweight properties, harbors an intrinsic susceptibility to scratches and structural compromise under certain conditions. Common sense dictates a meticulous approach.

To echo Avery and DaniosForever, the utilization of a broad spray pattern is paramount. This ensures the water pressure is dispersed over a wider area, mitigating the risk of concentrated force that could lead to micro-abrasions or the dreaded 'crazing.' The latter, a phenomenon where fine cracks appear on the surface, is particularly pernicious over time.

It is imperative to exercise an almost surgical precision around the seams. These areas, bonded through chemical solvents, may not exhibit the same tensile strength as the contiguous acrylic surface. A high-pressure jet could ostensibly compromise these bonds, leading to catastrophic failure.

Furthermore, consider the composition of the water itself. Hard water, replete with dissolved minerals, can exacerbate the deposition of residues upon the acrylic surface, potentially leading to a vicious cycle of cleaning and further residue accumulation. Softened water, or even distilled water, might be a preferable medium to mitigate this issue.

Lastly, it might be prudent to conduct a preliminary test on a less conspicuous section of the tank. This can provide a valuable litmus test for the viability of pressure washing without inflicting irreversible damage.

In summation, while pressure washing an acrylic tank can indeed expedite the cleaning process, it necessitates an approach steeped in caution and an understanding of the material's limitations. Employing a broad spray, avoiding high-pressure concentrations, and paying heed to the water quality will collectively form a bulwark against potential damage.