Plumbing help

[samster]

Depends if the bulkhead is threaded. I have had leaks pop up at the threads after YEARS of use. Vibrations from the pumps eventually loosen them enough that they leak. I wish I could have changed my bulkheads to sch 80 on my new 80, but couldn't because of how they drilled the holes for the return line. It is so close to the drain that I couldn't get a sch 80 to fit.

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If you hand tight firmly the bulkheads and don't touch them even sch40 will last decades, they don't back out with vibration, unless you didn't tight them up enough initial install. I only get leaks from bulkheads when I decide to change something out or play with my plumbing and I've had systems running with the same bulkheads for like 20years sch 40's. I would use sch80 myself if I know I'm going to try to tweak or mess with plumbing because they are a lot better if under the 1" size, but I think 1" up sch40 bulkheads are fine, the 1/2" and 3/4" is the ones that ever leaked on me cause of their weaker construction and tendancy to be over tighten for such a small diameter.

 

[edd]

i think your safer with 40, that will be the weak link witch is better than breaking the glass. i found that once you touch or move them they leak. just remove clean glass and gasket and it usually stops leaking. make sure plumbing is well supported.

 

[reefiness]

No silicone or Teflon needed for bulkhead. sch 80 is a lot beefier, but you don't need it in a home aquarium unless you put your hands on the plumbing a lot. I also would go 3 drains if using 1" sch 40, 2 drains if 1.5", reducing 1 1" drain to 3/4" is a bit risky.

3 drains isnt really an option. The tank is up and running, the re-plumb is mainly due to upgrading the sump which has a different layout.

 

[theMeat]

Could drill it from bottom, using a spray bottle to squirt water on bit to keep it cool.

 

[reefiness]

Could drill it from bottom, using a spray bottle to squirt water on bit to keep it cool.

ill pass. Theres a big difference between screwing up and cracking the pane on an empty tank and a filled one. 0% chance im taking that risk.

 

[reefiness]

I think I decided im going to run the drain from the tank with the 1" abs crap, and ill use the 3/4" schedule 80 for the return line. If any handling of plumbing would happen, it would be on the return line side of things so ill keep that seal a bit more solid with the schedule 80 bulkhead. the 3/4" reduction in the return line isn't something im worried about so what ever.

 

[samster]

1" drain to a 3/4" returns a lot better than a 3/4" drain to 3/4" return. Or use both the 1" holes as drains and run a return over the top or just drill by top side for a new return bulkhead. 1" sch 40 shouldnt really be a problem but I do find the smaller diameters do leak like a 3/4" bulkhead baring the weight of a feet or two of piping on it. 2x 3/4 drains handles about only 6-700gph and chances of getting clogged by snails or hermits is more likely. It might be an over kill but I went with 3x 1" drains on my new tiny 40breeder build. Also if reduced the snails like getting caught in those areas, so make sure those are places you don't need to glue tight for access of a clog if you choose to go that route.

 

[samster]

Better safe than sorry

 

[reefiness]

1" drain to a 3/4" returns a lot better than a 3/4" drain to 3/4" return. Or use both the 1" holes as drains and run a return over the top or just drill by top side for a new return bulkhead. 1" sch 40 shouldnt really be a problem but I do find the smaller diameters do leak like a 3/4" bulkhead baring the weight of a feet or two of piping on it. 2x 3/4 drains handles about only 6-700gph and chances of getting clogged by snails or hermits is more likely. It might be an over kill but I went with 3x 1" drains on my new tiny 40breeder build. Also if reduced the snails like getting caught in those areas, so make sure those are places you don't need to glue tight for access of a clog if you choose to go that route.

yeah i decided against the double train hole because then I need to replan the routing of the plumbing lines and manifold. I use pvc strainer over the inlet of the drain to prevent anything from clogging it.

 

[ourcoralreef]

I think I decided im going to run the drain from the tank with the 1" abs crap, and ill use the 3/4" schedule 80 for the return line. If any handling of plumbing would happen, it would be on the return line side of things so ill keep that seal a bit more solid with the schedule 80 bulkhead. the 3/4" reduction in the return line isn't something im worried about so what ever.

I agree

 

[ourcoralreef]

I know that you know but for anyone new to plumbing that might attempt this

Drain the section make sure its dry use a wet/dry vac if possible
Throw out the old gasket never reuse a gasket (personally i wouldn?t reuse a bulkhead either)
Clean the area with razor blade (both sides top and bottom) make sure its smooth
Clean with alcohol (top and bottom)
Put the gasket on the bulkhead
(The gasket is put on the bulkhead side not the nut side and only use one gasket)
Put the bulkhead in the hole
Tighten the bulkhead nut by hand (then i like to tighten 1/4? with a wrench)
Remember there is hardly any pressure on these bulkheads except for the pipe you are gluing to it, so make sure to secure the pipe to the stand or wall so the weight is not solely on the bulkheads

 

[reefiness]

I know that you know but for anyone new to plumbing that might attempt this

Drain the section make sure its dry use a wet/dry vac if possible
Throw out the old gasket never reuse a gasket (personally i wouldn?t reuse a bulkhead either)
Clean the area with razor blade (both sides top and bottom) make sure its smooth
Clean with alcohol (top and bottom)
Put the gasket on the bulkhead
(The gasket is put on the bulkhead side not the nut side and only use one gasket)
Put the bulkhead in the hole
Tighten the bulkhead nut by hand (then i like to tighten 1/4? with a wrench)
Remember there is hardly any pressure on these bulkheads except for the pipe you are gluing to it, so make sure to secure the pipe to the stand or wall so the weight is not solely on the bulkheads

good bit of info. I have silicone lubricant I was going to use on the gasket as well. Got a whole tub of it from amazon for the o-rings on the ro housings, figure I can use it here too.

 

[ourcoralreef]

Personally i don?t like to overdo it simple bulkheads work
Im fine with a plain ol dry gasket

 

[theMeat]

A little spit on the treads for nut when putting it on so it relieves friction is all you need