Bulkhead question

[ReefStar]

I am starting to set my new tank up. I have two holes drilled on the bottom on one end. My question is should I be using bulkheads that are threaded on the inside, where the connection will go to my standpipe and overflow lines into the basement. Or should I use non threaded bulkheads, where I would cement all the pvc plumping to the bulkhead, inside the tank and under the tank?

Any suggestions?
Thanks..Reefstar

 

[King Jason]

I like threaded on the side where my standpipe goes in (easy to unscrew), and slip on the bottom side of the tank (easy to cement in and have a solid connection).

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
It really is just matter of personal preference.

Thread enables you to unscrew, but slip is more secure if you glue it properly. Threaded bulkhead is usually more expensive.

 

[tpro]

Reefstar,
Just think about the day you might havr to move it.

 

[Modo]

With the unpredictability of this hobby I would have to say threaded. Who knows when you going to have to tear the whole thing down to fish out that rogue snail or clump of Culerpa or as stated above...move.

If you go threaded don't forget the teflon tape!!

 

[Mac1]

Is there any kind of lubricant, or other thing you can apply to keep the threads from seizing up? I've had to move my ReefReady 90 a couple times, and always ended up hacking the bulkhead off w/ a saw (which is a HUGE PIA if you've never had to!). The threads always got some sand in them, or salt creep (even after cleaning and flushing w/ warm water..), and it was always a huge PIA. I'm on the verge of ordering my new tank, a 230 gal, and don't want plan on ever moving it, but....

- Mac

 

[rbaker]

I use the threaded bulheads the most. Stick a smidge of plumbers grease towards the base so it's easy to remove down the road...

JMO,

Ryan

 

[ReefStar]

Okay. I am sold on threaded. Good point was made that if a snail gets in the line or algae, it would be easier to remove.

Last question then is does the rubber gasket go on the inside of the tank, or on the outside of the tank?

 

[ReefStar]

Okay. I am sold on threaded. Good point was made that if a snail gets in the line or algae, it would be easier to remove.

Last question then is does the rubber gasket go on the inside of the tank, or on the outside of the tank?

 

[O P Ing]

Last question then is does the rubber gasket go on the inside of the tank, or on the outside of the tank?

hi.
That's two "last" questions, and it won't be the last. :lol:

The placement of the gasket depends on the orientation of the bulkhead. Usually, it is on the inside of the tank, while the nut is on the opposite side, but sometimes people put them (gasket and nut) the other way around because of space constraints or the bulkhead is only threaded in one side, or just personal preference. Whichever, just make sure the gasket is NEVER on the SAME side as the nut.

 

[King Jason]

I use Silicon to seal the bulkhead for a super water tight seal. I don't want to have any problems in a year or so. Rather safe then sorry...

Here is a picture of where I apply Silicon. The gray is the glass, the red is the gasket, the black piece is the bulkhead, and the yellow is Silicon.

 

[King Jason]

After I apply the Silicon I screw the tightening screw on (not sure what it’s name is).

 

[LFS42]

I read that the gasket does better on the outside of the tank.
That way it can't shrink or deteriorate under the salt mix.

That said,
I put the gaskets on the inside, no problems yet.
But, after my last move, I changed all the gaskets on my bulkheads just in case.

Just be carful not to over tighten the nuts.

 

[O P Ing]

That way it can't shrink or deteriorate under the salt mix.

hi.
Either way, the gasket is in contact with the salt, so it does not make much difference.

If someone really wants to have a debate, how about this for a starter:

Flunge much be inside because the nut is not designed to take on the hydrostatic pressure!

:roll:

 

[King Jason]

I would want my gasket on the side where all the pressure is. The water pushes down on the gasket creating a stronger seal. This just makes sense to me.