Bulkhead nightmare

[DaFrog]

Hi,

I am trying to set up a 75 gallons acrylic tank - The return from the sump is via a 3/4 inch bulkhead - It keeps leaking (about two drops per hour) - I replaced it, added more teflon tape, less tape...

Any idea?

Thxs

-Nicolas

 

[TheJGMProject]

I remember someone had this problem a few months back. I think what was in question was the rubber backing that goes behind the bulkhead and up against the tank. I hope that provides some insight.

 

[trido]

I replaced it, added more teflon tape, less tape...

For a bulkhead you shouldnt need any teflon tape at all. Once the water gets past the rubber seal there is likely no stopping it. Try to completely back it off and reseat the seal. I used my seal on the inside of the tank (water side) some use it on the outside.

 

[Anonymous]

Make sure the gasket is on the correct side (not the side with the nut), and see if the leak is from the nut, or where the pipe goes into the thread of the bulkhead.

 

[DaFrog]

Darn, time to take a poll to check who is using the inside vs. the outside... I'll then try on the inside now

-Nicolas

 

[DaFrog]

Thank you - Rubber on the inside - And it makes more sense anyways
Anyhow, here's a pic of the sump (and yes, my cat is helping)[/img]

 

[Lizzy & Me]

Just don't overtighten it! I had 5 all gaskets on inside, ridges on gaskes against the acrylic.

 

[Anonymous]

That cat in the picture is thinkin', "Sure I'll help....with dinner. " :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Someone more knowledgable may contradict this, but I smear my bulkhead gaskets with silicon and no leaks in over a year.

 

[ChrisRD]

I use a bit of silicone when installing bulkheads too. Never had one leak yet.

 

[Anonymous]

No silicone is necessary. Makre sure you do not have any trash under the gasket. You may need to go slightly more than hand tight to get it to seal. If you do not have a wrenchytou can tap it around with a screwdriver and hammer. Just take it easy.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree that no silicone should be necessary - I just use it for insurance. :wink:
Also, you don't have to tighten the nut as much to get a good seal.

 

[Psycho graphic]

Another thing I see people do that can cause a leak, when tightening, make sure the only thing that moves is the nut, if you spin the bulkhead once it is snug, the gasket can get distorted and leak.

 

[bleedingthought]

I agree that no silicone should be necessary - I just use it for insurance. :wink:
Also, you don't have to tighten the nut as much to get a good seal.

I plan to use some silicone, also, for these reasons. One thing I've always wondered though is whether or not it'll be easy to remove once it's siliconed in.

 

[Anonymous]

It will be more difficult to remove if you silicone it in. Also, if you remove it you will have to clean the old silicon off the glass and gasket. Cleaning the glass would be no big deal. I have no idea how difficule the gasket would be to clean. The gasket may have to be replaced. For what it's worth I have never taken a bulkhead off a tank unless I was tearing it down.

 

[bleedingthought]

Thanks, Mark!

 

[ChrisRD]

The silicone doesn't really stick well to the bulkhead or the gasket. It's toughest to get it off the glass. The cleanup is no big deal IME. I agree with Mark - once installed you generally don't take them apart anyway unless there's a problem or you're taking the tank down.

 

[bleedingthought]

Sounds good!