Threaded PVC to a threaded bulkhead questions.

[Tasher80]

I purchased all my 1" bulkheads threaded for my CLS. For the two bulkheads on the side of the tank and on the bottom they are threaded on both ends. I purchased 1" pvc threaded to slip fittings. How do I seal them to the bulkhead. I thought you use thread tape but was told not to as it would break down. They said use this goop stuff. I will get the name later if needed. The bulkhead doesn't seem like it will seal without some type of sealant. What should I use?

[Fly Guy]

The thread tape wont break down...and even if it did, the salt creep would make up for it.

That being said, its best to use silicone or pipe dope for threaded bulkhead or threaded pump connections anyway. They will never leak AND you arent required to thread a tapered fitting very deep into a plastic bulkhead or pump volute and stress the plastic.

I actually use silicone on most threaded plumbing connections

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

...I actually use silicone on most threaded plumbing connections

DITTO. For smaller threaded fittings I use teflon tape without fear (some I have set up are YEARS old).

Silicon is easy to disassemble if necessary and makes a go9od seali for slip fittings. The goop you speak of is Marine Goop, do a google for it.

HTH

[Tasher80]

Your saying just put some 100% silicone on the threads then thread it together correct?

[clamlover]

i use true blue works awsome
mostly found in plumbing supply places

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Tasher80

Your saying just put some 100% silicone on the threads then thread it together correct?

Yes, just go easy on the applicatioinu amount, and make sure that it is not one of the products that contains an anti-mildew, anti-fungal or antimicrobial combinations of additives that will otherwise be slowly released into the tank water. Safe bet: use aquarium silicone, a small tube is good for number of years if tightly sealed and bagged in plastic. Personally, unless you know 100% the substances and additives for a product, I would not use a plumbing product in a tank setting, regardless of whether or not it was approved for use in potable water systems, as many of these products will have metals in them that may be safe to drink (copper, for instance) but not safe for corals nor inverts.


JMO, HTH.

[Tasher80]

I do have an unopened tube of aquarium silocone from when I was going to put glass baffles in my sump a few years back. I changed that plan. I will just use that then. Thanks for the advice guys. I will be plumbing it any day now. I got all the PVC fittings, bulkheads, and nozzles. I will take may pics and upload them to my tank build thread. Again thanks for the help.

[Fly Guy]

Tasher, I think i recall you saying you went with the omniflex nozzles.

Did you get slip or threaded???

If you went with the threaded omniflex nozzles make sure to use silicone GREASE on them. They wont want to thread in very far so you can make them stick out as little as possible. It can also make it easier if you install them before you attach the bulkhead and plumb it as well.

Not a big deal, doesnt perform any differently either way, just aesthetics.

I have found I like the slip versions much better.

[Tasher80]

I noticed they don't want to thread all the way in. I wonder why Paul at Oceans Motions doesn't make them a little easier to thread in. I will have to use some silcone grease like you said. I was thinking of installing the nozzles before putting the bulkhead in like you said so that i can screw them in as far as possible.

[Geoff]

the threads are tapered, so that they get tigher as you threa them on. some are more tapered than others though.

G~