Bulkhead trouble!

[Gary D]

I am installed bulkheads for the standpipe and return pipe in my built in overflow of the AGA tank. What did I see but a tiny drip drip drip coming from the bulkhead underneath of the standpipe. The bulkhead for the return line is fine, dry as a bone. Is the gasket supposed to go on the inside (wet side) of the glass bottom in the overflow or underneath (dry side)? I lowered the water level and drained the corner overflow. Should I reinstall it and put down a layer of aquarium silicon first? I've has bulkheads in the SIDE of a tank before with no problems. This is the first time with a bulkhead on the drilled bottom. The last thing I need are my wood floors ruined! Thanks in advance.

[Junkzoo]

Hmm,
Gary ,If i follow you , the gasket oughta be on the inside(wet) side.
i would try a thin smear of silicone gel on the surface, of just apply to the gasket(wipe off excess)b4 you go the aq. silicone sealer route.
it'll help if you ever have to remove for repairs/cleaning.
but if you gotta aq. seal the pipe, go for it .
ditto on the wet floors,,,,seems we have that problem no matter what we do anyway

[nisom88]

gary, junkzoo's right, the gasket goes on the wet side...the nut just keeps pressure on the gasket from the other side. i don't know if i would use silicone though. it might cause even more leakage. bulkheads with gaskets don't need it. overtightening the gasket could cause the bulkhead to leak as well. it has to be just right...

i'm looking at the same threat to my hardwood floors...god what a disaster if it ever happened. i would hate to have to call my landlord and tell him i stripped the varnish off the floor with saltwater..............not to mention the poor tank

[Rick O]

I intentionally installed the bulkheads in my frag tank backwards. They stuck too far out the other way. The gasket should go on the side with the flange. Not the nut side. Water can creep past the threads of the nut.

[Xwild]

Rick-O's correct. Has to go on the flange side. And as nisom stated, how tight you make it is critical. Too loose, no seal. Too tight, you warp the plastic flange, results in uneven pressure on the gasket, and you get a leak. Also, be sure not to let the flange part of the bulkhead slip too much while tightening. If the bulkhead twists, it can cause the gasket to get pushed out, and the same thing happens as if you overtorque it.

Ted

[dtiedke]

I agree....I have them installed both ways in my setup (threads in and threads out) and the gasket MUST be on the flange side.


Dave

[Nubytuesday]

This is my firs tank & I havent filled it yet theLFS told me not to use the rubber seal on a salt tank H e told me to seal it witch I have
SO what now will it work?