Aaaaaarrrrrrrggggggg!!!!!!

[Osaka-san]

Working on a new sump for the last few weeks. Finished everything - just waiting on the skimmer stand to cure. Filled it w/ SW and started leaktesting, I had already leak tested the bulkheads yet two of them were leaking. Very frustrating. In tightening one I broke the end glass pane of the aquarium. Frustrating doesnt even begin to cover it. I am so ****ed off and angry at myself. Is there a secret to bulkheads? When I tested w/ Tap water I had ZERO leaks. Add salt and voila - leaks! Im torn on how to procede - get annother 30 long or try to replace the panel. Replacing is obviously the cheaper option but looking at the upper and lower rims it does not liook like an easy option. Has anyone ever done this? Getting annother 30 means cutting out the 5 baffels and re-bonding them - a PITA but not that hard. I hate going backwards. All advice appreciated.

Desperately seeking a 30 long.... If you have one please PM me.

 

[Tanque Verde]

Osaka,

I hate to hear that and I empathize with your frustration. Would it be possible to plumb your new sump without drilling? Obviously lots of reefkeepers have and do drill their tanks, but if you could run pipes instead, you might save yourself some aggravation. Good luck.

 

[Osaka-san]

plumbing

plumbing

Not a bad thought and I considered it originally. The reason I chose to plumb was to get all the pumps out of the water to reduce heat load. In the summer I am always challanged by heat. A chiller would likely have been a better solution in hindsight. I have one pump that is external only - the main return so I would need to but a new return pump as well. Good idea though.

 

[jjk_reef00]

That is exactly why I always get acrylic sumps. And they are easier to drill.
For some reason some bulkheads have thin neopreen (I think that is the material).
If you get the high quality ones they seal better. I'm not sure which ones are the best, but I got a few with a used tank and they have think neopreen seal. Post in the equipment forum and find out what are the best bulkheads. I'm also interested. The last ones I got locally sealed ok but not the way I would like.

I have done tanks with internal pumps and IMO you cannot get high flow. If an Eheim will fit your needs than you don't have to go internal. I wouldn't use a Mag... But some people do.

 

[SWSaltwater]

Got a pic of the crack, can be fixed depending on how bad it cracked.....

 

[Osaka-san]

crack

crack

Crack is semi-vertical about 15 degrees from normal, extending above and below from the approximate center of the 48mm bulkhead hole to the edge of the glass above and below dividing it into two peices. I dont think its easily repaired but i am thinking I can put a glass plate inside it and seal all around. It would salvage the sump but would not permit that end to be drilled. Worth a try? I have already found a replacement as I am on a short time schedule, but I think I will try to salvage this afterward.

 

[SWSaltwater]

Yeah go to a glass shop get a 1/4 in che peice cut to fit as close as possible to the entire pain and silicone the crap out of it.....If you are really worried one on the outside wont hurt either