Basic question on bulkhead installation

[Brwestern]

Finally found out my hole diameter for my overflows.
It was drilled for a 1 inch bulkhead

My bulkhead hole size is 1.75 inches

On bulk reef supply it says the hole should be 1.65 inches

So the bulkhead will be a little loose. Is that ok? Should i have to use silicon/sealant when installing or will the rubber gasket be sufficient? Thanks!

 

[RokleM]

The flange gives a little leeway in hole size. Savko and other places I'm looking recommend 1 3/4. 1.65 may be the "perfect fit" scenario.

Silicone grease is sometimes used but not really recommended as it's VERY easy to screw up. Any other type of silicone is absolutely not to be used (i.e. bonding/sealing).

 

[hscoert]

bulkhead install and silicone

bulkhead install and silicone

The flange gives a little leeway in hole size. Savko and other places I'm looking recommend 1 3/4. 1.65 may be the "perfect fit" scenario.

Silicone grease is sometimes used but not really recommended as it's VERY easy to screw up. Any other type of silicone is absolutely not to be used (i.e. bonding/sealing).

I have been researching for the past few weeks on bulkheads and plumbing my tank (150DT AGA, with 2 corner overflows, drilled at the bottom panel of tank, that requires a 1" drain line, and a 3/4" return line in both boxes(an obvious DIY kind since the tank was not previously drilled) The top of the overflows do not have any "teeth", so I will need to use a dremel to make that modification (but I may just put a temp. cap in the overflow holes or something similar in case I run into any problems, etc) That way if I do have a problem, none of the water will overflow the tank, and I can easily lower the water level to repair and modify as needed. The only problem that I would face would be that the tank is a stocked tank with lots of liverock, a few hardy corals, and currently just three fish (mated pair of O. Clowns, and a lawnmower blenny. Also have a cleaner shrimp, snails, crabs, and a sand star.
Anyway, after all of the articles I have read I found that may resources advise using a small amount of silicone on the nut so when I tighten the nut, the silicone will help to seal the bulkhead to the dry side of the tank below.
What is the reasoning in the quote above for not using any kind of silicone?
My sump/fuge is located on the other side of the wall into my furnace room where any water would just drain toward the floor drain, should I face an overflow. (I chose to set my system up this way so I don't run into a flood on my carpet, etc)
I would love to hear what everyone thinks about this, and possibly give me some ideas of what they may reccommend.
Any and all advice would be great to hear.
Thanks

 

[dlp211]

I use a little vaseline on my gaskets for a good seal.

 

[hscoert]

bulkhead install and silicone

bulkhead install and silicone

The flange gives a little leeway in hole size. Savko and other places I'm looking recommend 1 3/4. 1.65 may be the "perfect fit" scenario.

Silicone grease is sometimes used but not really recommended as it's VERY easy to screw up. Any other type of silicone is absolutely not to be used (i.e. bonding/sealing).

I have been researching for the past few weeks on bulkheads and plumbing my tank (150DT AGA, with 2 corner overflows, drilled at the bottom panel of tank, that requires a 1" drain line, and a 3/4" return line in both boxes(an obvious DIY kind since the tank was not previously drilled) The top of the overflows do not have any "teeth", so I will need to use a dremel to make that modification (but I may just put a temp. cap in the overflow holes or something similar in case I run into any problems, etc) That way if I do have a problem, none of the water will overflow the tank, and I can easily lower the water level to repair and modify as needed. The only problem that I would face would be that the tank is a stocked tank with lots of liverock, a few hardy corals, and currently just three fish (mated pair of O. Clowns, and a lawnmower blenny. Also have a cleaner shrimp, snails, crabs, and a sand star.
Anyway, after all of the articles I have read I found that may resources advise using a small amount of silicone on the nut so when I tighten the nut, the silicone will help to seal the bulkhead to the dry side of the tank below.
What is the reasoning in the quote above for not using any kind of silicone?
My sump/fuge is located on the other side of the wall into my furnace room where any water would just drain toward the floor drain, should I face an overflow. (I chose to set my system up this way so I don't run into a flood on my carpet, etc)
I would love to hear what everyone thinks about this, and possibly give me some ideas of what they may reccommend.
Any and all advice would be great to hear.
Thanks

 

[falconut]

I never used anything other than the supplied bulkhead gasket and mine are still going strong after 6 years. Just don't over tighten. I haven't done it, but I was told this, so I'll pass it along.

 

[Chris27]

I use a little vaseline on my gaskets for a good seal.

It's generally not a good idea to use petroleum based products on rubber o-rings and gaskets, as it can break them down over time. While it's ok in a pinch, it should really be avoided on seals that won't be broken frequently, ie. bulkheads.

Using it on something like a reactor o-ring isn't that bad given that it will be inspected at least monthly. Silicone grease is what should be used, it's easily available, safe for the livestock, and won't break down the gasket material.

Of course there is nothing wrong with not using it at all, if the glass is nice and clean where the gasket will be sitting, you can rest assured knowing that the seal will last just about as long as the tank if it's installed properly.

 

[RokleM]

Never use silicone adhesive. Silicone grease can be used, but shouldn't be required for a seal. One of the many things that can go wrong are the gasket easily sliding out of place due to over tightening. The slightest excess pressure and the gasket can shot out past the bulkhead.

A good clean tank/bulkhead/gasket shouldn't need any adhesive or grease.

 

[GrampaDon]

Never use silicone adhesive. Silicone grease can be used, but shouldn't be required for a seal. One of the many things that can go wrong are the gasket easily sliding out of place due to over tightening. The slightest excess pressure and the gasket can shot out past the bulkhead.

A good clean tank/bulkhead/gasket shouldn't need any adhesive or grease.

2nd this.^

 

[1st timer]

ok dumb question.... My gaskets have ridges on one side...against the glass or the flange?

 

[ludiNano]

I just checked the bulk heads im waiting to put on from glass-holes and they have no ridges... did u get yours from bulk reef supply?

I would think you would want the smooth side against the glass.

 

[1st timer]

no it was on an oceanic i just got. the return bulkhead..

 

[x947]

all of the bulkheads that I have ever bought have come with the flat side of the gasket against the flange and the ridges set up to go against the glass. FWIW . . . .

 

[tkeracer619]

all of the bulkheads that I have ever bought have come with the flat side of the gasket against the flange and the ridges set up to go against the glass. FWIW . . . .

This is the correct installation.

No silicone grease is required but it is ok to use it. Silicone sealant and petroleum based products are not ok. People do it and it is usually leak free short term, maybe long term. That does not mean its correct.

 

[1st timer]

cool thanks guys. Incidentally I looked at the ones from my MARS setup and they don't have ridged gaskets.