Bulkhead question

[JMorris271]

Hi guys
I am going to setup a 120 tank in a few days and have a question about what kind of bulkheads I should get for the drain that will be durso and return. I assume everything is going to be 1".
What is the best way to go: Slipxslip, threadxthread thread x slip?
It sure would be helpful if you all could help me out because I sure don't want to be experimenting here.
Thanks

 

[ca1ore]

You will, of course, get varying opinions on the matter. Personally, I prefer slipxslip since it offers less opportunity for 'user error'; but it is also less forgiving because once the pipes are solvent welded in, that's it! If you do decide to go with threaded, use thread sealant not Teflon tape (it can split the fitting).

 

[billdogg]

You will, of course, get varying opinions on the matter. Personally, I prefer slipxslip since it offers less opportunity for 'user error'; but it is also less forgiving because once the pipes are solvent welded in, that's it! If you do decide to go with threaded, use thread sealant not Teflon tape (it can split the fitting).

What he said, except I prefer slip on the flange side, threaded on the nut side. Schedule 40 is more than enough - sch 80 will just reduce the flow. And FWIW - if it's not already drilled, heck - even if it is, go with larger bulkheads for the drains. I have my 120 set up with the glass-holes 1500gph (2 x 1 1/2") overflow box. IMO it works very well.

 

[JMorris271]

You will, of course, get varying opinions on the matter. Personally, I prefer slipxslip since it offers less opportunity for 'user error'; but it is also less forgiving because once the pipes are solvent welded in, that's it! If you do decide to go with threaded, use thread sealant not Teflon tape (it can split the fitting).

Is there a concern of the pipe becoming disconnected on the drain side causing a situation or would that make a difference?
It seems tome that if there was a leak on the inside of the bulkhead tank side there would be no problem there as well. Is that correct?

 

[ca1ore]

No, it's really just if it should be necessary to remove and reseat the bulkhead at any point that becomes a bit tricky with solvent welds.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

I'm not sure on the sizing 100%, but both being 1" should be plenty, but I agree that if you have not drilled yet, make the drain 1.5" or bigger to allow as much drain as possible to prevent the dreaded suction sound coming from too small a drain getting pounder with too much water flow.

As far as slip vs thread, my first hand experience will say go SLIPxSLIP everything, don't glue any fittings starting from the top flange side on up, and pvc cement the hell out of everything from the bottom of the bulkhead all the way to the sump.
I went the threaded route... everything leaked. Could have been installer error.. but I've learned my lesson and would rather take the risk out of something so simple (I eventually tore everything out and replumbed it with all slip... no leaks ).It's very easy to cut and collar pvc if you ever need to change something below the DT.
None of my fittings above the bulkhead are glued.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

Before: threaded fittings, leaking

 

[Lucky Lefty]

After: all slip, no leaks. And I was able to run the pipes higher, allowing more room for a taller sump

Edit: not sure how to rotate the photo on the forum, sorry.

 

[JoelA7]

1" Herbie controlled w gate valve for full siphon will give you plenty of head room for flow - as much as you want. I run a waveline 6000 at about 60%. Could easily crank the pump and open the valve to compensate. Flange side slip (inside overflow) and threaded below is how I went. I don't have problems with tape but that's from practice. I use both threaded and slip in the various connection locations depending on circumstances.

 

[phillrodrigo]

Go slip x slip. Gluing is so easy. I always recommend buying clear primer from a plumbing store. If you haven't used it before you will make a mess out of the purple primer and it will look sloppy. Dry fit all your plumbing make sure you push fittings all the way in. Take a marker and draw a line onto the fitting to the pipe. When you take it all apart you can glue it all and just line the marks up and everything will be were it's supposed to be. Make sure you primer fitting and outside of pipe. Glue both also push in with a half turn and it will seat in the fitting all the way. Using a chop saw is the best for cutting pvc but most people Don't have them so a ratcheting pvc cutter at lowes works pretty good also a sawzall

 

[JMorris271]

I'm pretty sure that I don't want to glue with a slipxslip bulkhead but just wasn't sure. Thanks to all for your views.

 

[rocsec1]

Don't forget to use true unions so you can take things apart if necessary.

 

[JMorris271]

I got 2 bulkheads that came with a tank I ordered. There is a seam running down both of the sides Is that a weld and is it standard?
Thanks

 

[JMorris271]

I got some plumbing with the Marineland tank I ordered.that came with the unit. On each pipe the flange is welded on the wet side. The dry side has threads and slip. Marineland recommends that all pipe running under the tank to the sump should be glued. Is that really necessary? I prefer to just slip it in loose. The fit is very tight, but...
Thanks for any help