Can I cut a bulkhead?

[LinkinReef]

I bought a cadlights tank almost a year ago and just now have I been able to set it up. This is actually very frustrating since this is my second Cadlights tank and once again have problems with them. The first one was a PIA and after I had it working correctly I liked it and decided to give cadlights another chance...mistake.

I just bought the bulkheads for it and turns out they drilled the holes in the overflow too close together and too close to the wall. Either it was drilled for "their" bulkheads or they just messed up on this. The flange of the bulkheads are overlapping each other on two of them and one of the bulkhead's flange (the 1" one) is actually hitting the wall of the overflow and does not sit flush on the bottom glass.

My only idea I have is to "trim" the flange of the bulkhead a little bit enough for it to sit properly on the bottom glass.

Would trimming a little bit of the flange maybe a 1/4" compromise the fitting itself from containing water in the tank or would it be a "just waiting for something bad to happen"?

I called Cadlights but haven't heard back from them at all. The only time I would hear back from them immediately was when I was placing the order for a tank. Conveniently... :headwalls:

The left and top side of this picture os what I'm planning to trim off if it works without compromising it:

 

[Bigcefa]

Not so sure I'd cut a bulkhead, cadlights should replace the tank, but you know it's gonna be a struggle to get that accomplished

 

[FlyPenFly]

Is it possible to use uniseals?

 

[marty9876]

You could, it's just a bad idea. I have a custom tank made with this same issue, builder has to come out and put a new box in.

If you can get "their" bulkheads, I'd go that route.

 

[Mark Bianco]

Not sure what size or brand of bulkhead fitting you have there. But looking at the bulkheads I have here not only would you have to cut the flange on the top, but you would also need to cut the seal and the worse part is you would need to cut off the ring that is molded into the nut as well. Otherwise there would be no room to turn the not to tighten it. Its your decision, but IMHO I would call cadlights and either have them supply the correct bulkhead maybe they have a special one they use. Or have them make you a tank with the holes drilled in the correct place.

Mark

 

[ken6217]

Well it doesn't help your question, but does help me vent.

The best thing about Hurricane Sandy was that it trashed my 39g Cad Lights tank. It got me to go in another direction.
Ken

 

[LinkinReef]

Just got a call from Cadlights and they said the bulkhead's flange can be filled down as long as it's not "too much". he said they have been doing that for tanks with this "new" overflow. I just saw how much would be needed and it seems I would have to trim/file down at least half of one side of the 1" bulkhead

 

[FlyPenFly]

Considering the even pressure of the flange on the gasket is what prevents it from leaking, that doesn't sound acceptable to me.

 

[ca1ore]

Well it is not ideal, obviously, but you can trim off a bit of the flange - I have done that before. In my case, I also ended up using some silicone on the flange/gasket side and it never leaked. The bigger problem, as noted above, is that if there is inadequate clearance for the flanges, there will also be inadequate clearance for the nut. That may be a bit trickier.

 

[cav~firez22]

I agree, I have had to do that in the past and it did not cause any issue. just don't over tighten it to the point where it compresses into a taco shape. of course usually, the glass shatters at that point


It should be fine to do . just don't lob too much off.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

If they are too close to the wall & too close to each other do you have to trim both the same or more??
Any more & I would be very leary.

 

[LinkinReef]

Turns out all three of the bulkheads will have to be trimmed down. On the 1/2" bulkheads there's about 1/16" left of flange and on the 1" there's 1/4" left on the flange on one side and 1/2" left on the other side that overlaps the other bulkhead.

There is no way I want to use this tank anymore. Trying to get in touch with Cadlights again in regards to this.

 

[klwheat]

Turns out all three of the bulkheads will have to be trimmed down. On the 1/2" bulkheads there's about 1/16" left of flange and on the 1" there's 1/4" left on the flange on one side and 1/2" left on the other side that overlaps the other bulkhead.

There is no way I want to use this tank anymore. Trying to get in touch with Cadlights again in regards to this.

Wow! There is absolutely NO WAY I'd use them like that. They would have to send me "their" bulkheads, fix the box or refund my money...period.
Good luck.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Which model is it? I doubt they'll refund your money at the one year mark and Paypal or your credit card has a time limit as well.

 

[LinkinReef]

Which model is it? I doubt they'll refund your money at the one year mark and Paypal or your credit card has a time limit as well.

It's the 50g artisan. Thats the same thing I'm thinking which sucks. Unfortunately plans changed when we bought them and we had to put it all on hold. Paypal has only 60 days for this. Hopefully CADLights will help resolve this by me being a repeat customer. We'll see

 

[FlyPenFly]

I would be surprised if they do, they're not known for after sale support.

I would look into uniseals as a possibility.

 

[das75]

considering I've seen 1" bulkheads from different manufacturers overall flange diameter easily vary by a 1/4", I don't see a problem in trimming.

 

[klwheat]

considering I've seen 1" bulkheads from different manufacturers overall flange diameter easily vary by a 1/4", I don't see a problem in trimming.

But only 1/16th left?? That can't be enough!!

 

[twilmot]

I would be leary about trimming them down. Also, I would be worried about Cadlights telling you its ok to do so. Aren't they the ones that got you into this mess to begin with? You had said someting about "their" bulkheads, will those work? If so you are probably more likely to get them to give you "their" bulkheads then a new tank. Either way good luck.

 

[LinkinReef]

Ok, BIG thumbs up to CADLights on this one. They have agreed that the tank is no good and they will be sending a new one right away. Considering it's been almost a year I'm glad this is being taken care of.