griss' Tank Upgrade Thread

[griss]

I've never seen silicone used. Always a flat gasket. As mentioned above hand tighten. Over tightening will cause a leak.

Thanks. The reason I’m questioning everything with this tank is, in 40+ years in this hobby, I’ve never seen a tank plumbed like this one. Metric plumbing, NOT a traditional bulkhead, etc. That’s what’s making me so hesitant but, I’ll see what tomorrow brings.

 

[Uncle99]

So, despite the fact that I can’t gently pull or twist the pipe out, just yank it? That’s a bit nerve wracking.

I agree. Always risk at yanking anything.
We need it undamaged.
Some lubricant maybe.
If it’s wobbling, it’s just tight.
Might take some finesse.

Do you think the overflow pipe is not already siliconed in? If so, why if it so hard to remove? I know you think there’s a gasket/seal but, would they have used silicone too?

Maybe silicone. Maybe just tight in the glass hole. No way to tell.
Just like any bulk head properly installed, no need for any silicone, that’s the gaskets job. Or at least I’ve never used anything but the gasket on the wet side of every bulkhead.
But who’s to know. Maybe the previous owner did some DIY. Doubt Pro-Clear siliconed it.

At the end of the day, it leaks at a critical spot, and not sure what other options are available.

 

[griss]

I agree. Always risk at yanking anything.
We need it undamaged.
Some lubricant maybe.
If it’s wobbling, it’s just tight.
Might take some finesse.

Maybe silicone. Maybe just tight in the glass hole. No way to tell.
Just like any bulk head properly installed, no need for any silicone, that’s the gaskets job. Or at least I’ve never used anything but the gasket on the wet side of every bulkhead.
But who’s to know. Maybe the previous owner did some DIY. Doubt Pro-Clear siliconed it.

At the end of the day, it leaks at a critical spot, and not sure what other options are available.

Okay, I also ordered from 1/16” rubber sheet to diy a gasket if needed. I’ll try tomorrow to remove this thing.

 

[Uncle99]

Thanks. The reason I’m questioning everything with this tank is, in 40+ years in this hobby, I’ve never seen a tank plumbed like this one. Metric plumbing, NOT a traditional bulkhead, etc. That’s what’s making me so hesitant but, I’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Think of the overflows as just long bulkheads, or bulkheads with tubes attached. The bottom has a flange, then the gasket, then the glass squeezed together by the nut.

Not sure why Metric either….seems odd…..caught me right off guard. Being made in Florida and metric makes that very strange.

The dual overflow at the same height with no emergency is quite different from anything I’ve used before but had worked flawlessly for me. The screw silencers are an interesting idea but hard to make perfectly silent.

 

[Uncle99]

Okay, I also ordered from 1/16” rubber sheet to diy a gasket if needed. I’ll try tomorrow to remove this thing.

I wish I could give you an easier idea.
Take your time.
Good luck!

 

[griss]

Think of the overflows as just long bulkheads, or bulkheads with tubes attached. The bottom has a flange, then the gasket, then the glass squeezed together by the nut.

Not sure why Metric either….seems odd…..caught me right off guard. Being made in Florida and metric makes that very strange.

The dual overflow at the same height with no emergency is quite different from anything I’ve used before but had worked flawlessly for me. The screw silencers are an interesting idea but hard to make perfectly silent.

Oh, I understand bulkheads. This tank is just plumbed so weird it has me questioning everything lol. Despite that, it’s a beautiful tank. I would highly recommend the brand.

I recognize the risks of ordering a used tank, I took that risk and am paying the price.

 

[Uncle99]

Oh, I understand bulkheads. This tank is just plumbed so weird it has me questioning everything lol. Despite that, it’s a beautiful tank. I would highly recommend the brand.

I recognize the risks of ordering a used tank, I took that risk and am paying the price.

I agree. It’s a beautiful tank. Very well built. Super glass.
If it simply will not come out, then maybe plan “B” is silicone, if you can get it under the flange on the wet side.
But I’m hoping it will come out. Then the fix is easy and safe.

Good luck.

 

[griss]

I agree. It’s a beautiful tank. Very well built. Super glass.
If it simply will not come out, then maybe plan “B” is silicone, if you can get it under the flange on the wet side.
But I’m hoping it will come out. Then the fix is easy and safe.

Good luck.

Agreed and thank you again.

 

[ironwill723]

I'll bet it is siliconed in. A lot of people add silicone around the bulkheads before installing for extra "insurance". Makes servicing them down the road a pain though as you have found.

 

[griss]

I'll bet it is siliconed in. A lot of people add silicone around the bulkheads before installing for extra "insurance". Makes servicing them down the road a pain though as you have found.

Thanks, Craig. If it is, it’s not well siliconed based on how wobbly it is.

 

[ironwill723]

Thanks, Craig. If it is, it’s not well siliconed based on how wobbly it is.

Yeah, I would think if it is silicone, it would not have bonded very well to the pvc/abs bulkhead part.

 

[griss]

Well, I’m not sure what to think now. I left the overflow about 1/2 full overnight and there’s no water at all in the bucket below the overflow pipe?????

 

[Uncle99]

Well, I’m not sure what to think now. I left the overflow about 1/2 full overnight and there’s no water at all in the bucket below the overflow pipe?????

Interesting.
So on goes the nut, tighten, and add some water.
See if she’s dry.
Then add 1/4 water….still dry…..if so….your done.
There may be an easy answer, we just can’t see down there.
Fingers crossed

 

[griss]

Interesting.
So on goes the nut, tighten, and add some water.
See if she’s dry.
Then add 1/4 water….still dry…..if so….your done.
There may be an easy answer, we just can’t see down there.
Fingers crossed

The nut was on last night so. I’ve filled the overflow all the way and will wait 12-24 hours. Then, reconnect the plumbing and check again.

 

[griss]

Damn. I put this piece on and it started leaking again.

 

[Uncle99]

The nut was on last night so. I’ve filled the overflow all the way and will wait 12-24 hours. Then, reconnect the plumbing and check again.

Perfect!
If you don’t get even 1 drip in an hour, I think you’re done!
That would be a bonus!

 

[Uncle99]

Damn. I put this piece on and it started leaking again.

You have the o-ring inside?
So it’s not leaking from the glass, but the fitting, is that correct?

 

[griss]

You have the o-ring inside?
So it’s not leaking from the glass, but the fitting, is that correct?

No, not leaking at the fitting. When I put that piece on it leaks from the glass/overflow area.

 

[bandsaw2]

Ideally you want to get it sealed on the inside. Can you screw that piece back on and use it for leverage under the tank and have someone wiggle from in the tank.

 

[Uncle99]

No, not leaking at the fitting. When I put that piece on it leaks from the glass/overflow area.

Ok, it’s gotta come out. No choice I see.
I like @bandsaw2 idea.
Out it comes is where I’d be.
Then you may have a definitive answer.