I am a bit embarrassed to ask this

[Ralistin]

I have a 75 gallon tank with a corner over flow. I have two bulkhead fittings, one smaller then the other. Well, in my ignorance of setting this tank up, I bought flexible tubing from Home Depot (The clear type with the threads running through it) and attached it to these bulkheads with the metal o-ring clamps that you tighten with a screwdriver. This was my first pre-drilled tank.

Although I realized quickly that this was not the way it was meant to be setup it did work. I figured I would leave well enough alone and moved on. Now that I moved everything they started leaking a bit and are now rusting the o-ring clamps which salt creep is working its way down, full of rust. This stuff is about to get into my refugium.

My question is, what exactly is it that you attach to the bulkheads underneath? Anyone who can show me pictures of it too would be very helpful as I am definately a visuals type person. I am looking on some sponsor sites but am confused on how this is supposed to be setup.

Please help! I will go buy what I need this weekend to correct this stupidity! :rolleye1:

 

[ste6168]

depends on if it is slip or threaded bulkhead. either way you connect some sort of PVC to it

 

[KDodds]

Is the inside of the bulkhead threaded or smooth? If it's smooth, it's meant to fit rigid PVC tubing of the nominal diameter. If it's threaded, a PVC fitting of the same nominal diameter is in order. You can keep some semblance of your current setup either way. If it's threaded, you'll only need a MPTxBarb fitting of the nominal diameter and some teflon tape, otherwise, you'll need a length of rigid PVC, a SlipxBarb fitting, PVC cleaner, primer, and cement.

 

[Ralistin]

My o-rings and clamped down on a threaded area.

 

[Ralistin]

MPTxbarb fitting is a foreign language to me. Any chance of a link or pic?

 

[BreadmanMike]

about 1/4 way down on this page. PVC Insert * Male Pipe Thread:

savko

 

[Ralistin]

Thanks, that helps. I believe my bulkheads have a male end to them and a female adapter would need to be screwed on them. I assume they make both male and female fittings like this.

What do you use to clamp the hose to the barb that is also not metal?

 

[KDodds]

The "male" end is the threaded exterior for the "nut" that holds the bulkhead in place. You need to check out what's on the inside of that piece.

Unless it's a really high pressure situation, clamps should not even be necessary. If you really want to clamp them, there are plastic clamps available. I believe Savko carries them, as well as Marine Depot.

 

[Ralistin]

This looks like about what I would need.



What non-metal clamp do you use to attach a hose to these?

 

[BreadmanMike]

I used stainless steel clamps on my 180RR. It's been up for 5 years and they haven't rusted at all.

 

[KDodds]

That won't fit on the exterior threading of the bulkhead, it need to go on the interior. If the interior of the bulkhead is threaded, you'll need one of those with a male end. If it's smooth, you'll need one of those with a smooth female end (Slip) and a length of PVC rigid to connect them.

 

[Ralistin]

Thanks guys. I do believe I got it now.

Last question. Any chance of finding these things at Home Depot or only at a LFS? I want to get them this weekend.

 

[Ralistin]

KDoods, I think I am confused again then. The bulkheads hanging down from underneath the tank are male threaded and are looking for a female thread. How would the pic not be the right piece?

 

[Ralistin]

I believe my bulkheads look like these.

 

[Ralistin]

I will really have to stop the pumps and remove the tubes to be sure.

Either way, can these parts be found at Hope Depot or online/LFS my only bet?

 

[Ralistin]

KDoods, after reading your post again I understand. It only matters what is on the inside. I am not sure why either or won;t work but I understand what you said now.

 

[zemuron114]

homedepot should have everything you need

 

[NewMariner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6542436#post6542436 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ralistin
I believe my bulkheads look like these.

The pvc piping would connect to the inside of this picture...not the outside....

You really need to unhook your plumbing and check and see if the inside of that bulkhead is threaded or is smooth as this will dictate what type of fitting you need....

 

[KDodds]

See how the thread is accomodating the nut? That's all it will accomodate. For the fittings, unless it's an MPT, which a bulkhead is not, you need to look at the inner wall, not the outer wall. IOW, if it's a 1Ã"šÃ‚½" bulkhead, the outer thread will not accomodate a 1Ã"šÃ‚½" female thread, nor a 2" female thread, but the inner will accomodate either a 1Ã"šÃ‚½" male thread or a 1Ã"šÃ‚½" rigid PVC.