Just another 120 tech build

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Finally got some water in my tank so I guess I need to start a build thread and start getting some answers to the problems I'm having. I'll supply pics and info in return for the help.

First a quick setup summary.

120 tech
40g breeder sump
Octopus Extreem 250
ATI PM (8 x 54W) 4 ATI Blue Special and 4 ATI Blue +
Koralia 5 (to be replaced someday)
Koralia 6 (to be replaced someday)


So I bought the tank in June shortly after we put our house on the market and have been collecting equipment since then. Finally got the downstairs rooms painted and the tank plumbed. Hopefully going to have some live rock within the next week.

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Obviously the picture is showing the cloudy water. I'm hoping this clears up soon. I've dialed back the return pump and skimmer a bit to cut down the microbubbes.

The first problem I'm having is a small leak between the pvc and bulkhead on the dry side. What's the best way to fix a leak like this without tearing out the plumbing and starting over completely?

 

[davocean]

Is it leaking from bulk?
If so may get lucky and tighten it a hair.
Looks like you went through alot of trouble hard plumbing that return, personally I would have used braided flexhose, easier, and less bends/restrictions.

 

[Indymann99]

Somebody had fun with PVC :rollface:

Tank looks nice!

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Yes, the PVC was a pain. BIG pain. I'm guessing I'll have to rip it out and redo it at some point due to vibration. Everyone has to learn some things the hard way I guess. The leak isn't between the tank and bulkhead, it's between the bulkhead and the pvc on one of the drain lines. I have plumbers putty, but without some pressure, I don't think it will work. I'll see if I can get a close up of the leak.

 

[Indymann99]

I went really simple with flex tubing and barbed connectors...

ugly but simple...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Sump12132009.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankdoorsopen.jpg

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

I should have done that. Some folks from my local club tried to save me from my self... didn't work. Can't go back now though.

 

[Daniel Reef]

Great tank. I read in another thread about someone who had a link in their PVC piping and another poster said to use silicone to plug the leak. Not sure if that will work, but hopefully, someone else will chime in.

 

[Daniel Reef]

I had flex tubing and barbing in my 90g tank originally. Unfortunately, the tubing was clear and there was a lot of algae in it. Next time, I am going to use flex PVC since it bend a little. I'm not to keen on how the braided flexhose looks because it reminds me of a vacuum cleaner. Does anyone know of any white flexhose?

 

[nicknguyen]

Nice tank. 120 has to be my favorite size.

 

[rbnice1]

3 questions:

1 how bad is the leak?
2 is it on the drain side or return side?
3 how does the pvc connect to the bulk head?(glue or screw in)

If the leak is just a slow drip and its on the drain side it will stop on its own after a week or 2 from salt and calcium deposits.

If its on the return side and the pvc screws into the bulkhead you will have to pull it apart and put pipe tape on the piece and screw it back in once its taped.

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Leak is on the drain side. PVC slips into the bulkhead. It's about one drop every 2 or 3 seconds. Here's a pic.

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Notice the small pool on top of the union...

 

[tektite]

I'd take your sump offline for awhile, empty out your overflow so the leak stops and use a plastic epoxy around the pvc/bulkhead connection.
Though someone may have an easier suggestion.

 

[rbnice1]

That should stop on its own. Mine was like that when I started up. Put a cup under it for a couple weeks.

If it really bothers you you can drain the overflow dry it off real well then epoxy or silicone it.

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

The water is clearing up. I had to turn back the return pump to keep the mircobubbles and sand storms down. I also need to shrink my images better, because these look horrible compared to the original.

 

[geoxman]

I agree with rbnice1 I would just let it salt up and not worry about it. It appears to be dripping back into the sump. Nice looking tank

 

[Reefobsession]

Is that side a slip side or threaded on the inside of the bulkhead?

 

[davocean]

I agree w/ rbnice1, I had a really slow drip too at drain that plugged by salt creep before I even had a chance to fix it.

GEOXMAN, cool avatar, one of my fav movies, takes me back a ways!!

 

[cakemanPA]

if it is gripping at the pace you are talking about, I would not personally rely on salt creep to plug the leak. I would shut off the pump. Dry the area where the pvc slides into the bulkhead. And then work a ring of plumbing epoxy around the area. No more leaks