Leaking bulkhead. Should I tighten?

[Hitch08]

I installed the two bulkheads on my fish tank yesterday. It's a Marineland corner flow. Earlier today, I put maybe 6" of water into the corner flow. One of the bulkheads does not appear to be leaking.

The other one, however, is leaking. It took about 4 minutes 30 seconds for the first small drop to come off of the black threads. Then next drop was about 1 minute later.

Should I wait 24 hours or tighten it a bit?

Also, I put a piece of 3/4" ply on top of the stand. I then used a 3" circular bit (don't know what they are called). In hindsight, I wish I would have used a larger circular bit, as I can't tighten the bulkhead without lifting up the tank. Ugh!

 

[das75]

If all you've done is installed the bulkheads should take apart make sure gasket good, flange is smooth (no ridge from casing), then increase the size of the hole in the plywood.

 

[Sk8r]

^If no livestock at issue, not a bad idea.

Alternatively...Wrap paper towel around it and put a bowl under it. It may weep a bit til it warms up and settles. Always limit tightening to what a strong woman can do by hand.

 

[heathlindner25]

What kind of "woman" are we talking here..lol

 

[thegrun]

I would fix the problem now with the undersized hole rather than wait until the tank is stocked with livestock. As far as the bulkhead goes make it hand tight, then use a wrench or socket to tighten it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn, no more than 1/2 turn assuming it was tightened as far as you could get it by hand.

 

[tennesseebob]

yes fix the hole, and if you do take out the bulkhead, mybe use some silicone grease on the gasket...that silicone GREASE, not silicone lol

 

[ca1ore]

Never install a tank so that the bulkheads cannot be accessed or removed if necessary. It's a mistake we've all made (well, I have) but only make once.

 

[Hitch08]

Once again, thanks so much for the great advice! I really appreciate all the help.

With the help of my understanding wife, we lifted the tank a bit and then I cut out more of the plywood. I also tightened the bulkhead and turned it less then a quarter turn with a wrench. For some reason, I did it while the tank was lifted up slightly, rather than once it was on the plywood. As a result, it wasn't a very easy place to hand tighten but hopefully it's not too tight.

After about 45 minutes, there were no leaks.

Here's a pic of what it looks like from inside the stand. It's now a nice six leaf clover style...



Sorry for the huge pic....

 

[tennesseebob]

Much better lol, my bulkheads are accessible, but every time I mess with stuff around there I end up with a sump full of styrofoam bits

 

[Hitch08]

Checked again this morning and there are no leaks. So excited!

Thanks, again, for all the help.

 

[Sk8r]

Yay for no leaks!

 

[Hitch08]

LOL! Thanks!

Checked several times last night and it seems like I am in good shape. I moved the tank into position and need to shim up the one side - it's in the basement and the floor isn't level. Once I get it shimmed up, I can start to add water.

I'm so excited to finally put water in my tank....