Leaky Slip Bulkheads!

[spslover123]

So I have my DIY Acrylic tank setup, and 3/6 of my bulkheads are leaky. Do you guys ever glue the bulkhead to the PVC? Or should I use Silicone =D. Thanks for any help, and I hope to get some pics up soon

Chris

 

[ejmeier]

What do you mean 'glue the bulkhead to the PVC'? Do you mean PVC pipe? If so, then yes, if it is outside the tank, you definitely want to glue it. If you put a threaded union on first, (glue a male adapter into the slip bulhead), it will make it easier to change your plumbing later on if you change your mind.

Is the gasket on the inside of the tank, where the bulkhead sits against the tank? (NOT on the side with the nut that is tightened.)

You can use silicone if you want, some people do. IMO, it is unneccesary. I have used dozens of bulkheads, and not one has ever leaked. If installed correctly, it should be pretty foolproof IME.

 

[a4twenty]

don't use silicone with acrylic, it does not adhere to acrylic like it does to glass. it will appear to have fixed the leak but eventually it will fail. as ejmeier said it is important that the gasket is on the right side of the bulkhead. it doesn't matter if it's inside or outside the tank, it has to be opposite the nut. if you put it on the nut side, when you tighten the bulkhead the gasket will deform and possibly tear. also remeber not to over tighten the nut, 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight.