So yesterday I found a bunch of crystallized salt all around a fitting where other components (including a double-union ball valve) are joined to it using Plasto-Joint to seal the threaded connections. When I cleared off the salt build-up, I could feel/see water trickling around the fitting. I closed valves to isolate the section of plumbing and swapped out the ball valve, using a whole bunch more Plasto-Joint around the new threaded nipple. It seems to be dry today.
Additionally, I saw salt crystallized around another section of plumbing, which is, unfortunately, in a location that prevents full/clear access. I was able to reach up from under the tank and knock away the salt build-up, then pack plumber's putty all around the connection the best I could, but I am concerned about longevity of this "patch." (The joint is at a union in the Bean Animal siphon line, just below the overflow box -- which is sandwiched between the 7-foot, 250 gallon tank and the wall. Worst case scenario is that I cut out a section of the wall from the other side to access it if I need to, but I DON"T want to go there.....)
The system has been running for maybe seven or eight months by now, and was test run for several weeks before I started to add substrate, rock, live stock, etc., to make sure the plumbing was solid.
Which brings me to my question: what is the long-term sealing performance of Plasto-Joint? I applied LIBERALLY to all joints that were threaded, and I hand-tightened then gave just a little extra to seat the parts. Does water -- saltwater, in particular -- ultimately channel its way through the Plasto-Joint?
The first joint referenced above is maybe three feet from the return pump (Sicce ADV 9.0, rated for 2500 gph at no head), downstream of a 90 degree turn (large radius) in a line that is branched off from the main return "manifold" (another large-radius turn), so it is under SOME pressure. But the other joint (in the Bean Animal siphon line) isn't under pressure beyond that of the falling-water suction.
Thanks for input.
Question.
Additionally, I saw salt crystallized around another section of plumbing, which is, unfortunately, in a location that prevents full/clear access. I was able to reach up from under the tank and knock away the salt build-up, then pack plumber's putty all around the connection the best I could, but I am concerned about longevity of this "patch." (The joint is at a union in the Bean Animal siphon line, just below the overflow box -- which is sandwiched between the 7-foot, 250 gallon tank and the wall. Worst case scenario is that I cut out a section of the wall from the other side to access it if I need to, but I DON"T want to go there.....)
The system has been running for maybe seven or eight months by now, and was test run for several weeks before I started to add substrate, rock, live stock, etc., to make sure the plumbing was solid.
Which brings me to my question: what is the long-term sealing performance of Plasto-Joint? I applied LIBERALLY to all joints that were threaded, and I hand-tightened then gave just a little extra to seat the parts. Does water -- saltwater, in particular -- ultimately channel its way through the Plasto-Joint?
The first joint referenced above is maybe three feet from the return pump (Sicce ADV 9.0, rated for 2500 gph at no head), downstream of a 90 degree turn (large radius) in a line that is branched off from the main return "manifold" (another large-radius turn), so it is under SOME pressure. But the other joint (in the Bean Animal siphon line) isn't under pressure beyond that of the falling-water suction.
Thanks for input.
Question.
