Need Help Fixing A Leaking Bulkhead

[MelodyCorals]

Sorry to cross-post, but I was hoping maybe some locals could help out, or point me in a better direction then the DIY forum for my problem. I recently moved my tank and now I have a leaky bulkhead. Any ideas on how to fix it, would be appreciated - aside from the "drain the entire tank" option

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=933373

Thanks,
Josh

 

[jlfnjlf]

Where it the bulkhead located (bottom or side)? if it is on the bottom you could rig up a funnel to direct the drips into you sump. Otherwise I am thinking you are going to need to pull it to get it to reseal.

Just my random thoughts.

John

 

[Justin74]

Ouch, that is a predicament. I think the epoxy is worth trying,although, if homedepot, or lowes is closer or more convenient you could save yourself about $5 bucks. They too have the same stuff, except the wrapper doesnt have any fishies Look on line to find the exact ingrediants to make yourself assured take your list to the store to cross reference. Dont get the 2 part. I wonder what some regular superglue gel would do? It would look alot cleaner, but it may get sucked into the leak and down your pipes if it's big enough. Probably work good for a slow drip.Never tried though. Good luck man, tell us what solved your problem when your successfull .

-Justin

 

[Justin74]

Just thought about what I said about the glue getting sucked in, and that could be easily solved with just turning off the flow, and letting the glue set

-Justin

 

[jlfnjlf]

Justin,

I have never had long term success with patching a leaking bulkhead. Over time the patch starts to leak. I think it is just a matter of when do you want to break down the tank. The patch may put off breaking down the tank for up to a year, but then the leak will return, and for me it always seems to be at the absolutely worst time.

My advice would be patch it if you can not break down the tank, but make a plan in the next 3-6 months to go in and repair the leak.

John

 

[Justin74]

mmhmm My thoughts as well.Plus your not going to want to have to clean too much of a mess if you ever need to replace any parts.

-Justin

 

[MelodyCorals]

Thanks all for the advice. I definately want to fix it right eventually, just don't have the time in the next few months to do it. It is so frustrating to be able to see the sand sitting in the gasket, and not finding a way to get it out..... I'll let you all know what I end up doing.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Jim_S]

Man, I just moved my tank last weekend and had the SAME problem!!!!!!

I was told to ACE hardware and buy some silicone grease. So I did. I coated the glass where the bulkhead meets on the inside, the o-ring and the outside where the nut meets the tank.

Fixed it right up. Mine just wasn't forming a proper seal. But the grease worked.

HTH

Jim

 

[MelodyCorals]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8186831#post8186831 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimdogg187
..... I coated the glass where the bulkhead meets on the inside, the o-ring and the outside where the nut meets the tank.......

I'm assuming this means you drained your tank, or did you somehow apply it to the outside from underneath, or from the top with water still in? Can you explain more?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Jim_S]

I have a megaflow AGA, so all I did was drain the overflows only, then worked from there.

You won't be able to do it from under water (I don't think).

I'd be more than happy to explain more, so if there is anything else I can help with, LMK.

Jim

 

[Jim_S]

Sorry, I just went through and read your thread.

That is a tough one.

I would still try the silicone grease, but I think you're gonna need to drain the tank down

Jim

 

[Elite]

I don't think you can fix this problem without draining the tank

 

[WarrenG]

Where exactly is the bulkhead? On the side? How far up from the bottom? On the bottom?

 

[MelodyCorals]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8188371#post8188371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WarrenG
Where exactly is the bulkhead? On the side? How far up from the bottom? On the bottom?

Bottom of the tank for a closed loop system - pretty much in the middle of the tank. I'm starting to agree that I just need to bite the bullet and drain the sucker.... we'll see....

Thanks All,
Josh

 

[WarrenG]

I suggest using schedule 80 fittings, especially for the locknut that is tightened down because the others are too fragile. Last week I broke two of three just trying to hand tighten them so I molded some that were three times the thickness and they are very tight with no chance of breaking. I would also worry about bumping the outlet of the weak bulkheads because the locknut could crack then too.

 

[wombat2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8192456#post8192456 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MelodyCorals
Bottom of the tank for a closed loop system - pretty much in the middle of the tank. I'm starting to agree that I just need to bite the bullet and drain the sucker.... we'll see....

Thanks All,
Josh

Yeah. ACE Hardware sells 32 gallon trash cans for $13. Sounds like two would work. Drain it 2/3, fix it, pump the water back in. $30 and 30 minutes. Your fish and corals won't even hardly notice.