Save me ...

[eshook]

... from my own stupidity. :mad2:

I utilized spring break by working on my tank. I replaced the baffles/walls on my sump. That all went well.

Then I removed the external overflow boxes, which failed. I built an internal overflow box and planned to attach the bulkheads to the tank in a standard fashion. However in my stupidity I did not put the bulkheads in before I silicone'ed the internal overflow box. There is not enough clearance to insert the bulkheads with the internal overflow box because the bulkhead is too long/large.

Is there a smaller (i.e. shorter) alternative for a bulkhead that I can use instead of tearing apart my overflow box once again?

Jason provided me with 2 x 1" bulkheads similar to these

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6885/cid/1895

I found these online, but I wasn't sure if they would work?

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6835/cid/1885

Alternatively I could use a 1" equivalent the size of these

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6920/cid/1903


Does anyone have any suggestions? I am ripping my hair out!

 

[glaspie69]

how much room are you short?

 

[waverz]

Could you cut them down?

 

[glaspie69]

you could always cut them, just make sure that the outer shroud is on and you have something threaded into the output before you cut it or you'll mess your threads up and the bulkheads will be useless. you could take an inch and a half off those bulkheads easy. Don't pull all your hair out yet.....you have to save some for after you get water in the tank. If you have any problems or need help I'll be comming through cr/ic tomorrow....just let me know jason

 

[eshook]

The bulkhead is threaded on both ends. There is ~3/4" of threads on each end.

I would need to cut about 1/2" to make the bulkhead short enough to clear the overflow box (2"). If I cut off 1/2", will it not make the bulkhead useless with only 1/4" of thread?

 

[glaspie69]

Well i have one easy want to fix it but it will take a day or two, you can reverse the bulkhead. take 3 or 4 large rubber washers and silcone them together, put the washers on and tighten the bulkhead from inside the overflow.....if you do it this way i would silcone both sides of the bulkhead cause its going to be really hard to get it tight enough. That would be the easiest way to fix it without ordering new bulkheads.

 

[eshook]

Is this likely to leak?

I would be more than willing to buy different bulkheads if it will make it work. At this point my wife is going to whoop my *$$ if I don't get this tank up and going (and with the least amount of problems) so throwing a $20 at it isn't a problem at this point.

 

[eshook]

Jason,

Just re-read your post and thank you for the offer, but I will be in your neck of the woods tomorrow (Dunkerton/Waterloo area). My wife is hosting a scrapbooking event for a group of people in Dunkerton so I will be there to load/unload the stuff. I will wave at you as we pass on 380 though

As alternative options does anyone know if Home Depot / Lowes / Menards carries bulkheads? I will be passing many of them on my trip tomorrow. If not I will try to see if a local Iowa City farm shop carries them or will order something online.

 

[glaspie69]

if it were me, i'd just cut the overflow boes off put the bulk heads in and glue the box back on

 

[eshook]

I am going to see if I can mount the bulkhead backwards temporarily. I have the horizontal overflow full of standing water with the backwards bulkhead and so far it has not leaked. We will see if it leaks when I turn on the quiet one 4000.

As a, most likely, permanent solution I am ordering 'white cap' bulkheads. These bulkheads will allow me to use either 1" or 1 1/2" PVC. The difference is that the outside threads can be used by a female 1 1/2" connector unlike the 'black cap' style. So you can use 1 1/2" pipe without drilling a bigger hole adding obvious benefits in terms of handling additional flow. The 1 1/2" option should allow me to cut the overflow shorter if I need to fit it into the box.

I will report on the success/failure of the backwards bulkhead. If I end up using the outside of the 'white cap' bulkhead I will let everyone know if I notice the increased capacity. In theory going from 1" to 1 1/2" should essentially double the flow so hopefully I notice a difference.

I should listen to your wisdom Jason, but alas I learn by trial and error

 

[Atticus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9498445#post9498445 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by glaspie69
if it were me, i'd just cut the overflow boes off put the bulk heads in and glue the box back on

Agreed, I would fix the problem once and fix it right.