Silicone or Not to Silicone POLL

[RBU1]

OK need some opinions please. I have my closed loop drilled in the bottom of the tank. Should I add silicone around the hole when I put the bulkhead in? Or should I just leave the bulkhead as it is?

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I think you should definitely add silicone because you don't want to drain the entire tank to deal with a leak if it comes along a few months down the road (ask invincible569 what he thinks as he just had to replace a leaking bulkhead in his tank a little while ago)

Good luck!

 

[Fiziksgeek]

If using a quality bulkhead, you won't have any problems. However, for an added sense of security, some people like to silicone around the edge of the bulkhead after it is installed.

Putting silicone in the hole, or around the edge of the hole before installing the bulkhead is not recommended and can actually cause more problems. Bulkheads come with gaskets, they are not designed to be used with any additional sealant.

 

[RBU1]

OK sounds good so far I am installing the bulkheads and installing silicone around them.....More opinions please....

 

[RokleM]

Absolutely not. Any quality bulkhead when properly tightened and installed will not leak. This is especially true for higher quality SCH80 bulkheads. I've had almost two dozen bulkheads (both SCH40 and SCH80) on acrylic, glass, and rubbermaid poly sumps without a single leak without silicone. I tighten them by hand, then do a 1/8-1/4 turn with a strap wrench. The SCH80 are much easier to work with in my opinion due to the size of the nut if nothing else.

 

[RBU1]

Well my only problem is when the person built my tank he did not drill for sch 80. I ordered bulkheads from a reef central sponsor called Aquacave. THey are black with a white ring. THey look like a decent quality. I just want to add a little extra security knowing the bulkheads are in the bottom.

 

[thi7b]

I agreed thirschmann. I would definitely add silicone. I had one that leak on me yrs ago. Add silicone and tight more and you should be good. I let it dry for 2 day before first water test.

 

[Kent E]

No silicone. Just do it properly. I have 4 holes in the bottom of a 450. Not even a slight hint of a problem.

 

[boydx6]

I would not add silicone. My buddy added silicone to his thinking it would seal it better and when he started (started) tightening it, the glass broke. I think it was because the silicone was not consistent in thickness around the hole and put more pressure in some areas than others.

 

[RBU1]

I was not going to add silicone under the bulkhead just around it after I have it tightened.

 

[Mikigo]

you do not add silicone to the plates. apply small amount in the grooves of the threads and tighten normally.

 

[RBU1]

So instead of putting the silicone around the inside of the bulkhead you are saying just to put it on the threads? So many opinions I like it. Just not sure which to do.....Maybe i will do them all......

 

[thor32766]

yeah it your that worried about it, add after tightening it.

 

[MuratS]

I used no bulkhead but only silicone. Works no problems.