causeofhim
New member
What would be the harm in using silicone if gives a person peace of mind?
Step-by-Step: Drilling Holes in Your Glass Tank for Bulkheads
- Thread starter JustOneMoreTank
- Start date
What would be the harm in using silicone if gives a person peace of mind?
I would have to agree about the 55g tanks not always being tempered. When I contacted AGA they said that the bottom of all the 55g tanks came tempered, and the only way they tempered the front/back is if it came in a "combo" is what she said. But, you can also measure the glass on the sides and front/rear and relay that to AGA and they can tell you if it's tempered or not.
JustOneMoreTank
New member
jimroth...
You can try this webpage. http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_bulkheads_strainers.asp
MarineDepot lists the size hole in your glass tank for the Bulkheads that they sell. The units are given in inches however so you will need to convert this to millimeters.
(1 inch equals 25.4001 millimeters)
Or you measure the outside diameter of your Bulkhead.
The problem with giving you an exact number is that it depends on the brand of the BH and Sched 40 vs 80.
Hope this helps some.
Last edited:
JustOneMoreTank
New member
Rendos shares an opinion that I have heard before. Many people do not use Silicone when installing BHs and they perform leak free. I, myself have always used Silicone with my BHs and have been leakfree so I will continue with what works for me.
Sched 40 BHs are weaker and can crack if overtightened. I think that people sometimes overtighten these lighter duty BHs when not using Silicone and this can lead to an immediate leak or possibly a leak somewhere down the road when the stress starts to split the threads. Not good. This is why I recommend Silicone and tighten "only" very tight. I am afraid that the average person may attempt to apply Super Gorilla strength if they are not using Silicone and possible crack their Sched 40 BH.
Sched 80 BHs are more "beefy" and come with a Great Gasket. I would have no problems not using silicone on these as long as I had good access to the unit when installing it and could tighten it down really well.
I have heard some claim that the Silicone can/may deteriorate the rubber gasket of the BH over time. I do not know if this is true or not. I have never found this to be true in any of my experiences but I dont know for sure.
So to finally get to your question causeofhim the silicone MAY not play nice with the BH's rubber gasket.
With that said... I have plenty peace of mind with all of my siliconed BHs in my young and old tanks.
Cheers
JustOneMoreTank
New member
Yes the plastic material that the cheaper BHs are made out of is not high quality stuff. It is sufficient and will get the job done as long as you dont really wrench it down with super human strength.
You would be surprised how strong you really are when installing the Bulk Head when at the last minute while tightening they think 'man I better get this Really Tight or else this could leak 120 gallons of water all over the living room'. Then they muster Super Gorilla Strength and they crack the BH (usually in the threads) or stress the plastic to such a degree that it may develop a leak later.
You would be surprised how strong you really are when installing the Bulk Head when at the last minute while tightening they think 'man I better get this Really Tight or else this could leak 120 gallons of water all over the living room'. Then they muster Super Gorilla Strength and they crack the BH (usually in the threads) or stress the plastic to such a degree that it may develop a leak later.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6300757#post6300757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JustOneMoreTank
jimroth...
You can try this webpage. http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_bulkheads_strainers.asp
MarineDepot lists the size hole in your glass tank for the Bulkheads that they sell. The units are given in inches however so you will need to convert this to millimeters.
(1 inch equals 25.4001 millimeters)
Or you measure the outside diameter of your Bulkhead.
The problem with giving you an exact number is that it depends on the brand of the BH and Sched 40 vs 80.
Hope this helps some.
THANKS!
JownsenJesus
Premium Member
Good Hole Saw Dealer- http://stores.ebay.com/Treasure-HK-Ltd
Thank you, your method worked very well.:bum:
Thank you, your method worked very well.:bum:
My last tank used an overflow siphon, so I'd love to use a hole instead with my 75g I'm setting up.
i still need to check if my tank is tempered or not, but how many holes and where do you suggest.
I'm thinking of one bulkhead a couple inches from the top to act as my siphon overflow did and one near the bottom to facilitate water changes.
Would I want more than 2?
i still need to check if my tank is tempered or not, but how many holes and where do you suggest.
I'm thinking of one bulkhead a couple inches from the top to act as my siphon overflow did and one near the bottom to facilitate water changes.
Would I want more than 2?
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