*** Tank leak! need advice asap***

Spartan

Member
My main display is a standard reef ready 180g AGA. The tank is almost 10 years old. The tank is built into the wall. Tonight it started leaking from one of the standpipe type drains (the "Durso" type for old timers out there) where the drain exits the aquarium. And rather briskly at about a gallon an hour.
Once I shut down the return pump and drained out the overflow, the leaking essentially stopped so things are stabilized for the moment. Wave timer is keeping things circulating.

Access to the area where the drain is very difficult due the specifics of the build (which occurred right before the big explosion of build threads that we see now, everywhere; and is my way of saying I wouldnt have done it that way if I could do it again but anyway...). It will involve cutting through two 2x8's.

So I want to be certain of what i'll need to do once I get in there. I'm guessing that I need to replace the rubber gaskets? Does anyone know where to get them. The drain was part of a kit that I purchased from AGA along with the tank. If not I'll see if one of the LFS's still stocks these or even the kit.

When it comes to instlling a new gasket do I apply aquarium sealant to that? What's the best way to do this?

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated. thx!
 
is it a bulk head?f so just buy another one.they have em at ARC.
a pic would help to see whats going on
 
I would replace the entire bulkhead and consider putting some silicone between the gasket and the tank. I normally don't do the silicone, unless its a bulkhead in a tough to reach area.
 
I think I may have an extra AGA overflow kit still in the wrapper. I'll check when I get home. It has the standpipes for drain/return, bulkheads, elbows, gaskets, etc.
 
I might be usefull seeing the picture in a picture. It is that hard to get a head and an arm Under your tank and up to your drains?
 
Yes - the drainpipe connects to a bulkhead.

I'll try to find what I need at an LFs (Im in Roch) or maybe a plumbing supplier but if not I'll see if Willistein (thx!) or someone has it here.

I do want to try to seal it as it will be very hard to get to it.
 
I've used plumbers goop in emergency situations before. It's really against my nature to use that type of solution, but sometimes it's the most practical way to go.
 
Still working on it. Had to get a bigger saw blade. But did get the bulkhead and gasket from CF. luckily had day off today.
 
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