100 gal Overflow Advice Needed (Synergy Reef v1)

[RedneckAquaman]

Hello fellow aquarium hobbyists,

After a long break (12 years) from the hobby I jumped back in with a Waterbox 20 gallon AIO I set up August 2023. I am currently in the process of cycling my 100 gallon Crystal Dynamics (4 x 2 x 2) tank. I purchased the tank used. It came with a Synergy Reef v.1 overflow.

I reached out to Synergy Reef to purchase new seals for the overflow, but they would not sell new seals. Only offered selling a brand new overflow.

This week I noticed a very small drip coming from the rear Synergy Reef v1 overflow seals on the tank. Any advice on a short term remedy would be appreciated. Until I can afford to order a new overflow (Modular Marine) I am considering the following:

Applying a small bead of silicone between the tank and seal to stop the slow leak.

What if any problems or difficulties might this create until I upgrade this overflow?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and any advice you may offer.

 

[mmorrison55]

So it’s leaking at the seals where the inside the tank meets the outside piece? And you are sure the gasket didn’t get kinked? Or that you don’t just need another 1/8-1/4 turn (or more) on the bulkhead nut to make the connection tighter?

Unless you noticed the rubber was cracked or worn, it shouldn’t leak.

You could always pull it off and try and take the seals to a plumbing supply and see if they have something that will work. Or even cut your own out of neoprene.

 

[mmorrison55]

Also, I know you are eager to get your tank going, but better to get it right now vs having to drain your tank and work on it after you have it stocked.

 

[RedneckAquaman]

MMorrison55, thank you for pointing out the obvious. I gave the bulkheads another 1/4 turn and will evaluate them. Sometimes we need to step back and look from a different perspective. I was very careful not to kink or crack the seals.

Yes, it was leaking from the exterior seal between the tank and bulkhead seal. The seals are worn and they are custom seals exclusive to Synergy Reef. I purchased new standard bulkhead seals but they will not work. I carefully cleaned the old seals with a soft toothbrush and used a light silicone grease on the exterior seals only. I also agree, I am not in such a hurry to rush this process. I want to ensure it's done correctly once prior to stocking the tank.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[UncommonSense]

The seals are worn and they are custom seals exclusive to Synergy Reef. I purchased new standard bulkhead seals but they will not work.

I have one of these overflows; be very careful with the exterior box, it’s very thin/brittle injection molded plastic which loves to crack!

The bulkhead gaskets (aka seals) are not anything special, just a round rubber gasket…

why are your new standard bulkhead gaskets not fitting? Not the correct inside, or outside diameter?

— Your local ace hardware/etc might have a large enough (ID) round, flat faced, rubber gasket for some other application which can work here!