How to fix slow leak from overflow bulkhead?

[krak256]

After I set up my tank 3 years ago, I noticed a bit of salt build up under my Modular Marine external overflow but it didn’t grow and I didn’t see any water, so I left it alone. However this week I noticed the salt build up has increased and there is a bit of moisture running down from the bulkhead to the stand.

Below are pics after I wiped the majority of the salt away to double check if there is indeed a leak. Has anyone dealt with this before and what is the best way to fix it?

 

[fish_collector]

I have one that is doing that too. I'd say tighten the nut if you can get to it. A basin wrench will work if you can find one that opens big enough, or perhaps you can find someone who can 3d print you a crows foot wrench with a 3/8 square drive so you can use a long extension from below. Just a snug is probably all it will take to stop it from weeping.

 

[krak256]

I have one that is doing that too. I'd say tighten the nut if you can get to it. A basin wrench will work if you can find one that opens big enough, or perhaps you can find someone who can 3d print you a crows foot wrench with a 3/8 square drive so you can use a long extension from below. Just a snug is probably all it will take to stop it from weeping.

Thanks. Did that resolve your leak? I only have about 6 inches behind the tank and it’s a 5 foot tank. Will be difficult to reach

 

[fish_collector]

I haven't tried to tighten the nut on my leaker yet because like yours it's not an easy thing to do. I'll post here when I get it figured out. Tightening the nut is the only resolution you will have. Unless the bulkhead has a crack, cinching the nut a little more so the gasket is more compressed is all you can do to stop it from weeping. I've put silicone sealant on bulkhead gaskets in previous builds but had some issues with rotation even after it cured. Clean, dry and tight and a bulkhead will not leak.

I use the same bulkheads everyone does, the black schedule 40 ones. From here on out I will spend the extra money and buy schedule 80 bulkheads, they are twice as robust and the nut is twice as tall so you can really get a good torque on it without threads skipping. Cheap Chinese bulkheads from Amazon are horrible if you have ever used them.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Water pump or adjustable pliers might help.
No more than 1/8 turn @a time unless very loose, you don't want to crack anything.
GO SLOWLY!

 

[Arkayology]

I would be careful when trying to tighten bulkheads. You don't want to over tighten one and risk cracking the glass or causing the leak to get worse. I have used this on multiple tanks to help with small leaks at seals. It's food-grade silicone and has never seemed to impact my tanks in the past.

 

[krak256]

Water pump or adjustable pliers might help.
No more than 1/8 turn @a time unless very loose, you don't want to crack anything.
GO SLOWLY!

I would be careful when trying to tighten bulkheads. You don't want to over tighten one and risk cracking the glass or causing the leak to get worse. I have used this on multiple tanks to help with small leaks at seals. It's food-grade silicone and has never seemed to impact my tanks in the past.

I will try both. For the grease, do I just apply it around the nut or do I need to disassemble the bulkhead and apply it to the gasket?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I would be careful when trying to tighten bulkheads. You don't want to over tighten one and risk cracking the glass or causing the leak to get worse. I have used this on multiple tanks to help with small leaks at seals. It's food-grade silicone and has never seemed to impact my tanks in the past.

This stuff is legit for a LOT of things. I tend to use it also when installing bulkheads.

To the OP, how bad is the drip, I just started another tank and I usually have a leaker or two from just usual stuff from installing piping. Id place a towel under it (with the right contrast) and wait it out. More than likely the salt creep will fix it again.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I think I got these bulkhead wrenches from BRS. Good to get a tight grip on or off in tight places.

 

[Arkayology]

I will try both. For the grease, do I just apply it around the nut or do I need to disassemble the bulkhead and apply it to the gasket?

It would require you to take the bulkhead apart and add a little bit to the gasket. You could also wait it out and see if it stops on its own as mentioned.