I have a leak!

Kfox93 · Mar 23, 2017

What can be an easy temporary fix here? Its leaking pretty good....

Xclusive Reef · Mar 23, 2017

Give us an idea of how long tank has been running? i am sure you already tried to tighten the bulkhead so i am not going to ask. I would check the pipe on top make sure it is in secure. to resolve it being that the pipe is at the bottom what can you do? you going to have to move your rock, fish corals etc into a bin and look at what the issue is. see what is something happened to the seal.

Waters · Mar 23, 2017

Fortunately it looks like the leaky bulkhead is at the bottom of the overflow. All you need to do is shut off the pumps and drain the overflow (not the tank). Inspect and replace if necessary. If it is coming from the flexible tubing you can cut a few inches off of the end and try reattaching.

Xclusive Reef · Mar 23, 2017

Waters said:
Fortunately it looks like the leaky bulkhead is at the bottom of the overflow. All you need to do is shut off the pumps and drain the overflow (not the tank). Inspect and replace if necessary. If it is coming from the flexible tubing you can cut a few inches off of the end and try reattaching.

You are 100% correct I don't know what I was thinking about draining tank.

jsker · Mar 23, 2017

Remember it you use silicone, let the silicone cure completely. Most likely a new bulk head waster will fix the issue. Westmarine might have washer that size if you can not find a bulkhead.

Also a emgency fix till you get the right part is using plastic wrap the is use for wrapping food. Pull a bunch off the roll and fold the wrap and the twist the wrap. Wrap the wrap around the top part of the bulkhead and being careful not to over tighten the bulkhead back down could the a temporary fix.

PedroYoung · Mar 23, 2017

I had a similar issue once and temporary fix was to duck tape some plastic sheeting to the bottom inside of the stand to funnel the drips into the sump. Then when I had a new bulkhead I drained the overflow, wiped it down well, and installed.

adam_Lawrence · Mar 23, 2017

If you put a new bulkhead in make sure you pull off the rubber gasket and scrape the bulkhead at the seam from the mold/cast can cause a leak to. Just scrape and put rubber gasket back on wipe down area wear the bulkhead sits and you should be good to go.