New Tank setup and Bulkheads all leak

[jsturner711]

Hello, I am setting up my first tank with overflows, and all 4 of my bulkheads are leaking. I bought the tank used, it's only 2 years old and in really good shape. I have emptied and filled the overflow sections several times, loosening and re-tightening the gaskets, replacing them, and I even replaced one of the bulkheads altogether. All 4 of them have a slow drip. I tried just hand tight, and then I tried adding a quarter turn with a wrench. No change. I've heard some people add silicon to the glass, but I've heard more people say not to. Is there something simple I am missing, any tricks that might help?

 

[Peace River]

I know that can be frustrating. Where are you adding the gasket?

 

[jsturner711]

I have a single gasket on top of the glass.

 

[UncommonSense]

I have a single gasket on top of the glass.

This is the correct orientation, gasket against flange side of bulkhead!

Are you reusing the original gasket? They do start to dry out as they age, though two years isn’t very long in that regard!

Have you examined the glass mating surface, bulkhead flange, and gasket surfaces for signs of any dirt or other debris?

 

[jsturner711]

I cleaned the glass on both sides pretty thoroughly. I did notice a small mark in the glass on one of the drilled holes, but the surface seemed flush. And all 4 are dripping. 2 of the gaskets are brand new, but they all seem in great shape. I haven't really looked closely at the flange surface, I'll do that next. The tank was setup just a couple weeks ago with original owner so I have to think they're OK. When I take apart should it be completely dry before I tighten again?

 

[UncommonSense]

When I take apart should it be completely dry before I tighten again?

This might help!

— Assuming this is a glass tank, Try using a paper towel with some isopropyl alcohol on it to clean the glass mating surface, too! — junk can get dried on in that general area during a tank move…

 

[Jamie814]

Have you tried some silicon o-ring lube on the gaskets?

This is what I use on any orings from bulkheads to skimmer cup or RO cansiters to get a good clean seal.

Super Lube 56204 O-Ring Silicone Lubricant, Clear

 

[jsturner711]

Ok, I'll start with the alcohol and in the meantime order the silicone lube. Im gonna let everything dry overnight and get back on it in the morning. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[tedstalcup]

Are these ABS black plastic or grey schedule 80s? The grey ones are significantly better. If the ABS ones are ever over tightened they can crack or deform the threads and then they’re junk. I also prefer slip to slip that you glue in. If you’re using threaded adapters then make sure it’s not the adapter leaking. If you are using adapters then a cheap solution is to get o-rings and put them on the adapter then screw it in until it’s squishing the ring. You can also use plumbers tape but I found the o-rings more reliable.

 

[UncommonSense]

I also prefer slip to slip that you glue in. If you’re using threaded adapters then make sure it’s not the adapter leaking. If you are using adapters then a cheap solution is to get o-rings and put them on the adapter then screw it in until it’s squishing the ring. You can also use plumbers tape but I found the o-rings more reliable.

I think there’s a misunderstanding about how plastic pipe threads seal here!

— Plastic NPT fittings are not designed to be sealed with Teflon tape, and are definitely not designed to be sealed by cramming an o-ring in there…

— try using paint on pipe thread sealant next time you’re dealing with plastic NPT fittings!

 

[tedstalcup]

I also prefer slip to slip that you glue in. If you’re using threaded adapters then make sure it’s not the adapter leaking. If you are using adapters then a cheap solution is to get o-rings and put them on the adapter then screw it in until it’s squishing the ring. You can also use plumbers tape but I found the o-rings more reliable.

I think there’s a misunderstanding about how plastic pipe threads seal here!

— Plastic NPT fittings are not designed to be sealed with Teflon tape, and are definitely not designed to be sealed by cramming an o-ring in there…

— try using paint on pipe thread sealant next time you’re dealing with plastic NPT fittings!

That works but Teflon doesn’t despite all the posts suggesting it. Yes, NPT sealant works great but if you’ve got a leak and it’s late… the o-ring works.

 

[jsturner711]

Update: after disassembling everything, I dried the glass, cleaned everything with isopropyl alcohol, then applied silicone Lubricant to bother sides of the gasket. I hand tightened then a little extra with a wrench. I filled both overflows with water. Everything was dry after a couple hours, but when I got up this morning there was water around the 2 larger bulkheads. Not sure what to do now.

 

[Jamie814]

Everything was dry after a couple hours, but when I got up this morning there was water around the 2 larger bulkheads. Not sure what to do now.

Hard to say without seeing. Do you have any pictures of bulkheads your using?

Gaskets are inside the overflow on the bulkheads and not on the underside or bottom of the tank where the nut is correct?

Are you sure the bulkheads are the correct size for the holes?

Can you measure the holes in the bottom of the tank?

 

[UncommonSense]

Not sure what to do now.

Short of what @Jamie814 has added,

some pictures of the bulkheads, the holes in the tank, and the gaskets may help us spot something amiss!

 

[jsturner711]

Yes, gaskets are on top of glass inside the overflow. The bulkheads are 3/4" and 1". I just cranked the nuts down a touch more, but here are some pictures.

 

[UncommonSense]

Yes, gaskets are on top of glass inside the overflow. The bulkheads are 3/4" and 1". I just cranked the nuts down a touch more, but here are some pictures.

Hmm.. the only thing I see that could be causing you this much trouble is this glass chip:

Is that on the interior, or exterior face of the glass pane?

 

[X-37B]

Take one gasket and rub a small layer of silicone on one side of the gasket. Place this silicone down against the glass.
Put the bulk head on top and lightly make it snug.
Wait 24hrs and hand tighten.
This should solve it.

 

[jsturner711]

The glass "chip" is actually inside the glass. The top side is flush and smooth.

I will try again with drying cleaning and silicone.

 

[UncommonSense]

The glass "chip" is actually inside the glass. The top side is flush and smooth.

This chip is still a leakage path! I have the exact same spall chip pattern on a vertical pane of my 180g, right in a silicone seam… it eventually started weeping water, around the seam, through the chip; necessitating extensive repairs!

In your case, aquarium silicone sealant may be your friend, here!