Tank Leak!

[LFCBVB]

Im setting up new tank that I replaced the overflow on. I dont know how but I made huge mistake and the overflow is leaking. I thought I did it correctly but the water level remains the same outside the overflow as inside, siphoning the overflow practically does nothing.

a bigger problem is my bulkhead is leaking so it wont stop dripping into my Sump. I dont know where to begin. Its75 gal and it’s practically full

 

[Dragon52]

Can you post some pics so everyone can see what your talking about. How it's mounted etc

 

[LFCBVB]

Pics

 

[GlassMunky]

If the level in the overflow and outside it are staying the same it means there’s a leak in the overflow box seal.
Only way to fix that is to drain it and reseal it.

Same thing for the bulkhead. You have to drain the overflow and reseat the bulkhead o ring. And if thee overflow is filling from the tank because of that leak you will need to fully drain the whole tank.

Is the tank new or did you get it used?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[theMeat]

On the bulkhead, If the rubber washer is on the inside of tank you should be good. Maybe a 1/4 turn with wrench will do the trick.
As far as the leaking overflow, you’d have to drain, dry, and re-seal

 

[Dragon52]

Is it keaking at the connection from the tank to the sump, if so It's possible the bulkhead union is to tight or loose which means you'll need to empty the tank level enough to drain the overflow. Is there a washer for both sides of the union & if not which side is it on.

 

[LFCBVB]

On the bulkhead, If the rubber washer is on the inside of tank you should be good. Maybe a 1/4 turn with wrench will do the trick.
As far as the leaking overflow, you’d have to drain, dry, and re-seal

Ok Im probably an idiot but should I have two rubber washers on both sides or just one? Im draining it all now but for future reference

 

[LFCBVB]

Is it keaking at the connection from the tank to the sump, if so It's possible the bulkhead union is to tight or loose which means you'll need to empty the tank level enough to drain the overflow. Is there a washer for both sides of the union & if not which side is it on.

Both sides.

 

[theMeat]

Ok Im probably an idiot but should I have two rubber washers on both sides or just one? Im draining it all now but for future reference

Bulkheads normally come with one rubber gasket. It goes on the inside. No need for two washers.

 

[theMeat]

Both sides.

Nope

 

[LFCBVB]

The tank was completely resealed by me. Ive done this before, but ive never actually put in my own overflow box. I guess I just really messed up the seal

 

[fishguy242]

hi bummer,agree,did notice 2 other things looks like you have the washer on outside of tank must be inside,also prob pulled up drain pipe for pics ,but if not needs to be lowered ,hand tighten bulkheads then just tighten a little bit ,careful not to strip or crack nut best wishes

 

[fishguy242]

forget the agree too many replies inbetween not calling you idiot

 

[theMeat]

Yeah Man. No need to feel like an idiot. Anyone with a tank has had issues just like this. It’s a learning experience

 

[fishguy242]

kudo's to all great response time!!!

 

[Dragon52]

Plenty of help here & It sounds like you know what to do now. Good luck

Edit: Just another thought. Is the tank & overflow glass or acrylic. If the tank is glass & the overflow is acrylic they wont seal good.

 

[LFCBVB]

Plenty of help here & It sounds like you know what to do now. Good luck

Edit: Just another thought. Is the tank & overflow glass or acrylic. If the tank is glass & the overflow is acrylic they wont seal good.

Im realizing this now. I’ll have to figure something out. Do people use plastic?

 

[Dragon52]

Im realizing this now. I’ll have to figure something out. Do people use plastic?

I would say no, same issue. you'll probably need to redo it in glass. I;m sure there's a glass business near you that could cut what you want, I had autoglass guy cut me some new tops for my 120gl when I had it setup because I needed slots for my overflow.
If you have a Home Depot or something simeler they may cut it or you could DIY.

 

[theMeat]

Plenty of help here & It sounds like you know what to do now. Good luck

Edit: Just another thought. Is the tank & overflow glass or acrylic. If the tank is glass & the overflow is acrylic they wont seal good.

Good point. If you use 100% silicone it should be more than enough.


Amazing Goop, available at Lowe’s and other stores is awesome. Some of the strongest stuff i’v used. Have it in some tanks for over 10 years and still strong as new. It is amazing goop.

but as mentioned, 100% silicone works. It’s what all the tank manufacturers use to attach their acrylic overflows to their glass aquariums without issue.
Scrape clean, wipe with alcohol, re-attach

 

[fishguy242]

no,you have two options make or order glass overflow box,2 run a stand pipe w screen fitting to desiered height,same with return pipe pvc drill1/8" hole in return elbow just below water line