Threaded or Slip Bulkhead

[FireEMT]

I'm getting ready to install bulkheads on my new tank and need to know what is preferred. I am leaning towards slip on both sides and glueing but am up for suggestions. I plan on using lots of unions. Let the comments and experience begin.

 

[jadwv2210]

If you go slip on both sides, then you'll never be able to remove the drain from the tank. Most of the time this isn't a problem but it's something to think about.

 

[FireEMT]

Do you glue your drain parts together? The reason I ask is, I wouldn't be able to unscrew the bean animal drains in the overflow box if they were glued together.

 

[805reef]

I personally always use slip and I don't usually use unions. I set the plumbing up correctly(glued) and make sure its leak free and then don't worry about it.

I've used threaded in the past and have gotten salt creep. I know some people don't but its not uncommon.

As for unions, they are good in certain places but I am not in the mindset of wanting to take my plumbing apart in all different places. If I need to move the tank even with unions I would rather just cut off all the plumbing and replumb with new bulkheads/fittings/etc.

Either way you go there isn't a wrong choice. Whatever you feel most comfortable with.

 

[jadwv2210]

Yes you would glue the pieces together inside of the overflow box. Are you using an external box then? Like the synergy reef overflow? I believe they come with their own bulkheads to use and all of your plumbing is outside of the tank negating the need for threaded fittings inside of the tank.

If you're doing a standard internal overflow the way I do it is a threaded on the outside bulkhead That way I can remove the fitting from the back of the bulkhead and pull the whole drain assembly out if necessary. Sometimes that just isn't possible though and you end up with a situation where the drain lines can never be removed without cutting them.

 

[KoleTang]

I always use slip on the flange and thread on the outer part. This way I can slip my standpipes or elbows out when I need to without much hassle. Disassemble isn't a problem because of the the threaded fitting on the outside. Just make sure to use lots of teflon.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I would always choose thread x thread every time. You never have to cut them apart when you have a leak or want to modify some plumbing. Have you read my Bulkhead Installation sticky thread? Lots of really good information.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/unread

Never use teflon on PVC fittings, all PVC manufacturers recommend against tapes and dopes and do recommend things like the LaCo PVC Thread Sealant sticks.

Unions are a fantastic idea. Piping and plumbing starts fouling and creating headloss over time and being able to easily disassemble can clean it out is valuable. A quick run through with a Fluval or similar cleaning brush and it is as good as new with no cutting, throwing away or starting over.

 

[FireEMT]

Thanks for all the great replies, I am now leaning towards slip on the internal overflow side and threaded on the external. I'm doing bean animal so threads on the inside won't really do anything for me since I wouldn't be able to unscrew the bean animal drains while in the internal overflow. I do like the idea of being able to remove the drains attached to the bulkhead for cleaning.

 

[Dtackett]

I say thread x thread based on my experience. I used to always glue thinking its best because it would prevent leaks. well after having to replace multiple bulkheads from having to move tanks and such, I learned thread x thread is best and to use a quality Teflon tape. I use blue gorilla tape. 3 wraps no leaks ever. also cutting a thick bulkhead out of a tank isn't the easiest thing to go...

 

[Dtackett]

also use unions on each drain and one on the return. it helps a lot.

 

[Jimbo662]

I always use slip on the flange and thread on the outer part. This way I can slip my standpipes or elbows out when I need to without much hassle. Disassemble isn't a problem because of the the threaded fitting on the outside. Just make sure to use lots of teflon.

I do the same...makes disassembly for cleaning or making changes much easier.