BLEEDING BULKHEADS BATMAN!!!!!

[a.t.t.r]

A dab on the thread maybe if it is vibrating itself loose but if you tighten it correctly it should not be doing that.

 

[Ultra Aquatics]

Just so we’re on the same page, I’m not talking about the round rubber gasket that goes on the inside of the tank…..at all! I’m talking about the hard plastic nut that gets screwed up against the similarly hard glass bottom of the fish tank. And because we’re only instructed to hand tighten the nut. That’s everybody, guys, gals, young, old and so on. This “nut” is not always going to stay on tight and may start leaking. A little silicone will give it that holding power. Thats it.

How is your nut even loosening? I’ve never seen that happen in the 20 years I’ve been in this hobby. Only time I have ever had a bulkhead leak was when it had gotten torqued a bit from the pvc pipe attached putting pressure the wrong way.

 

[Waters]

I just don't use threaded joints.....slip/glue only if it is a situation that could cause me issues if it were to leak.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

How is your nut even loosening? I’ve never seen that happen in the 20 years I’ve been in this hobby. Only time I have ever had a bulkhead leak was when it had gotten torqued a bit from the pvc pipe attached putting pressure the wrong way.

Great question, so I have a bit of an advantage over most of us on this post. I’m retired/semi-retired and I work 2 or 3 days a week for an aquarium maintenance company. Money’s good, but also, I do it because I love it. Been there now a year and a half. 150 tanks, maybe 25% of them drilled. Okay so a rough estimate of 36 drilled tanks and so far 2 out of 36 had this issue over a year and a half timeframe. I’m like you, I never had this happen to me. I had a broken bulkhead once but true it’s not common but 2 out of 36 makes it worth at least a discussion.

 

[outhouse]

One last time most leaks are from not cleaning casting mold marks on the plastic. A seam is left, and people over tighten to stop the seepage or salt creep.. if plumbing is not putting pressure on bulkhead they will never leak if installed properly. This is the difference between a poor mechanic and a good one. Nothing more.