Bulkhead salt creep

[bradb90]

Hi reefers,

just took a look behind my tank for the first time in awhile and noticed I have some salt creep on the back of the 2 overflow bulkheads.
My question is this because it’s too tight, to loose or other reason?

tia

 

[GarrettT]

I have salt creep on all my bulkheads, but I'd be concerned with it dripping like that.

 

[bradb90]

That was my thought. It has been a good awhile since I looked back there and there doesn’t seem to be anything wet but still doesn’t seem to be right nonetheless

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

Is the gasket outside the tank? If so it’s supposed to be inside the tank. The white ring looks like a gasket.

 

[11f150]

Is the gasket outside the tank? If so it’s supposed to be inside the tank. The white ring looks like a gasket.

My thought exactly

 

[dank reefer]

Also, make sure those pipes are braced in some fashion or the weigh of the pipe and water will crack the glass...

Don't as how I know

 

[bradb90]

Is the gasket outside the tank? If so it’s supposed to be inside the tank. The white ring looks like a gasket.

it has an internal and external gasket that came with the tank from manufacturer. The internal gasket being on the softer side.

Also, make sure those pipes are braced in some fashion or the weigh of the pipe and water will crack the glass...

Don't as how I know

It’s not braced from manufacturer but I do have the main overflow goin into a clarisea that should be helping.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

The outside gasket is allowing the water in tank to travel the threads outside the tank...that’s why the “creep”.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

What is the gasket made from? Any idea? It appears to be a harder plastic rather than a softer rubberized material. As some others have pointed out, you will need two gaskets. One inside. The other outside. And yes, cracking that tank is a real possibility if not supported.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

On an overflow box yes...return line idk

 

[bradb90]

What is the gasket made from? Any idea? It appears to be a harder plastic rather than a softer rubberized material. As some others have pointed out, you will need two gaskets. One inside. The other outside. And yes, cracking that tank is a real possibility if not supported.

The internal gasket is a softer rubber like material and the outer white one is a firm plastic.

I may have to look at some type of support. None was setup by the manufacturer which is strange if needed. Could also be problematic as I have very limited space between tank and wall. not sure if it matters or not as it’s not obvious in the photo but the tank has an internal horizontal overflow box setup.

if the salt is getting down the threads, is there anything I’ll can do to stop this?

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

You need “rubberized” gaskets. Best word I can think of. Silicone or similar. You must use two. And both have to be soft And sealable. One inside. One outside. That’s the only way this will seal. No rush TBH. Just get around to it eventually.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Btw, this is also another reason why we very seldom hard plumb. One little shift can cause big troubles.

 

[Brian_68]

Salt creep is a slow leak, could either be too tight, or not tight enough, or too old and they have hardened over the years.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Now if you want to fix it right, instead of just trying to replace the gaskets you need to start over and use true bulkheads. What you have there is not a bulkhead.

 

[JumboShrimp]

One man’s perspective: I have quite a bit of salt creep behind my tank (long story). I stuffed an old towel between the pipe and the glass, and I just leave it there. It’s not pretty, but life is short. No one goes ‘behind’ my tank. But it’s true— you don’t have actual bulkheads. Best wishes!

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Id clean the salt creep off. Let it dry and re assess
I agree could be both too tight or not tight enough.
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

They make a pvc wrench. Pipe wrench.
Hths
D

 

[Big Smelly fish]

Is the gasket outside the tank? If so it’s supposed to be inside the tank. The white ring looks like a gasket.

Good catch, I missed that