Leaking bulkhead

Kial · Apr 12, 2018

ok so not exactly an emergency as it’s dripping back into the sump but I feel it should be sorted.
I made the mistake when I first purchased the tank (total noob) when I leak tested the tank I had a leak from the bulkhead which I just couldn’t sort out. Ended up butchering it with silicone and to be fair it help up for almost 9-10 months now.

I’m going to have to scrape all the silicone off, replace the bulk head etc but to be honest I’m useless at this stuff
If I getting into a bit of trouble, how long is it ok for the return pump etc to be shut off?

alton · Apr 12, 2018

I made the same mistake you did years ago and used an old bulk head and gasket, then added silicone. It took me less than an hour to change the bulkhead and clean up the silicone. You should be fine, if you are still worried add a airstone and pump to the tank while you are working on it.

Kial · Apr 12, 2018

Ok thanks for the advice. Does the silicone just scrape away with a knife or something like that?

Gary S · Apr 12, 2018

Kial said:
Ok thanks for the advice. Does the silicone just scrape away with a knife or something like that?

Straight single razor works the best. Just ensure that you take ALL the silicone off as silicone doesn't bond to sillicone. Typically after getting the majority off, if you look closely you will see a film left. Don't stop until you see 100% glass.

AlexStinson · Apr 12, 2018

Get yourself a fresh gasket for the bulkhead, and just a little silicon grease (sold in plumbing section). Aquarium silicon will just interfere with the bulkhead doing it's job.

Kevin D · Apr 20, 2018

Get the glass cleaned good with a razor and dry. If the glass is clean and dry you should not need silicone with the bulkhead gasket, lots of people make this mistake and end up with leaks. If the gasket is dry and the glass is clean and dry you shouldn’t have any leak issues.