Leaks from Rubbermaid stock tank bulkhead

[Tft12]

Does anyone else have trouble with drips from the preinstalled bulkhead on Rubbermaid stock tanks? If you have had this problem please provide your solutions.

 

[fermentedhiker]

I don't use one but I do remember people who did years ago saying they replaced them because of leaks. Sometimes they had to sand/grind down ridges on the inside to make the interior surfaces flat for a new standard bulkhead though.

 

[Tft12]

Thanks. I’ve swapped out the original for the largest that will fit between those ridges - doesn’t fit well though.

 

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[ca1ore]

The bulkheads that come with those stock tubs are absolute garbage. Just replace it with the appropriately sized standard aquarium sch 40 bulkhead.

 

[reefcleaners Verified Sponsor]

I learned about how their bulkheads leaked after 150 gallons of water ended up on the floor. Ouch! Don’t trust them. The damage can be quite a bit.

 

[Tft12]

Good to know I'm not the only one that's considered the preinstalled bulkheads junk.
@ca1ore is there a particular bulkhead that you've found that works well? I think I used the 1" schd 80 from BRS and there was more space around the bulkhead than I liked to see.

 

[ca1ore]

It’s been a while since I replaced them - still have the tubs under the deck somewhere lol. If memory serves, I just used the pretty standard sch40 from BRS. Seem to recall them fitting snugly. I also siliconed them in, so no chance of a leak.

 

[piranhaman00]

It’s been a while since I replaced them - still have the tubs under the deck somewhere lol. If memory serves, I just used the pretty standard sch40 from BRS. Seem to recall them fitting snugly. I also siliconed them in, so no chance of a leak.

Bump!!

what size bulkhead fits?

 

[WVNed]

I replaced mine last year with a new Rubbermaid one I got at Tractor Supply. I did not see a regular bulkhead that would fit in the hole.

 

[piranhaman00]

I replaced mine last year with a new Rubbermaid one I got at Tractor Supply. I did not see a regular bulkhead that would fit in the hole.

Why is that? Is the hole a circle?

Also did you replace it because it was leaking?

 

[WVNed]

Why is that? Is the hole a circle?

Also did you replace it because it was leaking?

They hole was the wrong size and the way it is molded there is a step in the bottom where it is. The Rubbermaid one is square to accommodate this.

Yes it was leaking. I thoroughly glued the new one in though I don't remember with what exactly.
It wasn't a major disaster because the one that failed was on my mixing tank. I am using 3 100 gallon stock tanks.

 

[outhouse]

Most of the time. You need to sand down the seam which protrudes into the gasket. The 2 piece mold for bulkhead leaves a seam that will always seep if you do not address it

 

[piranhaman00]

Is this what the Inside of yours looks like? I know there are different models, this is 100g as well.

I don’t see where the sanding would be needed?

 

[reef tank 2.0]

When determining what size bulkhead to get for the replacement.....it's as simple as measuring the existing hole size, right? I have a 100g rubbermaid and I would like to replace it BEFORE this becomes an issue.

 

[Be102]

Bump…

interested to buy one for a temp tank during a move… don’t want to end up with water all over the floor.

also is it common for something homedepot to have bulkheads?

 

[Mike konesky]

I'd order the bulkheads from elsewhere. Home Depot doesn't have em. Which size stock tank are you considering?

 

[exnisstech]

Bump…

interested to buy one for a temp tank during a move… don’t want to end up with water all over the floor.

also is it common for something homedepot to have bulkheads?

No bulk heads at HD here. I bought a 100g stock tank several months ago and used it as a hospital tank for 3 months with no bulk head leaks

 

[Be102]

I'd order the bulkheads from elsewhere. Home Depot doesn't have em. Which size stock tank are you considering?

So I’m thinking between 100-150 as I currently have a 65 gallon display and prob 20 gallons in my sump.. no fish just coral / inverts lots of live rock.
In process of moving and deciding to take down tank few days before in really temp housing ( black totes from homedepot) but thinking more long term with one of these things @ the new place to give me time to get everything figured out.

I also found out about uniseals but unsure delivery time / whatnot will work out.

All fish stuff is packed so just winging it now…


I did read someone put sealent or something on the bulkhead threads and that helped… but also hear it doesn’t leak!!

 

[Mike konesky]

So I’m thinking between 100-150 as I currently have a 65 gallon display and prob 20 gallons in my sump.. no fish just coral / inverts lots of live rock.
In process of moving and deciding to take down tank few days before in really temp housing ( black totes from homedepot) but thinking more long term with one of these things @ the new place to give me time to get everything figured out.

I also found out about uniseals but unsure delivery time / whatnot will work out.

All fish stuff is packed so just winging it now…


I did read someone put sealent or something on the bulkhead threads and that helped… but also hear it doesn’t leak!!

1" schedule 80 bulkheads fit both the 100 and 150. I wouldn't recommend using the bulkhead that comes with the totes even with silicone. $20 to know it's never going to leak is a good deal imo.