Leaky Bulkhead. Please advise.

[JollyReefer]

I have built in overflows in my 210 gallon. I just tested my plumbing for the first time and the bulkheads are leaking. The problem is I don't have enough clearance to tighten them much by hand. The stand I built only had about enough space for one finger on each side of bulkhead to tighten nut. And I can't fit the wrench provided by the overflow manufacturer in that space either so I'm pretty much SOL. Is there any reason I shouldn't just silicon the bulkhead to the glass tank? If i do that should I get rid of the washer or keep the washer in there for siliconing? I'm at my wits end. No fish in tank. Just starting. Thanks.

Should I cut out more space in the top surface of the stand?

 

[Jeepguy242]

may have to take all the water out and have someone help you lift the tank

 

[dede]

How about trying a strap wrench, you can get them at home depot.

 

[JollyReefer]

may have to take all the water out and have someone help you lift the tank

Thanks. I emptied the water. How much of the stand's top surface can I cut out to access the bulkhead nuts while still providing proper support to the tank?

 

[sbash]

Thanks. I emptied the water. How much of the stand's top surface can I cut out to access the bulkhead nuts while still providing proper support to the tank?

Without seeing the tank myself, it is hard to guess...

But looking at the pictures you have provided, you can likely cut away the amount needed to properly access the bulkhead. The glass on your tank should be pretty thick, so even if you cut away the whole corner (inside the framing) it would be fine... (like an inch around the bulkeads)

 

[Jeepguy242]

Yea. I would cut that whole corner out inside the frame so I could use the wrench it it were my tank

 

[Mark Bianco]

Something like this Basin Wrench works well for your needs and you wont need a lot of extra room.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-10-in-to-16-in-Basin-Wrench/999903643

HTH

 

[laverda]

Good choice removing the tank and enlarging access to the bulkheads. You will be very glad you did if you ever need to change one. You really should not need to tighten a bulkhead with a wrench. You can easily break them if over tightened to much. With more room around the bulkheads you should be able to tighten them properly by hand.
Make sure the area is clean and do not use silicone. The rubber gasket should be between the bulkhead flange and the inside of the tank with the nut on the outside of the tank. Good luck.

 

[JollyReefer]

Thanks for all your responses. In the end, I just hired a tank pro to come over and fix this issue for me. I was too frustrated and didn't want to irk my wife any further. In the end, it was a good move. No leaks, and it only cost me $100. I would have probably spent half my day on it. I have a feeling I'll be calling him fairly frequently.

 

[Chrishvacman]

I recently set up my tank and couldn't get to my bulkheads for the closed loop very well when on the stand so i made this crude tool to tighten the nuts worked out very well. Had to watch out not to overtighten though. There is a tool for bulkhead nuts you can possibly get to work the metal is thin and you can bend to fit tight spots also.