Modular Marine Overflow Leaking....

[reef_ninja]

Sorry for the length, I’ll try to shorten this the best I can. This thing is driving me nuts. Never been so frustrated with an overflow before. The bulkheads between the tank and the external box were leaking, so I retightened them, and it was good for a couple days, but now those two bulkheads are leaking again, and now the middle drain at the bottom of the external box is leaking. It’s not easy to adjust this box, I have to drain the display tank about 2/3 of the way to be able to move it and get my hands back there.

Pics, just to give you and idea. The first one is the bottom of the external box, with the three drains in line (just to give you an idea). Second pic is what the underneath plumbing for the three drains in the external box looks like, again just to give an idea.

There are two bulkheads in the tank that drain into the external box. I’m considering taking the external box off completely and replacing them with two durso-style drains, one with a valve in the hopes to cut down on noise. My only concern is noise, as the MM overflow is dead quiet, and I’d really like to keep it that way. Thoughts?

 

[JoshH]

So first thing that comes to my eyes is the box is not sitting flush against the tank, I'm guessing either theres trim at the top of the tank holding the top out or the weight of the plumbing is pulling the bottom of the box inwards. If the box isn't completely flush with the tank it means the gaskets aren't sealing completely either.

 

[reef_ninja]

Actually I can see why you would think that, the pic makes it look that way, but it’s actually dead flush. In fact, another quite annoying aspect, is that I had to cut the trim to make sure the water line stayed below the trim line.

 

[reef_ninja]

Or maybe what your seeing is that top part, where it looks like there’s an 1/8” gap or so? That’s actually how the box is made, to allow for the tank trim

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Sorry for the length, I’ll try to shorten this the best I can. This thing is driving me nuts. Never been so frustrated with an overflow before. The bulkheads between the tank and the external box were leaking, so I retightened them, and it was good for a couple days, but now those two bulkheads are leaking again, and now the middle drain at the bottom of the external box is leaking. It’s not easy to adjust this box, I have to drain the display tank about 2/3 of the way to be able to move it and get my hands back there.

Pics, just to give you and idea. The first one is the bottom of the external box, with the three drains in line (just to give you an idea). Second pic is what the underneath plumbing for the three drains in the external box looks like, again just to give an idea.

There are two bulkheads in the tank that drain into the external box. I’m considering taking the external box off completely and replacing them with two durso-style drains, one with a valve in the hopes to cut down on noise. My only concern is noise, as the MM overflow is dead quiet, and I’d really like to keep it that way. Thoughts?

I don’t like seeing this thread a day after my mm overflow was put in mail to me. I wish you knew why it was leaking this makes me nervous

 

[reef_ninja]

Ugh.... I think I found the issue. First, I'm going at this with being too frustrated. Second, I may have the gaskets in the wrong positions. But Im sleeping on it for now and Ill jump on this tomorrow. Ill let you know how it works out Fordtech. The boxes are actually beautifully made, and DEAD QUIET. But there are more than a few posts about folks having issues with leaking.....maybe its what I'm think about the gaskets. I promise Ill update this.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Yes there is 2 or 3 gaskets per bulkhead and have to be in proper spot. Yes please get back to us on your issue I’d appreciate that. My overflow should be here next few days and I have not drilled my tank yet so I will be waiting

 

[ca1ore]

The only absolutely critical spot for gaskets is between the outside back of the tank and the external box.

 

[reef_ninja]

The only absolutely critical spot for gaskets is between the outside back of the tank and the external box.

That’s what I’m thinking is the issue, but hearing someone else say it feels better.

 

[Coolcasino]

No problems with my MM. 1 gasket goes inside the tank. The other goes in between the outside glass and the outside box. Did you glue everything up? Threes no real pressure in the drain lines. Even an ok glue job would not leak. That box doesn't look square to me either. Looks like threes something in between the box and the glass.

 

[iReefer12]

Ugh.... I think I found the issue. First, I'm going at this with being too frustrated. Second, I may have the gaskets in the wrong positions. But Im sleeping on it for now and Ill jump on this tomorrow. Ill let you know how it works out Fordtech. The boxes are actually beautifully made, and DEAD QUIET. But there are more than a few posts about folks having issues with leaking.....maybe its what I'm think about the gaskets. I promise Ill update this.

Had a MM overflow and it’s been spot on for me. They even notched the top so it fits flush up against the tank and fits around the top edge trim.

The gaskets need to be placed right. Here’s a diagram that might help.

 

[Water Dog]

Based on Simon’s post and your follow up, it seems as though you may have the gaskets in the wrong place. Please update the thread when you find out the root cause of your leaking. You got a few prospective MM overflow overs very nervous!

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Lol sounds to me like user error which happens no big deal

 

[ca1ore]

My MM overflow has been up and running flawlessly for 2 1/2 years. If I were installing one today, however, I would make my own gasket out of silicone sheet so that the gasket was the full size of the external box with the two necessary holes. that way, no possibility of the external box torqueing.

 

[iReefer12]

My MM overflow has been up and running flawlessly for 2 1/2 years. If I were installing one today, however, I would make my own gasket out of silicone sheet so that the gasket was the full size of the external box with the two necessary holes. that way, no possibility of the external box torqueing.

I got some thin foam, comes with a sticky back and put a strip on the lowest point of the outer overflow box, just to create contact with the tank and provide a bit of support. This could be an option, perhaps even some thin nylon washers could be slipped into that gap.

 

[Water Dog]

Yeah, when I installed my 1200 gph MM overflow, I scotch taped a pair of gaskets to use as a spacer for the lower portion of the external box as a preventative measure to prevent any potential torquing from the weight of the plumbing.

 

[ca1ore]

I got some thin foam, comes with a sticky back and put a strip on the lowest point of the outer overflow box, just to create contact with the tank and provide a bit of support. This could be an option, perhaps even some thin nylon washers could be slipped into that gap.

Yes, you can do that also. I used a thin strip of gasket material along the bottom of the external box so it stayed perfectly parallel to the back of the tank.

 

[Mickeyt1reef]

My MM overflow leaked as well. I just said screw it and put a thin coat of silicon on all of the gaskets. I then re-installed, securing all bulkheads, no issues since. I'm sure removal will be a pain at some point but I'll deal with that when the time comes. I love the over flow! Would highly recommend and buy again.

 

[reef_ninja]

Thanks for all the replies, will definitely update later when Im more awake (coffee first --> priorities). Some folks are insisting the box is not on flush but I guarantee you it is...... MM notches the top of the external box, and there is a shadow that makes it look wierd in the pic, but that entire box is sitting flush up against the back of the tank.......which also means there is no gasket between the tank and the external box, some idiot (ahem, ahem) put it on the nut side ;Dead

 

[iReefer12]

Bingo! I’m shocked it’s not leaking more tbh.

Definitely worth considering a spacer of some kind to add support against the side of the tank once you get that gasket in their.