Sealant for return line plumbing

Jaysushi · May 6, 2017

Hey reefers, everything else went good on the Versa 42g. However, on the return line connecting to the overflow bulkhead there is a very minor and slow leak.

I made sure and triple checked that it was tightened and it is. It is still there. Do you guys recommend any sealants I could pick up at a hardware store that is reef safe?

K. Steven · May 6, 2017

Is your bulkhead on backwards? The flange should be on the wet side and the nut on the dry side. I also recommend you attach tubing with hosebarb connections and use the hose clamps around the barbs.

Jaysushi · May 6, 2017

I may or may not have done that. I will disassemble it and check to make sure and let ya know.

Jaysushi · May 6, 2017

K. Steven said:
Is your bulkhead on backwards? The flange should be on the wet side and the nut on the dry side. I also recommend you attach tubing with hosebarb connections and use the hose clamps around the barbs.

I believe I found my problem. Took the line off and there was two gaskets on there.
I guess what I forgot was to put one of the gaskets on the inside line.

Jaysushi · May 6, 2017

Problem solved, put that second gasket on the other side of the return line where it goes into the sump
Phew lol, lesson learned xD

cromag27 · May 6, 2017

Glad you fixed it, but to clarify, it does not matter which side the flange is on. what matters is that there's a gasket on the flange side. you can also use a type of plumbers paste on the threads. never use thread seal tape.

Jaysushi · May 6, 2017

@cromag08 Thank you. This is my first tank setup where the sump is separate and not all in one.
Do you by chance know what this hole is used for? It's on the drain pipe that sits in the overflow.