Uniseals vs bulkhead

[Foxchase]

So I was just given a brand new 1200gph overflow box from Modular Marine from my friend and the drains have uniseals instead of bulkheads.

I've never had sumps before so this will be my first time plumbing and drilling an aquarium.

Are uniseals ok to use? All the videos I've seen have bulkheads so I havent been able to find anything on them.

 

[ndrwater]

Yes, they would be okay to use. But... Uniseals are used with pipe/tubing running directly through them. They can be a PIA to get set up. Once they are, they are great for something that isn't going to move.
All that said, I would personally use bulkheads is possible as they are easier to deal with and have a wider option for accessories to use with them

 

[vanpire]

I have used uniseals and they work for a while but they are not nearly as reliable as bulkheads. If you can, replace the uniseals with bulkheads.

 

[bevo5]

Agree with the above - they work but they aren't as good. The main issue I had with my uniseals was that as soon as something even so much as thought about bumping into one, a tiny little leak would come up. They are super finicky.

 

[Foxchase]

Agree with the above - they work but they aren't as good. The main issue I had with my uniseals was that as soon as something even so much as thought about bumping into one, a tiny little leak would come up. They are super finicky.

The side of the current uniseals is 3/4. So do you think I'm ok staying with 3/4 pvc piping once I switch to bulkheads?

 

[Water Dog]

3/4” uniseals are meant to be used with 3/4” PVC tubing. However, if you’re able to swap them out for bulkheads, I’d do so.

 

[Foxchase]

3/4” uniseals are meant to be used with 3/4” PVC tubing. However, if you’re able to swap them out for bulkheads, I’d do so.

So I will definitely be switching them out to bulkheads. Everywhere I've seen has said the preferred size for the drain is 1" but I don't think that would fit in the outside overflow box. Will I be ok using 3/4" pvc for the drain?

 

[Water Dog]

It should be fine. How big is your tank?

I have an upgraded 1200 gph MM overflow box that I upgraded to 1” bulkheads. In order to set up the overflow with U tubes to keep it quiet, I had to forgo using a 3 drain Beananimal set up and used a 2 drain Herbie instead. Granted, this worked out well for my Trigger 26 sumo layout. But with 3/4” PVC fittings in the 12” exterior box, it will give you ample room to set up u tubes with 3/4” PVC fittings.

 

[Foxchase]

It should be fine. How big is your tank?

I have an upgraded 1200 gph MM overflow box that I upgraded to 1” bulkheads. In order to set up the overflow with U tubes to keep it quiet, I had to forgo using a 3 drain Beananimal set up and used a 2 drain Herbie instead. Granted, this worked out well for my Trigger 26 sumo layout. But with 3/4” PVC fittings in the 12” exterior box, it will give you ample room to set up u tubes with 3/4” PVC fittings.

It's currently going on a 40B. I was still deciding whether to drill the tank for the return or just use the u tubes over the top since I wanted to keep the beananimal setup.

 

[Water Dog]

Drill it. 3/4” drains will be more than fine for your 40 breeder.