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Innovative Marine Aquariums

Plumbing


Jorgieee

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I am trying to redo my plumbing on my versa 42. Any recommendations on what to add to it this is my first sumped tank and really don't know which route to go. The only reason I'm changing it is because I had a problem with a leak from one of the bulk heads and I wasn't able to unscrew it so I had to cut it. THANKS !!

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Hmmm.. Hard to say. There are a lot of options and I'm not sure about your starting point.

 

Why not just re-create the same setup, assuming it was working well minus the leaky bulkhead?

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Hmmm.. Hard to say. There are a lot of options and I'm not sure about your starting point.

 

Why not just re-create the same setup, assuming it was working well minus the leaky bulkhead?

Yeah, that's what I am going to do. I'm just going to add some thread tape to the bulkhead because I am not sure why it was still loose for some reason I had the plastic nut on the bottom tighten all the way and the whole thing would still turn and I couldn't even loosen it so I had to cut it. I'm thinking maybe I stripped it as I was tighten it but it not sure.

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Yeah bulkheads are sometimes tricky. Here are some tips I use:

- Inspect the bulkhead threads - use a razor or some sand paper to smooth manufacturing marks on the threads and the seal surfaces

- Make sure not to cross thread. The nut should thread on easily

- thread tape shouldn't be necessary really...

- Apply an extremely thin layer of silicone plumbing grease to the bulkhead seal ring, both sides. This will help it seal better to irregular surfaces at first (painted surface or textured ABS) and over time protect the rubber. If you use the grease though be careful not to over tighten and squeeze out the seal. Tighten just enough to seal.

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Another common issue is bulkheads that aren't threaded all the way. They're designed to be used on a certain thickness of glass. While the bulkhead might be intended for 10mm glass for example, they offten bottom out (run out of thread to tighten on) going tight and often getting stuck before they have clamped tight on the tank. Cheap bulkheads offten seem to be most prone to this. Thicker gaskets can help, or just biting the bullet and investing in better quality bulkheads in the first place, I've read a lot of people throw out ones supplied with a new tank due to them being cheap and nasty.

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