Bulkhead 101

[Lyscer]

I am in he design phase of a new tank I'm setting up and I'm not sure which bulkheads to get. The slipxthreaded or slip x slip. Which ones do you recommend and why?

[Ehaze]

I like the slip, many people say they leak over time.

[spleify]

I think it depends on your particular application. I have both on my tank.

[tbittner]

I use the threaded/threaded. I use locline and the adapter screws right into the inside of a 3/4 bulkhead. Or I'll screw in a pvc reducer and then screw the locline adapter into it.

I prefer to be able to change piping around if necessary so it's nice to be able to unscrew the pvc from the bulkhead on the outside and not need new bulkheads.

I also prefer the heavy duty bulkheads but they take a slightly larger hole in the glass/acrylic.

[fareforce]

slip x slip here.. as long as they are done right they wont leak. Also, they are a lot easier to work with when they are behind your tank IMO.

[LobsterOfJustice]

Depends on the specific application. What are the bulkheads being used for (CL intake, return, drain to sump, etc).

[Playa-1]

Slip and thread. It's nice to be able to take it apart if you want to.
It's not about a leaking issue, it's about serviceability.
Unless is slip-slip-ballvalve-thread :) That works too.

[pledosophy]

threaded threaded in all of my tanks. Way easier IME.

[rutledgek]

I use threaded/threaded.

[SeanT]

Threaded x threaded here as well.

[Macimage]

Threaded/Threaded Schedule 80.

Joyce

[Lyscer]

Thanks for the input so far. The bulkheads will be used for my return and overflows. It looks like I am leaning more towards the threaded/threaded now.

[Akaash]

I prefer FPTxFPT. Teflon tape and you're good to go.

[Lyscer]

Sorry for my ignorance, what is FPT?

[Akaash]

FPT = Female Pipe Thread and MPT is Male Pipe Thread

Since both 'ports' on a bulkhead are inside, they're both female. The MALE thread on a bulkhead is for the 'nut'.

Long story short FPTxFPT = threaded x threaded

[Lyscer]

thanks for the clarification. I couldn't figure out what the FP part was. Now it is very clear.

[Akaash]

Slip is nice for hard plumbing. But I'm really not a fan of hard plumbing unless you're running your sump to another room/basement. Threaded is easier to adapt and service in my experience.

[AZDesertRat]

Thread by thread. Its easy to disassemble if needed in the future when you decide to replumb or clean things. Nothing has to be cut or tossed if you use a union close by.