New Tank All Bulkheads Leaking

[JaySchulz]

Filled the tank up for the first time today to test the tank, plumbing, etc.

Tank has ghost overflow set up with BeanAnimal plumbing. There are 3 pass through holes to connect the back box. All 3 bulkheads are leaking. I only hand tightened them as I didn’t want to overtighten. Do you think this is my problem. Maybe a 1/4 inch turn with a wrench? Gaskets are between inside of overflow box and nut of bulkhead.

[JaySchulz]

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[Whiskylen]

The gaskets need to be between the overflow box and the tank


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[Whiskylen]

The gaskets need to be between the overflow box and the tank


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Actually my bad should be on the outside of tank unless you use a double gasket between the tank and overflow then overflow and bulkhead


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[JaySchulz]

Ok I have a gasket at number 1 and number 3


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[GQuinn]

You need one at 1 and 2. Number 2 is between the outside of the tank the overflow box.

[lagatbezan]

Gasket should always be on the flange side and not the nut.
I usually put a little bit of Vaseline between the gasket and the surface and then tighten the bulkhead down. This will give you a nice tight seal.

[Dross]

Agree with 1 and 2. The gasket at 3 on the nut does not do anything for you as the water can just pass between the threads and the nut and exit between the overflow box and the tank.

[ca1ore]

Ok I have a gasket at number 1 and number 3


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/c1cb301bfa90828b558ccea07fa12f32.jpg


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Looks like the new modular marine overflow with the removable internal skim box? If so, and ironically, position #2 in your diagram is the critical place for a gasket. Positions 1 and 3 are really just optional.

[Jazeel55]

A few grain of sand can make it leak


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[JaySchulz]

Alright looks like I’m getting wet lol

[JaySchulz]

Thanks guys. Hopefully problem solved. My wife thought my complaining about it being cold was funny so she took some pictures.

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[HBtank]

Lol

[ifarmer]

Ok I have a gasket at number 1 and number 3


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1 and 3 is adequate.
Having 2 does not hurt either just not necessary
What you have now is good and maybe you did not tight them enought that is why i think you have the leak.
Just so you know you can be fine with just 1 and 3.

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[JaySchulz]

You only need 1 and 3 only.
Having 2 does not hurt either just not necessary
Again. Only 1 and 3

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1 & 3 is what I originally had. I moved 3 to 2 and now there’s no more leaks.

Well no more leaks at the bulkheads. I have one drain that is leaking down by the sump where I glued to pieces of pvc together.

[ifarmer]

1 & 3 is what I originally had. I moved 3 to 2 and now there’s no more leaks.

Well no more leaks at the bulkheads. I have one drain that is leaking down by the sump where I glued to pieces of pvc together.
If you move 3 to 2 then you will have leak at the overflow box (soon or later). You dont want water to leave the overflow box.

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[LQT]

If you move 3 to 2 then you will have leak at the overflow box (soon or later). You dont want water to leave the overflow box.

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Actually, having the gasket at 3 is where the leak is coming from. Putting a gasket on the nut side of a bulkhead is useless as water is still seeping through the nut/bulkhead thread interface, hence the OP’s leaks, which was emanating from the exterior box.

[jamie1981]

1 and 3 is adequate.
Having 2 does not hurt either just not necessary
what you have now is good and maybe you did not tight them enought that is why i think you have the leak.
Just so you know you can be fine with just 1 and 3.

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wrong! Gasket 3 does nothing #2 is the critical one that is your seal between the tank and overflow box.

[jamie1981]

If you move 3 to 2 then you will have leak at the overflow box (soon or later). You dont want water to leave the overflow box.

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Actually no you won't

#2 is your seal all the way around your bulkhead between the tank and overflow. Any water that gets around the bulkhead between the tank and overflow will not be able to seep out.

The best seal is to lube the o-ring with some Vaseline or better silicon o-ring lube, this will insure a good watertight seal.

[ca1ore]

This may be a stupid question, but what will you do if you have to service the overflow once the tank is full of rocks and coral?

[JaySchulz]

This may be a stupid question, but what will you do if you have to service the overflow once the tank is full of rocks and coral?

Not a stupid question at all because it’s one of many things that will be difficult to do with the tanks footprint and no fish room behind. Ive got two options. Arrange my rocks so that they are not on the back wall and if the scenario comes that I need to service, I’ll step into the tank like I did today. Option 2 is cut through the wall behind the tank and make an access door. It’s my wife’s closet and I could service it easier that way. I tried to make her closet my fish room and give her my smaller closet but she didn’t go for that.

[Yogre]

I tried to make her closet my fish room and give her my smaller closet but she didn’t go for that.

I can't imagine why.:D If I had tried that my wife would have smothered me with my pillow.

[billdogg]

I tried to make her closet my fish room and give her my smaller closet but she didn’t go for that.

I can't imagine why.:D If I had tried that my wife would have smothered me with my pillow.

Do like I did and wait for her to leave for a couple days! I ended up with extra electrical outlets and running water to the sump with a remote control switch. :dance:

and +1 to a very small amount of silicone plumbers grease (NOT vaseline! it is, after all, petroleum jelly!) Use just enough to make the gasket shiny - no globs!

[Modular Marine]

Wish I had seen this thread sooner Jay; as others have already answered the question, spot #2 is the only place you need a gasket for this overflow. Glad to see the tank with water in it though! If you have any more questions feel free to contact us directly

[Bent]

Good god I want a tank that big...

And a place to put it.

[ca1ore]

I was going to cut an access panel to be able to access the overflow from the back on my new tank, but the spot is where the main vertical joist from the house is (6 sistered 2x6) so rather pointless. Mine's only 3 feet deep, so it's reachable by hanging over the tank (usually with extra cursing).

[Kengar]

Any further updates on this post? I have gaskets at 1, 2, and 3 and am getting leaks. I wonder whether having gasket at 3 is detrimental because then the nut "squishes" down into the gasket instead of bearing against the wall of the overflow box to compress everything securely.

[Member No. 1]

Any further updates on this post? I have gaskets at 1, 2, and 3 and am getting leaks. I wonder whether having gasket at 3 is detrimental because then the nut "squishes" down into the gasket instead of bearing against the wall of the overflow box to compress everything securely.

I have a Synergy Shadow Overflow.
Gaskets are at #1 & #2 only. #3 doesn't do anything.
No leaks whatsoever.

[Kengar]

I have a Synergy Shadow Overflow.
Gaskets are at #1 & #2 only. #3 doesn't do anything.
No leaks whatsoever.


I'll see what happens with 3 removed. I'm also going to try schedule 80 gaskets instead, although given their larger inside diameter to accommodate slightly wider shank, it may not work. (Always something in this hobby...... Getting dripping from the bulkheads in very bottom of tank for the closed loop.....)

[Member No. 1]

Watch toward the end, around the 6:00 minute mark, when he installs the box on the tank.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/28endRg9Hxo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kengar]

I'll give that a try when I test out the new external box I ordered from MM.