Bulkhead question

buhumphrey · 12/25/2008, 06:41 PM

Can a bulkhead be installed with the nut side inside the overflow? The reason I want to do this is because I realized that my overflow hole is directly over a nailer and installing it this way would allow me enough room to install a 45 elbow. Then I would only need less than a foot of flex PVC to the sump.

reef2 · 12/25/2008, 06:53 PM

yes u can install it that way just make sure the gasket is on the wet side.

THE ROOK · 12/25/2008, 07:00 PM

I don't believe you want the gasket on the nut side. Should be placed on the flange side whether or not it's in the overflow.

reef2 · 12/25/2008, 07:01 PM

gasket always goes on the wet side.

spleify · 12/25/2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reef2
gasket always goes on the wet side.

Very INCORRECT statement.

The gasket ALWAYS goes on the flange side.

Nagle · 12/25/2008, 08:34 PM

I have always been told the gasket goes on the flange side. Because if you but it on the nut side it might not be flat and start to crinkle when you tighten the nut.

jon99 · 12/25/2008, 10:02 PM

I would definetly put the gasket in the wet side. With a smear of 100% silicone on both sides of it.

GTriever · 12/26/2008, 04:12 AM

Gasket on the flange side, otherwise the thing will leak around the threads.

billdogg · 12/26/2008, 05:53 AM

This is the only problem i sometimes have with RC. The misinformation that gets passed on as fact.

for the record - the gasket ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS goes on the flange side!!!!!!! if you have 2 gaskets, you can put one on the nut side, but it IS NOT NEEDED. Also - silicone grease should be used sparingly, (not silicone caulking!) if at all. Tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. no more should be needed, and only increases the chance of cracking the tank.

You can put the flange on either side (wet or dry) it makes no difference.

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ME - email scott at www.glass-holes.com

reef2 · 12/26/2008, 09:15 AM

sorry guys i was always told gasket goes on the wet side.

spleify · 12/26/2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by billdogg

for the record - the gasket ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS goes on the flange side!!!!!!! if you have 2 gaskets, you can put one on the nut side, but it IS NOT NEEDED. Also - silicone grease should be used sparingly, (not silicone caulking!) if at all. Tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. no more should be needed, and only increases the chance of cracking the tank.

You can put the flange on either side (wet or dry) it makes no difference.

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ME - email scott at www.glass-holes.com

Correct, ding, ding, ding.

I have never(and never would) use any type of silicone on a bulkhead, it's not needed.

So long as the gasket is clean of any debris, the tank(or where ever you are installing the bulk head) is clean of any debris and burrs, and the nut is clean and free of burrs. You will be fine. Like mentioned, 1/4 turn past hand tight has always worked well for me.

Good luck and happy reefing.

Spleify

Doc750 · 12/26/2008, 06:38 PM

subscribing to thread

buhumphrey · 12/26/2008, 06:59 PM

I appreciate the help, I will make sure the gasket is on the flange side and no silicone just alil water.

Thanx again to all,
Fred H.

jon99 · 12/26/2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billdogg
This is the only problem i sometimes have with RC. The misinformation that gets passed on as fact.

for the record - the gasket ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS goes on the flange side!!!!!!! if you have 2 gaskets, you can put one on the nut side, but it IS NOT NEEDED. Also - silicone grease should be used sparingly, (not silicone caulking!) if at all. Tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. no more should be needed, and only increases the chance of cracking the tank.

You can put the flange on either side (wet or dry) it makes no difference.

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ME - email scott at www.glass-holes.com

Sorry for the misinformation. I didn't just pull it out of my butt tho. I read it in this article... http://wetwebmedia.com/plumbingmarart.htm ...written by Bob Fenner, a very respected author in this field. Look under "Through Put Fittings" #5

"5) That Silicone Trick again. What's the best means of securing the threaded nut to your through put fittings? With a smear of 100% Silicone Sealant... allowing a bit of shaking, tank movement (they do at times) w/o breaking... and even the possibility of easier removal should you want to... Did a gasket (maybe two) come with each through-put fitting? Smear a little Silicone on either side of it and the flat of the fitting and place it... on the inside of the tank side... if/should you have two gaskets, do the same with the other one and place one on either side/face of the tank."

I put 100% silicone caulk on all of my bulkheads. No problems so far.

James77 · 12/26/2008, 08:06 PM

Big difference between silicone sealant(silicone grease) and silicone caulking. What Fenner means is applying the grease(like vaseline made of silicone) to the threads to make it easier to remove the nut, and to help seal the gasket. The silicone sealant does not cure like the caulk would though.

jon99 · 12/26/2008, 09:23 PM

James, I feel a bit silly arguing a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but I'm 100% positive that when Fenner mentions "silicone sealant" he is referring to the clear caulk that cures, not the silicone grease. He is recommending using it on the nut to SECURE it not to make it easier to remove. Also here is another quote from the same article. " NOW how do you make these threaded fittings secure? Teflon tape? Nope. Plumber's Dope? Nope.... with 100% Silicone Sealant... Yep, the same material used to adhere glass panels in high-rises, shower stalls (sans mildewcides of course) and, by golly, fish tanks! Just a smear on the threads (one side is fine, my choice, the male) and tightening by hand will do. Voila (!). No muss, no fuss... no leaks, and you'll be able to unthread these fittings if you should desire at a later date... This Silicone trick is really a worthwhile technology... nesting the threads snugly, while allowing for vibration. Just make sure you're using 100% Silicone, not material adulterated with other matter for other applications."

James77 · 12/26/2008, 09:41 PM

No worries, Jon- you are correct on whats stated in the article. I was just going by the quote you gave in your post. Ideally, one shouldn't need to put silicone caulk on bulkhead fittings to seal them. Though I guess it's only fair to mention I did the exact same thing two nights ago to stop my refugium bulkheads from leaking all over the place

buhumphrey · 12/28/2008, 09:39 AM

Should I use teflon tape on the threads of the bulkhead?

EnglishRebel · 12/28/2008, 09:53 AM

You can use Teflon tape although some people swear by Teflon paste. The paste does a better job of sealing but it can get all over your tank and it's a RPITA to get off (trust me -- I just finished a bathroom remodel and after a week I took the strainers off the faucets to clean them and they were coated with the stuff and it took a while to get it off).
If you use tape give it about six wraps. Some have used silicone caulk instead of tape (or paste) and swear by it. Let it set up for 24 hours before putting water in. BTW make sure the silicone does not have mildew inhibitor in it.
I concur with the "gasket on the flange side". This is the correct way to do it.

Edit
I just re-read your post. I'm assuming when you say 'should I put tape on the threads of the bulkhead' that you mean the threads on the inside. If you mean the threads on the outside that the nut screws onto then the answer is no.

12/25/2008, 06:41 PM	#1
buhumphrey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Posts: 185	Bulkhead question Can a bulkhead be installed with the nut side inside the overflow? The reason I want to do this is because I realized that my overflow hole is directly over a nailer and installing it this way would allow me enough room to install a 45 elbow. Then I would only need less than a foot of flex PVC to the sump. __________________ Bubba click on Red House to view my first tank build Current Tank Info: 362425 95 gal reef mushrooms 2 True Perc Clowns, 2 Purple Firefish, Royal Gramma, Green Mandarin, Lawn Mower Blenny, Zoas, Palys, and 1 Acan Lord colony and 2 Acan Lord frags

12/25/2008, 10:02 PM	#7
jon99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atl Ga Posts: 817	I would definetly put the gasket in the wet side. With a smear of 100% silicone on both sides of it. __________________ Current tank: 210 gallon mixed reef 2x250w radium, 1x400w radium, 2x vortech mp40, 2 seaswirls. 40 gallon frag tank 250w radium, vortech mp10, seaswirl. 55 gallon sump w/ remote DSB, turf scrubber, SR Current Tank Info: 210 in the works

12/26/2008, 05:53 AM	#9
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	This is the only problem i sometimes have with RC. The misinformation that gets passed on as fact. for the record - the gasket ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS goes on the flange side!!!!!!! if you have 2 gaskets, you can put one on the nut side, but it IS NOT NEEDED. Also - silicone grease should be used sparingly, (not silicone caulking!) if at all. Tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. no more should be needed, and only increases the chance of cracking the tank. You can put the flange on either side (wet or dry) it makes no difference. PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ME - email scott at www.glass-holes.com __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/26/2008, 06:59 PM	#13
buhumphrey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Posts: 185	Thanx all, I appreciate the help, I will make sure the gasket is on the flange side and no silicone just alil water. Thanx again to all, Fred H. __________________ Bubba click on Red House to view my first tank build Current Tank Info: 362425 95 gal reef mushrooms 2 True Perc Clowns, 2 Purple Firefish, Royal Gramma, Green Mandarin, Lawn Mower Blenny, Zoas, Palys, and 1 Acan Lord colony and 2 Acan Lord frags

12/26/2008, 08:06 PM	#15
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Big difference between silicone sealant(silicone grease) and silicone caulking. What Fenner means is applying the grease(like vaseline made of silicone) to the threads to make it easier to remove the nut, and to help seal the gasket. The silicone sealant does not cure like the caulk would though. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

12/25/2008, 06:53 PM	#2
reef2 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 639	yes u can install it that way just make sure the gasket is on the wet side.

12/25/2008, 07:00 PM	#3
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	I don't believe you want the gasket on the nut side. Should be placed on the flange side whether or not it's in the overflow.

12/25/2008, 07:01 PM	#4
reef2 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 639	gasket always goes on the wet side.

12/25/2008, 08:34 PM	#6
Nagle Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coldwater MI Posts: 251	I have always been told the gasket goes on the flange side. Because if you but it on the nut side it might not be flat and start to crinkle when you tighten the nut.

12/26/2008, 04:12 AM	#8
GTriever Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 193	Gasket on the flange side, otherwise the thing will leak around the threads.

12/26/2008, 09:15 AM	#10
reef2 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 639	sorry guys i was always told gasket goes on the wet side.

12/26/2008, 06:38 PM	#12
Doc750 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Md Posts: 25	subscribing to thread

12/26/2008, 09:23 PM	#16
jon99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atl Ga Posts: 817	James, I feel a bit silly arguing a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but I'm 100% positive that when Fenner mentions "silicone sealant" he is referring to the clear caulk that cures, not the silicone grease. He is recommending using it on the nut to SECURE it not to make it easier to remove. Also here is another quote from the same article. " NOW how do you make these threaded fittings secure? Teflon tape? Nope. Plumber's Dope? Nope.... with 100% Silicone Sealant... Yep, the same material used to adhere glass panels in high-rises, shower stalls (sans mildewcides of course) and, by golly, fish tanks! Just a smear on the threads (one side is fine, my choice, the male) and tightening by hand will do. Voila (!). No muss, no fuss... no leaks, and you'll be able to unthread these fittings if you should desire at a later date... This Silicone trick is really a worthwhile technology... nesting the threads snugly, while allowing for vibration. Just make sure you're using 100% Silicone, not material adulterated with other matter for other applications." __________________ Current tank: 210 gallon mixed reef 2x250w radium, 1x400w radium, 2x vortech mp40, 2 seaswirls. 40 gallon frag tank 250w radium, vortech mp10, seaswirl. 55 gallon sump w/ remote DSB, turf scrubber, SR Current Tank Info: 210 in the works

12/26/2008, 09:41 PM	#17
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	No worries, Jon- you are correct on whats stated in the article. I was just going by the quote you gave in your post. Ideally, one shouldn't need to put silicone caulk on bulkhead fittings to seal them. Though I guess it's only fair to mention I did the exact same thing two nights ago to stop my refugium bulkheads from leaking all over the place

12/28/2008, 09:39 AM	#18
buhumphrey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Posts: 185	another question Should I use teflon tape on the threads of the bulkhead? __________________ Bubba click on Red House to view my first tank build Current Tank Info: 362425 95 gal reef mushrooms 2 True Perc Clowns, 2 Purple Firefish, Royal Gramma, Green Mandarin, Lawn Mower Blenny, Zoas, Palys, and 1 Acan Lord colony and 2 Acan Lord frags

12/28/2008, 09:53 AM	#19
EnglishRebel Retired Rebel Reefer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Triad NC Posts: 1,902	You can use Teflon tape although some people swear by Teflon paste. The paste does a better job of sealing but it can get all over your tank and it's a RPITA to get off (trust me -- I just finished a bathroom remodel and after a week I took the strainers off the faucets to clean them and they were coated with the stuff and it took a while to get it off). If you use tape give it about six wraps. Some have used silicone caulk instead of tape (or paste) and swear by it. Let it set up for 24 hours before putting water in. BTW make sure the silicone does not have mildew inhibitor in it. I concur with the "gasket on the flange side". This is the correct way to do it. Edit I just re-read your post. I'm assuming when you say 'should I put tape on the threads of the bulkhead' that you mean the threads on the inside. If you mean the threads on the outside that the nut screws onto then the answer is no. __________________ Alan "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. " Sir Winston Churchill praising those young RAF pilots. August 20th 1940 Click on my name for drop down list and select "Visit EnglishRebels Home Page" for my build thread. Current Tank Info: 60x30x24 200G AO custom glass tank, basement equipment room, 30G and 55G Fuges, LifeReef sump & 30" skimmer.