Replacing Bulkhead

kimmeewoo · 08/24/2009, 12:04 PM

I need to replace the bulkhead in the overflow of my empty tank. The problem is, the tank is so tall (and the overflow so narrow) that I can't reach down far enough to hold the top part still while I unscrew the nut from underneath the tank. (It spins) Any suggestions on how I can get it out?

Also, once I get the bulkhead out, I'll need to clean the bottom of the overflow so there isn't any sand between the glass and the new bulkhead. Anyone got any ideas for how I can do a good job without being able to reach the bottom very well?

hummermaniac88 · 08/24/2009, 12:33 PM

Makw a stand pipe to screw it in tight so you can hold the stand pipe and unscrew the bottom... The only draw back might be from the directions of the threads or if you bulkhead is a slip...In a slip case, i glue the pipe to the bulkhead...

luther1200 · 08/24/2009, 02:18 PM

Do you have a picture of the bottom? Maybe you can grab the part that stick out of the bottom with channel locks and hold it like that and then just screw the nut off with a wrench or a second set of channel locks.

GTriever · 08/25/2009, 05:35 AM

Since you're replacing it, do what luther suggests and grab it with pliers to hold it. Ref cleaning the bottom of the chamber, use a shop vac to clean it out *before* you remove the bulkhead.

08/24/2009, 12:04 PM	#1
kimmeewoo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 201	Replacing Bulkhead I need to replace the bulkhead in the overflow of my empty tank. The problem is, the tank is so tall (and the overflow so narrow) that I can't reach down far enough to hold the top part still while I unscrew the nut from underneath the tank. (It spins) Any suggestions on how I can get it out? Also, once I get the bulkhead out, I'll need to clean the bottom of the overflow so there isn't any sand between the glass and the new bulkhead. Anyone got any ideas for how I can do a good job without being able to reach the bottom very well?

08/24/2009, 12:33 PM	#2
hummermaniac88 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 263	Makw a stand pipe to screw it in tight so you can hold the stand pipe and unscrew the bottom... The only draw back might be from the directions of the threads or if you bulkhead is a slip...In a slip case, i glue the pipe to the bulkhead... __________________ Click on my little red house for my 135G Build! Current Tank Info: 135G + 33G REF + 25ish G Bin

08/24/2009, 02:18 PM	#3
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Do you have a picture of the bottom? Maybe you can grab the part that stick out of the bottom with channel locks and hold it like that and then just screw the nut off with a wrench or a second set of channel locks. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

08/25/2009, 05:35 AM	#4
GTriever Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 193	Since you're replacing it, do what luther suggests and grab it with pliers to hold it. Ref cleaning the bottom of the chamber, use a shop vac to clean it out before you remove the bulkhead.