glass chip in bulkhead overflowbox

Puffer_Man · 04/29/2011, 08:23 AM

My friends tank has a chip inside the overflowbox. Whats the best way to deal with this? The tank recently started leaking.
Thank you

Chasman · 04/29/2011, 08:45 AM

I repaired one by using epoxy. I first used masking tape around the inside of the hole to create a rim or wall you can epoxy right up to. I then used a 2 part slow drying expoy to give me some working time and that type of epoxy also dries a bit harder. I filled the chip area and smoothed it out as best I could with a razor blade. After it set for a while I used a clean razor blade to basically shave the expoxy patch to perfectly match the glass. Then remove the tape of course. There may be better way but it worked and I have no problems.

Puffer_Man · 04/29/2011, 08:59 AM

What type of epoxy was used and where do you purchase it?
Thank you

Gatorfan · 04/29/2011, 11:10 AM

Can't tell how bad it is from the pic, but you can try the windshield repair stuff from your local auto parts store.

tkeracer619 · 04/29/2011, 11:28 AM

Wait did you take a picture of the picture on the back of a camera????

upload the picture properly so we can see it.

FWIW, you can probably just turn the bulkhead around. The gasket has to stay with the flange side of the bulkhead but the bulkhead can be installed flange inside or outside.

Chris27 · 04/29/2011, 12:52 PM

That's just plain funny, a camera taking a picture of a camera.....you should print that and then scan it....then post it....for full effect of course.

Anyhow, the chip, is it large? If the bulkhead gasket extends past the chip by any amount, let's say 1/4", it most likely won't leak. For good measure, a bead of silicone can be used when installing it....just don't let it cure first....put the bulkhead in while the silicone is nice and wet.

Leaking bulkheads are usually a sign of stress resulting from the plumbing hanging on it...could that be the issue?

redneckgearhead · 04/29/2011, 12:55 PM

I'm assuming that's the chip in the 1oclock position. I would silicone it, let it cure for a couple days.

Chasman · 04/29/2011, 01:00 PM

You can use just about any clear setting epoxy from the hardware store. I just think the 5min or quick set can become a bit brittle.

GrindingNemo · 04/30/2011, 01:00 AM

I have dealt with a similar problem before. The hardware store had bulkheads with a bit bigger lip than the one that was on the tank, so I used one of them and some silicone. Its been years and no leaks yet. Of course I haven't seen your tank, so it may be a problem that this wont help with. Good luck

04/29/2011, 11:10 AM	#4
Gatorfan Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 533	Can't tell how bad it is from the pic, but you can try the windshield repair stuff from your local auto parts store. __________________ 120 gallon, MP20, AquaMaxx Q2, AI SOL Blue(x2) Coral Beauty Angel, Regal Angel, Potters Angel, pair of Occ. Clowns, Tomini Tang. Started 6/9/2012

04/29/2011, 11:28 AM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Wait did you take a picture of the picture on the back of a camera???? upload the picture properly so we can see it. FWIW, you can probably just turn the bulkhead around. The gasket has to stay with the flange side of the bulkhead but the bulkhead can be installed flange inside or outside. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/29/2011, 12:52 PM	#6
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	That's just plain funny, a camera taking a picture of a camera.....you should print that and then scan it....then post it....for full effect of course. Anyhow, the chip, is it large? If the bulkhead gasket extends past the chip by any amount, let's say 1/4", it most likely won't leak. For good measure, a bead of silicone can be used when installing it....just don't let it cure first....put the bulkhead in while the silicone is nice and wet. Leaking bulkheads are usually a sign of stress resulting from the plumbing hanging on it...could that be the issue? __________________ Fill your tank with $5 bills, add gasoline and light it on fire.....only then will you know the real cost of reefing. Current Tank Info: 180 Mixed Reef

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04/29/2011, 08:45 AM	#2
Chasman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	I repaired one by using epoxy. I first used masking tape around the inside of the hole to create a rim or wall you can epoxy right up to. I then used a 2 part slow drying expoy to give me some working time and that type of epoxy also dries a bit harder. I filled the chip area and smoothed it out as best I could with a razor blade. After it set for a while I used a clean razor blade to basically shave the expoxy patch to perfectly match the glass. Then remove the tape of course. There may be better way but it worked and I have no problems.

04/29/2011, 08:59 AM	#3
Puffer_Man Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 20	What type of epoxy was used and where do you purchase it? Thank you

04/29/2011, 12:55 PM	#7
redneckgearhead Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tulsa Posts: 505	I'm assuming that's the chip in the 1oclock position. I would silicone it, let it cure for a couple days.

04/29/2011, 01:00 PM	#8
Chasman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	You can use just about any clear setting epoxy from the hardware store. I just think the 5min or quick set can become a bit brittle.

04/30/2011, 01:00 AM	#9
GrindingNemo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 114	I have dealt with a similar problem before. The hardware store had bulkheads with a bit bigger lip than the one that was on the tank, so I used one of them and some silicone. Its been years and no leaks yet. Of course I haven't seen your tank, so it may be a problem that this wont help with. Good luck