Bulkhead gasket question

MarineSniper · 01/02/2022, 01:36 PM

Setting up a cube I picked up used and when I tested the bulkheads, one was leaking. Removed both and they have gaskets with ridges on one side. Haven't seen these before, mine were always smooth on both, but I can't find a definitive answer as to what side goes to glass. Dan, with Avast Marine says smooth to glass, which I would think but it's about 50/50 and that post was made when Bush II was president

Second question: is there any advantage to that type of gasket, vs the double smooth sided ones I've always used in the past? Been on a 6 year tank hiatus and lots to relearn

Vinny Kreyling · 01/02/2022, 05:27 PM

I would agree with Dan.
Advantage???

dattack · 01/05/2022, 01:09 PM

All my bulkheads I received, the gasket was originally placed with the ribbed side going towards glass.

blowmecius · 01/05/2022, 08:37 PM

Smooth side on glass so it does not bind while tightening.

I would think the ridges account for any inconsistency in the surface of the molded plastic. There is sometimes a line of flash where the 2 halves of the mold meet. I always remove the mold flash with sandpaper before installing.

Glass is pretty flat. Molded plastic not so much.

01/02/2022, 01:36 PM	#1
MarineSniper Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 554	Bulkhead gasket question Setting up a cube I picked up used and when I tested the bulkheads, one was leaking. Removed both and they have gaskets with ridges on one side. Haven't seen these before, mine were always smooth on both, but I can't find a definitive answer as to what side goes to glass. Dan, with Avast Marine says smooth to glass, which I would think but it's about 50/50 and that post was made when Bush II was president Second question: is there any advantage to that type of gasket, vs the double smooth sided ones I've always used in the past? Been on a 6 year tank hiatus and lots to relearn

01/02/2022, 05:27 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I would agree with Dan. Advantage??? __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

01/05/2022, 08:37 PM	#4
blowmecius Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryand Posts: 177	Smooth side on glass so it does not bind while tightening. I would think the ridges account for any inconsistency in the surface of the molded plastic. There is sometimes a line of flash where the 2 halves of the mold meet. I always remove the mold flash with sandpaper before installing. Glass is pretty flat. Molded plastic not so much. __________________ Homer no function beer well without. Last edited by blowmecius; 01/05/2022 at 08:56 PM.

01/05/2022, 01:09 PM	#3
dattack Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 4,992	All my bulkheads I received, the gasket was originally placed with the ribbed side going towards glass.