Equipment - Leak at bulkhead!

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Leak at bulkhead!

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36950
Printed Date: March 08 2026 at 3:00am
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Topic: Leak at bulkhead!

Posted By: Spbeyond
Subject: Leak at bulkhead!
Date Posted: December 04 2009 at 10:09pm

Hey all, i got a very slow leak at the bulkhead on my net tank. I tried tightening it and that helped some but I have decided to use some sealant and just make sure the problem is done. I am going to head to home depot. What is the good kind? Thanks< id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" ="">

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90 Gallon Reef w/4 bulb 54W t5

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Replies:

Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: December 04 2009 at 10:22pm

Silicone. Walmart might be cheaper. Get the type that does NOT have the antifungal stuff added.

Posted By: sanddune600
Date Posted: December 04 2009 at 10:22pm

I personally think silicone would be a bad idea asking for a leak down the road I can come look at it tomorrow and see if we can figure out a better fix

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Andy Jorgensen
My number is four three 5 7 six four 8 0 three four

Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: December 04 2009 at 10:23pm

If you can fix it without silicone it would be best.

Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: December 05 2009 at 8:55am

it the bulkhead in a overflow? I wouldn't just try and patch a leak, I would cut, remove,replace so you will have a piece of mind and done right.

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Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums
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Posted By: Jake Pehrson
Date Posted: December 05 2009 at 12:41pm

A lot of times if you loosen the bulkhead and the reposition the gasket and then tighten the bulkhead (don't over tighten, I usually go hand tight, plus 1/2-3/4 turn) this will often fix the leak. I have done this many time with water in the tank. When you loosen the bulkhead keep it pushed up to the glass and you shouldn't have too much water leak through. Have someone hold a couple towels on the outside. Quickly pull the bulkhead from the glass (just barely), reposition the bulkhead gasket and push it up against the glass again.

I am not a big fan of using silicon to fix a bulkhead leak, but I have seen it done many times.

Good luck.

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Jake Pehrson

Murray

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Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: December 05 2009 at 5:28pm

Sometimes I like to put a small bead of silicone grease, (Get it at the Home Depot Plumbing Dept.), on both sides of the rubber seal. Now you can tighten the nut snugly. You shouldn't have to apply much pressure to get a water tight seal.

This works great for O Rings also. Personally I coat all my O Rings with silicone plumbers grease when they are new. It provides a better seal and allows the parts to be removed and reassembled without damage to the O-ring.

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Burt

An equal opportunity reefer,
I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
[email protected]

Posted By: sanddune600
Date Posted: December 05 2009 at 7:15pm

I went over and gave it another 1/4 turn by hand it appears to have stopped

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Andy Jorgensen
My number is four three 5 7 six four 8 0 three four