I have 1.5 inch bulkeads to install on an acrylic tank. This is my first time installing bulkheads on a tank and i am confused as to how to put them on. is there silicone involved? do u use the gasket on top or bottom of the glass, or both? should i use teflon tape on the threads?
Proper Bulkhead Installation
- Thread starter xx WingZero xx
- Start date
The gasket goes on the inside of the tank. When you tighten down the nut on the outside it will compress the gasket on the inside which should make a watertight seal, so you don't need any silicone. Yes, you should probably use teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaking.
Id like to know more about this too id think putting silicone on too wouldnt harm things and would be a bit safer.
Steve
Steve
the_deeb;4044481; said:
X2.. This is how i've done all mine. Never used silicone, but did use the teflon tape on the threads..
Silicon can actually make it leak, no kidding. The Teflon tape is basically a lubricant to help you tighten the threads more. The Teflon tape is not a sealant in this application. The Teflon tape is not necessary but wont hurt, it might help when you remove the bulkhead someday. The seal happens with the rubber gasket getting compressed to the glass/acrylic. When your installing the bulkhead the rubber gasket should be in the water/on the water side of the aquarium. Make sure the glass/acrylic is clear of sand and dirt before putting the bulkhead in. The rubber gasket needs to be clean also to make a good seal.
Came across this today.
This is really quite easy to do, and can be done with PVC or CPVC fittings. Careful sizing of the penetration hole is the key to success. Measure the diameter of the male thread and select a drill bit that is just slightly larger, but not larger in diameter than the outside of the receiving female fitting. Drill the hole and test fit the fittings by screwing them together. If it is difficult to thread the fittings together, take them apart and clean the threads. Try again. The fittings should thread together until the shoulders of the fittings are tight on the pane of glass or acrylic. Sometimes a dab of silicone will lubricate the threads and allow easy assembly. It is a good idea to have proper size wrenches or two set of pliers to aid in assembly if the fittings are difficult to join. Aquarium-safe silicone applied to the mating faces of the fittings will ensure a water-tight seal.
This is really quite easy to do, and can be done with PVC or CPVC fittings. Careful sizing of the penetration hole is the key to success. Measure the diameter of the male thread and select a drill bit that is just slightly larger, but not larger in diameter than the outside of the receiving female fitting. Drill the hole and test fit the fittings by screwing them together. If it is difficult to thread the fittings together, take them apart and clean the threads. Try again. The fittings should thread together until the shoulders of the fittings are tight on the pane of glass or acrylic. Sometimes a dab of silicone will lubricate the threads and allow easy assembly. It is a good idea to have proper size wrenches or two set of pliers to aid in assembly if the fittings are difficult to join. Aquarium-safe silicone applied to the mating faces of the fittings will ensure a water-tight seal.