Sealing a leaky bulkhead (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

Last night I was working on my plumbing and the finicky return bulkhead on my RR tank now has a constant drip to it. It's dripping into the sump so at least it's not a mess, but it drips about 1" from my refugium light so I have been afraid to run the light. The problem is, I am going out of town for a couple of days, and I don't want to leave the light off for fear that the caulerpa will go sexual on me.

So, I need to get this thing sealed today. What kind of silicone can I pick up at Home Depot to seal this? I remember reading there was a certain kind, but don't recall what it was.

Also, should I put the bead of silicone between the gasket and the tank, or between the gasket and the flange, or both?

 

[Guest]

I was afraid to use anything other than silicone labeled specifically for aquarium use. I read several of the larger tubes and was unable to find anything that mentioned being safe for aquarium use. The silicone for aquariums can be found probably on the same aisle as the caulks, but it comes in a smaller tube and can be found with the glues.

I had the same problem with my return bulkhead on my Oceanic RR and put silicone on both the tank and flange. Anywhere silicone could go I used it. Good luck.

 

[aqua-nut]

Mike, buy clear Silicone I (NOT II !!!) from Home Depot.

When I had a problem like yours, I put a bead on both sides of the fitting and watched it ooze out of every nook and cranny. I don't think you can use too much, frankly... if you apply too much to it, it just squishes out.

DO use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to clean the glass and fittings before you apply the silicone though. This provides a grease free surface and will help it adhere.

 

[Guest]

Mike, buy clear Silicone I (NOT II !!!) from Home Depot.

When I had a problem like yours, I put a bead on both sides of the fitting and watched it ooze out of every nook and cranny. I don't think you can use too much, frankly... if you apply too much to it, it just squishes out.

DO use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to clean the glass and fittings before you apply the silicone though. This provides a grease free surface and will help it adhere.

Good idea. I think the problem now might be from replacing the bulkhead a few weeks ago. I wiped around the hole best I could with a cloth, but inside the overflow there are lots of pods and stuff, so I'm guessing I got some debris in between the gasket and the tank. I'll clean it thoroughly this time and use the silicone.

 

[ScubaMedic]

Hey Mike,

You want to make sure to get the window and door stuff. You can get silicon I in kitchen and bath as well. The bath has a fungicide in it the door does not.