Bulkhead question
- Thread starter Wyche431
- Start date
DirtyJerzey
Well-Known Member
Personally Id go with threaded. Even know the tech is there, and its a low pressure system I just cant trust it. However Ive been considering going banjo for my connections.
On my buckets and res I didn't go bulkhead. I did a 3/4" ball valve and reducer on the inside to create that seal. Then went around with aquarium silicone for security. I made my current buckets about 7 years ago. and just this past year I dissembled so I could reseal.
I have 3/4" ball valves at my in and out. Did a 3/4" line for my return and have a 1/2" line for my in. Top down DWRC. I use gravity pressure to return back to the res and pump out to the buckets.
The one major drawback with my way is that its not a secure of a fit. As in, you cant yank on it etc. It works, but its kind of fragile in ways. Also the way i went was hella cheaper then bulkheads at the time.
On my buckets and res I didn't go bulkhead. I did a 3/4" ball valve and reducer on the inside to create that seal. Then went around with aquarium silicone for security. I made my current buckets about 7 years ago. and just this past year I dissembled so I could reseal.
I have 3/4" ball valves at my in and out. Did a 3/4" line for my return and have a 1/2" line for my in. Top down DWRC. I use gravity pressure to return back to the res and pump out to the buckets.
The one major drawback with my way is that its not a secure of a fit. As in, you cant yank on it etc. It works, but its kind of fragile in ways. Also the way i went was hella cheaper then bulkheads at the time.
Incredible4Mr2E
Well-Known Member
I’ve been looking for some kind of cover for my 2” bulkheads. They’re like 4 or 5 bucks and I only need two. The shipping is like 30 bucks and I can’t find the current culture ones on eBay or Amazon. I was looking at Lowe’s, Home Depot for 2” drain covers. Using a shower drain is a good idea.
rkymtnman
Well-Known Member
my local ACE has them. when i built it, i think they were about 10 bucks. so not much more $ than bulkheads
Drop That Sound
Well-Known Member
*********Size 331 o-rings***********
Last edited:
Incredible4Mr2E
Well-Known Member
Did the o-rings seal it or did you have to use sealant? That’s a great idea dude, thank you for sharing.
Drop That Sound
Well-Known Member
For sure, my man. I actually got the idea from the salt water aquarium guys, and you know they don't mess around when it comes to luxurious reefs.
I only use one o-ring per bulkhead, on the outside of the containers. (size 331 for 2 inch fittings)
The red silicone ones are the best.. Feels like it gets a better seal IMO, but the regular rubber type ones work fine, and are cheaper. I torque 'em down good with big daddy channel locks.
Either way, I been DIWHYing bulkheads like that for years now, and never had a problem. Made many different systems with them, using all different sizes. Never a single leak, on any connection. Solid.
No sealant needed (Not that it isn't good to always have some around). I always use square buckets/containers with a flat surface.
I wouldn't even try it on a round bucket. Well I have before.. flattened down the sides of the buckets, using blocks, clothes irons, and parchment paper to reform it.
Much easier to get square buckets now days, especially at L0w3s.
I only use one o-ring per bulkhead, on the outside of the containers. (size 331 for 2 inch fittings)
The red silicone ones are the best.. Feels like it gets a better seal IMO, but the regular rubber type ones work fine, and are cheaper. I torque 'em down good with big daddy channel locks.
Either way, I been DIWHYing bulkheads like that for years now, and never had a problem. Made many different systems with them, using all different sizes. Never a single leak, on any connection. Solid.
No sealant needed (Not that it isn't good to always have some around). I always use square buckets/containers with a flat surface.
I wouldn't even try it on a round bucket. Well I have before.. flattened down the sides of the buckets, using blocks, clothes irons, and parchment paper to reform it.
Much easier to get square buckets now days, especially at L0w3s.
Incredible4Mr2E
Well-Known Member
I never would’ve thought about this.
I’ve noticed in some reef forums they’re very serious about water leaks. The price they said they pay for them and the up keep I’d make sure I have it in complete check too.
thank you for all the wonderful information dude!