Found a leak

Help,
So I was switching over to the new tank today and noticed the Intake bulkhead was leaking. It is a small leak that comes from under the nut and down the threads.

I wrapped a paper towel around it to see how much the leak is. Within 30 minutes the towel has a damp spot.

Is this an APAP repair or let it go a bit to see if the salt and gunk can seal it up a bit ?

This is a mega flow overflow. So if the bulkhead is removed or lets go, it is only the amont in the overflow behind the black shield, correct ??


Any help on this ?

 

I would empty the tank to below the leak and then take the bulkead off, clean the rubber washer, the nut and both sides of the tank it seals against. There may be a small piece of crud keeping it from sealing and I wouldn't rely on the salt and gunk to seal it up. You never know when that could fail. You might also want to have another bulkhead handy when you remove the old one so it can be replaced if it still leaks after you clean it and put it back on. I've heard, no personal experience myself, that if you tighten the bulkhead down to much it can cause the seal to bunch up and leak. Any pics of the problem? Good luck

 

Your situation is exactly the reason that when I fire my 120 up this weekend (first fill) that I use fresh water and not salt water. I am going to let my tank run for a couple of days and check for leaks.

A stupid question? Did you tighten your bulkheads? Just asking.

 

Gently snug down on the nut on the bulkhead, notice I said gently, if it don't want to go don't force it PLEASE! This should stop the leak. If not go with jbaker's suggestion only you shouldn't have to drain the tank just take the water out of the overflow and remove the bulkhead clean and reinstall.

I have used a little bit of silicone on both sides the rubber of older bulkheads to stop small leaks many times. you don't need much, and let it dry for a little while before allowing water back in to it.

I wouldn't be to worried about it failing but if it continues to leak it could be a problem.

 

Tank ran with fresh water for 1 week, then salt water for 1 week, it wasnt until I turn off the valve and emptied the sump today that I noticed it.

I hand tightened then a 1/4 with the wrench that came with the setup. It was clean and leak free for a couple weeks.

Am I correct that only the water behind the overflow guard will leak out >? that is as long as the factory seal for the guard is good.

 

Hey thanks

So whats the longest you let it go before fixing ?

 

Hello double, Not to worry, if it is as little as you said, try to tighten just a bit more and it will seal itself with the salt. Very common. Mine was a bit more than yours and I wrapped a hand towel around it and in about 3-4 days it had stopped.

 

It basically depends on how long you want to clean up the mess!

 

OK, So I tweaked the nut just a smidge. I will wait an see over the next 24 hours.

Its only like my worst nightmare, no worries.. Ahhhhhh!!


Tank is up and Live rock and fish have been moved over.. Fingers crossed..

 

is it rear or bottom and did you use teflon tape on the threads