Bulkheads

B

blide

Does anyone out there use the sch80 bulkheads? I read Marc's article (reefaddicts) and he's only using the standard bulkhead, but I have some concerns because mine will be concealed and I wouldn't notice if they were leaking right away.

http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/284-Plumbing-Primer-How-to-purchase-install-bulkheads
 
The bulkheads located on the bottom of my tank are schedule 80, as it will be impossible to change them after the tank is stocked (without emptying). However I have some others on the side, about 4 to 5 inches below water line, and in my overflow, that are regular ABS schedule 40 bulkheads. These are not as critical and I can lower the water level in the tank to change, if I ever had to.
 
I've got a standard AGA 150g and the bulkheads will be in the overflow. I'm pretty sure they're a 1' drain with a 3/4' return, so I'm trying to figure which one to use. I've done some reading that the sch80 units may not even fit the stock standard holes.
 
Here's some that I've used and they have pretty good pricing. Listed are schedule 40 and 80. Click on the size you need and it will tell you what size hole you need. 80's definately need a little bit bigger hole. Measure the holes in your overflows and order the ones that are closest fit. I'd be comfortable with schedule 40's in an overflow.

http://www.aquacave.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=197

I always install them, connect all my plumbing, then come back and apply aquarium silicon around the bulkhead, inside the tank, to further leak proof it. Might or might not be the "right" way to do it, but has always worked for me.
 
I used one only on my return pump to sump area ad the 40's normally work just fine but just wanted more on the sump
 
One thing I'm also starting to notice is that maybe not all sch40 bulkheads are created equal. I have some bulk heads I used on my nano that I got from marinedepot and the look and feel cheap, but looking at BRS they say their bulkheads have a thicker seal. Any inputs on this being true?

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/1-abs-bulkhead-slip-x-slip.html

BRS - Bulkhead
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Here's a pic of what my marinedepot bulkheads look like:
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I'll double check tonight but it seems more that the seals are just made of different material, a silicone feel vs a rubber one I believe
 
Having a slightly thicker rubber gasket isn't exactly a selling point to me. From time to time during plumbing upgrades, replacing the bulkhead is a necessity but I've never had a bad one from any store. I've bought them from Frank's as well as online. Either they work, or they don't.

You'll need a larger hole size to hold the Sch80 fitting since it is a thicker piece.
 
I measured the hole size and they're 1.5 and 1.75, so I guess I'm stuck with the sch40. [smilie=itwasntme.gif]

I guess I'll go with the BRS units to see if they have a little more quality.
 
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