Bulkheads With No O-rings?

[usvi diver]

I am very close to putting the bulkheads in my tank. I noticed some stray silicone near the holes. Since it would be exactly where the bulkhead O-rings sit, I decided to use silicone under the bulkhead.

The questions is do I go Bulkhead -> O-ring -> Silicone or do I just go with Bulkhead -> Silicone and be done with it?

Also, is it necessary to have a valve on my drain and return plumbing?

Thanks for the help all! :up:

 

[bycjoe]

The silicon will go bad eventually from what I hear, I'd scrape the existing stuff completely off, then go bulkhead-gasket-tank

 

[scottw]

I wouldn't go without the o-ring unless you want a big mess to clean up.

 

[bycjoe]

As for the drain, what type of overflow are you using? Just from personal experience a bean animal overflow you need a(preferably)gate valve on your full siphon pipe. I don't have one on my return

 

[acroholic]

Bulkheads with O-rings and no silicone only.

 

[jennm]

Acroholic;884278 wrote: Bulkheads with O-rings and no silicone only.

Amen. NEVER silicone bulkheads, EVER. They do need a gasket on the bolt side which is always on the wet side.

I don't believe in valving drains either. They are gravity fed, you don't want anything to obstruct them, EVER.

Jenn

 

[picoreefguy]

yea silicone is a bad idea in this regard id remove whats there and use the bulkhead as originally intended

 

[usvi diver]

Thanks for the information. It looks like you guys saved me from making a big mistake.

Btw, I am using a Durso standpipe.

 

[jeffmuse]

acroholic;884278 wrote: bulkheads with o-rings and no silicone only.

+1

 

[usvi diver]

The bulkheads are in and no leaks.

Thanks again guys.