I am so PO'd right now...........

[holabird]

I can hardly type this out. After months and months of gathering parts, reading everything I can read, slowly putting things together, hours and hours of logistics going through my head, I decide it is time for some water. I have a 180 that I am putting the sump in the basement. Lots of thought went into how to make this work like I wanted. This is my first set up so I am not an expert like a lot of you. I finally got it plumbed and ready to go and put some water in the sump a couple of days ago to test out the secondary pump and filters that are attached to it. I had a couple small leaks that I fixed and decided to try it again. I was putting water into the center section of the sump. I was just standing there watching the water pour in and heard a crack and then I saw it. It started at the hole where the bulkheadd was and went about 6" out from there. This is in the main sump that I have built out of a 70 gallon tank. Am I totally screwed? Can I put plexi around the crack? It is not leaking now but I am sure it is bound to happen. All this time, money and effort and now this. I know it is probably small potatoes to most of you but it sure pi$$es me off. Any suggestions? I am attaching a few pictures of the set up and one of the crack. Thanks for your insight. Dave
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[smallblock]

get a new one is the safest thing for you house and livestock when its full. Did you turn that valve beside it?

 

[smallblock]

i have a 65 that would be perfect for you cheap

 

[holabird]

No, didnt turn the big valve yet. That is the main return and since I dont have water in the main tank yet, I have not even turned that pump on. I have only used the smaller pump that runs the carbon, UV filters and the water change tank.

 

[smallblock]

how tight did you tighten it? Who drilled the holes, I'm just trying to figure out why it cracked not downing your work

 

[smallblock]

seems like if it was the weight of the pipe it would have spit on the top or bottom. Is the pipe supported anyway, do you think it may be too heavy and pulled on the hole?

 

[ralph atl]

just get a new one on the cheap.

 

[smallblock]

The setup looks great by the way, sorry for not saying that sooner. When we get this straightned out your going to have a really nice setup man. Good job on taking your time too!!

 

[holabird]

Smallblock;562978 wrote: seems like if it was the weight of the pipe it would have spit on the top or bottom. Is the pipe supported anyway, do you think it may be too heavy and pulled on the hole?

The big pipe has been set in it for a couple weeks. Bud (Budsreef) drilled it for me. I dont know how tight it is, just tried to get it snug and if I had to go tighter I could. Pipe is not heavy and does not put much pressure on it. The only thing I can think of is that it is not running square to the tank and the pump and thus put some pressure on the hole.

 

[smallblock]

dunno but we need to figure it out before you go with the new one. I sent you a pm

 

[gnashty]

new one is in order - just think if it had a blowout a year from now after you are fully stocked and werent around to take action...

Looks like you have put a ton of time, money, and effort into it - just be glad its not your 180 that cracked!

 

[misu]

All that plumbing and you're not a pro? I'm 2 weeks experienced with plumbing and I decided I can live with a small leak from a threaded connection, your stuff looks amazing clean

 

[gmpolan]

Get a new one ( for a piece of mind) and be grateful that it didnt break somewhere like your living room...

 

[budsreef]

Dave, I'm really sorry that happened. I agree with the others that you should replace it and not try to repair it. My only suggestions would be to fire the guy that drilled it and on the next one support the rim of the tank all the way around. I don't think I'd trust having it supported on the ends and across the middle.

 

[gnashty]

misu;562988 wrote: your stuff looks amazing clean

I forgot to say this earlier - +1

Barbara;563008 wrote: Ha-ha! I lived for over a year with a small leak from not tightening my bulkhead. I was afraid to tighten it too much and figured the leak was dripping right into the sump anyway, so who cares! I finally fixed it when I had to break the tank down to fix another leak in the overflow box. Funny what we're willing to put up with sometimes.

I have about 3-4 drippy leaks after my replumb and i just put a container under them and let the salt creep handle the rest..

 

[hnguyen]

First off, Great set-up!!!:thumbs: 2nd, sorry it cracked on you. and 3rd, Its a glass tank with a crack. From my understand of glass, once its cracked it don't go back!! :lol2: I don't think that you can stop a crack that big from spreading again. now if it were a small little chip than you'll be alright but this, Even if you cover and seal it with a inside and outside piece of glass, it will just plug what you have now but the glass itself can still run and get bigger. I agree with everyone else. Your best bet is to get another one for peace of mind. Believe me, I had a 150g glass tank that split on me at the corner and every drop of water came spilling out. (Thank God I was home at the time) If you have the money to cough up than I would recommend going with acrylic. A lot of LFS will make them for you at a reasonable price. Ever since my glass tank went out on me like that. All I do now is acrylic, tank and sump. Never have to worry.

Good luck to you though buddy!! Keep us posted

 

[smallblock]

check the nut on the bulkhead and see if there are any raised spots on it. Sometimes I notice a seam with a raised edge I feel like this could cause a problem I file them down when i get one like that. Tim at keen reef said it best it is better to have a bulkhead too lose than too tight. I'm worried if you turn that valve alot. I found some plastic pipe straps at the hardware store and used stainless screws to secure the pipe to the stand so when i turn my ballvalves it doesnt put any wierd stress on the bulkhead

 

[bruce 1]

Bulk Heads... When you tighten a bulk head you need to tighten it so the rubber gasket smashes out to the edge of the bulk head, then go most of the time 1/4 turn more to tighten it. Also the rubber gasket goes to the water side also. I have seen some that do not have the rubber gasket but I do not use them. We use Bulk head fittings quit often and some times they do have bad spots in them.

Looks like it will be a very nice set up.

 

[brianjfinn]

Budsreef;563018 wrote: Dave, I'm really sorry that happened. I agree with the others that you should replace it and not try to repair it. My only suggestions would be to fire the guy that drilled it and on the next one support the rim of the tank all the way around. I don't think I'd trust having it supported on the ends and across the middle.

I'd be really surprised if this wasn't at least a contributing factor.