Brand new used 125G build... starting from craigslist

[Original Fin]

I think the easiest fix for your lack of confidence regarding matters of aquarium plumbing, would be to reach out to your local Reef Club, and get some real hands on guidance: Greater Minnesota Reef Society, Minnesota Aquarium Society, Free forum : Northern Minnesota Reef Club , minnesota reef saltwater aquarium twin cities club TCMAS : Twin-Cities Marine Aquarium Society

I don't think trading down for a hang on back overflow or canister is going to make things any easier for you. You'll still have the same issue to deal with as far as leak potential is concerned. You could pay someone to set this all up for you, but if you are going to operate it, you really need to understand the plumbing concepts/how to set it up so you'll know how to troubleshoot it when and if things go wrong. 125 gallons on your floor will cost a lot more than just the tank and fish.


Don't ever underestimate the generosity and helpfulness of your fellow reefing enthusiasts. If you put out a call for help, I'll bet somone would be willing to come over and help you out. If I lived closer, I'd be over there in second.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Fin's got a good point and I would'nt hesitate to do the same for another who needed help as well.

[Original Fin]

Picture credit thanks to the Aqueon Website

[191185]

Picture credit thanks to the Aqueon Website

OK, thanks ! I don't even know what a bulkhead looks like.. In the first picture, where you say a bulkhead is missing, that is where it is leaking. What is the proper way to put one on ? is it easy to do, where I can do it from underneath ? or think I need to drain the tank, tip it on its side, and do it that way ?


Should I go to my LFS and buy a new bulkhead ?

How long would this normally take to fish for someone who know's what their doing ? (not me )

Also, the last picture with missing parts, I do have those parts, and I did put them on when I checked for leaks, It was just after pictures

[191185]

Well I joined the Twinc cities club that you posted the link to, thanks. .. I'm hoping I can fix this myself first, maybe I'll post more pictures and ask a few more questions... and if all else fails, I'll beg for someone to come over from the twin city forums. .

[Original Fin]

Check out this Video on bulkheads...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frnEL...e_gdata_player

None of my LFS stock these on these on their shelves, although I'm sure there are some that do.

I ordered mine online. They do come in different sizes and styles. You want the black ABS style as 99% of tank manufacturers drill their overflow holes sized for this style. There are also heavy duty PVC bulkheads, usually grey in color, but the hole sizing scheme is totally different on those. You'd use that if you were going to drill the hole on the glass yourself.
You also want the kind with a "Slip" fitting on the internal side. You don't need to, not should you glue the inside fitting. You want to be able to remove it for cleaning and maintenance. The external side can be either a slip fitting, or a threaded fitting...that's a matter of personal preference. I like the threaded style there, because then you can attach and disassemble your outflow plumbing as the need arises. An external slip fitting must be glued in order to rule out leaks, so that would then become permanent and unserviceable.

As far as the size goes, you'll need to measure the diameter of the hole in the glass, and cross reference that with an ABS bulkhead sizing chart...I'll see if I can link you to one.

I would drain the tank to install a bulkhead because the weight of the water will put a lot of stress on that bottom pane. Any imperfection or small chips in the edge of the hole cutout could potentially crack the bottom pane when you tighten the bulkhead down.


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[191185]

ok, I managed to get that old junk out of there ... I also watched the youtube video, thanks ... Was that part I pulled out even a bulkhead ? and the brown rubber part was on the bottom of the tank ..

Anyways... should I just measure, then order a abs bulkhead from somewhere ? then just go from there ?

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Anyways... should I just measure, then order a abs bulkhead from somewhere ? then just go from there ?

that's what I would do. Be sure to clean the sealing surface before installing the new bulkhead. Also, I would replace all of them to be sure you won't have any more leaks.

[191185]

Ok, do I measure the size of the hole across? And that's the size I order? I measure across on the TANK and not the old bulkhead correct?

[191185]

Ok, I measured 1.5" and ordered a bulkhead and 5 feet of pipe off that website.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Sweet! You'll get it figured out in no time. We got faith in you!

[Original Fin]

Right on. You got this!That other thing was a DIY bulkhead attempt from the previous owner...As you found out, they don't work so well. I don't know why someone would risk a flood just to save $10. It's not like a real ABS bulkhead costs that much to begin with.