should bulkhead be siliconed?

[reefNewbie]

Do i need to silicone it? Or just snug it in place, because i did notice that it has a rubber washer to seal it.

 

[rnall]

Ive seen recommendations to silicone gaskets. Honestly though, I have never done it and never had a problem. I do use teflon tape on my threads though.

 

[King Jason]

What size bulkhead is it? If it's smaller 3/4 or 1" then it would be ok if you don't silicon (but I would anyways). If it is a 1.5 or 2" bulkhead it almost defiantly needs to be siliconed. I've found that no matter how hard you tighten the 1.5's they still have a drip leak.

Plus...always better safe then sorry.

 

[rnall]

Good point. The largest I have used is 1.5"....guess I should have mentioned that.

 

[wombat1]

I have a bunch of 2" bulkheads w/o silicone and no leaks. They are under less than a foot of water pressure, FWIW.

 

[Anonymous]

Always put a bead of silicone - it's cheap insurance, and saves you from wondering if it will one day leak or not.
Jim

 

[myreef]

I always silicone bulkheads. I put a bead on the inside edge of the BH, then press the gasket lightly on. I then put a bead on the other side of the gasket and place it in the tank or sump....no runs no drips...well you get the idea! Like someone said....safe insurance...I sleep better at night. It is easier to do it when it is dry than to try and repair one with it full of water.

 

[Sidewinder]

Over a year ago, on most of the boards, the popular concensus was that silicone should not be used on the gaskets as it may cause irregularities hence leaks. Also that they should never be over tightened for the same reason. Here's what I did: no silicone until the bulkheads were installed; then I applied the silicone on the inside 90 degree where the gasket/bulkhead meets the wall of container. Figured that was the best of both worlds. Nary a drop (so far...). Hope that makes sense.
Ed

 

[reefNewbie]

well its too late now! I did as the others told and put a bead around both ends of the gasket and then snugged. It should be fine, i would think irregularities would only persist if you put an un even amount around the gasket. I went all the way around it so it should be even and not leak.