Salt creep behind External Overflow

[JOHANNA]

Hello,

This is my first time with a drilled tank and an exernal overflow. The tank has been up and running for 3 weeks now and I am starting to see a good amount of salt accumulating at the base of the external overflow. My first thought is there is something wrong with the bulkhead. Too tight? Too loose? Or could this just be natural since there is a hole in the cover for the overflow and the salt would accumulate somewhere. I have attached some pictures. I could really use some help here.

 

[Timbo]

I would probably be concerned since it looks like it is running the edge of where it is sealed to the tank. Shouldn’t get salt creep on a sealed edge.

 

[JOHANNA]

Its not sealed to the tank. Just attached with the bulkead. Is it supposed to get silicone caulk to the tank?

 

[JOHANNA]

I dont think its the overflow box that leaking, but it could be possible. I think I am going to take it apart and see whats going on.

 

[Timbo]

The external overflow is not attached to the tank? How is it drilled? More pics might help.

 

[JOHANNA]

There is a center bulkhead. It is attached with a 2" bulkhead.

 

[BZOFIQ]

The external overflow is not attached to the tank? How is it drilled? More pics might help.

Its attached via bulkhead. There is supposed to be a rubber gasket between the box and the back of the tank.

No need for gaskets anywhere else.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Its not sealed to the tank. Just attached with the bulkead. Is it supposed to get silicone caulk to the tank?

See above, single rubber gasket.

 

[edd]

i would take it apart, clean up the bulkhead and seals. that has seal inside or outside of tank and reassemble it. hand tighten then a 1/4 turn

 

[BZOFIQ]

i would take it apart, clean up the bulkhead and seals. that has seal inside or outside of tank and reassemble it. hand tighten then a 1/4 turn

If there is only one seal per bulkhead it goes between the box and the back of the wall - anywhere else and it will leak.

 

[JOHANNA]

It had two seals. I had one inside the tank and one inside the overflow. I took it apart, cleaned up everything and reassembled with one seal inside the tank and one between the tank and overflow. This has stopped the leak completely. Thank you

 

[BZOFIQ]

There you have it. Order restored