High Tide Aquatics

Slow leak from overflow bulkhead

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Krak256

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After I set up my tank 3 years ago, I noticed a bit of salt build up under my Modular Marine external overflow but it didn’t grow and I didn’t see any water. However recently I noticed the salt build up increased and there is a bit of moisture running down from the bulkhead to the stand.

Below are pics after I wiped the majority of the salt away to double check if there is indeed a leak. Has anyone dealt with this before and what is the best way to fix it?
 

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When I setup my modular marine overflow it leaked from those bottom bulkheads and I just tightened it a little more and it stopped. But that was a new tank. I wonder if after a few years you should replace the bulkhead/gasket? Haven’t gone that far with a tank to know
 
MarcosD said:
When I setup my modular marine overflow it leaked from those bottom bulkheads and I just tightened it a little more and it stopped. But that was a new tank. I wonder if after a few years you should replace the bulkhead/gasket? Haven’t gone that far with a tank to know
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Turkeysammich said:
Looks like it’s on the overflow pipe ? Easy way. Try to tighten the bulkhead. See if it stops leaking.
The right way. Change out the bulkhead. It’s not difficult. Let me know if you need help
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I believe the leak is coming from the bulkheads that connect the overflow to the tank. I’ll try to tighten it with a basin wrench tomorrow.

Wouldn’t changing out the bulkhead be extremely difficult given I have only 6 inches of room behind the tank and it’s a 5 foot tank?
 
Krak256 said:
I believe the leak is coming from the bulkheads that connect the overflow to the tank. I’ll try to tighten it with a basin wrench tomorrow.

Wouldn’t changing out the bulkhead be extremely difficult given I have only 6 inches of room behind the tank and it’s a 5 foot tank?
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Hmm yeah that does sound difficult. Doesn’t leave you too much room to work with. I left a little more space than that on my tanks to be able to work on the back if need be. Maybe recruit the help of @Turkeysammich im sure he has a lot of experience doing it. But I’d imagine the tight space is going to make it harder… but nothings impossible!
 
If tightening the bulkhead nut does not work, before changing the whole bulkhead, I’d first try draining the overflow box and cleaning the gasket first making sure to remove any vermitids or algae that has grown. Make sure overflow box is clean and any debris removed before retightening. If that doesn’t work after a good, thorough cleaning, I’d tried changing the gasket first without cutting out that bulkhead. Yes, it can be done especially since you have a union there. I’ve done it before to replace a failing gasket.

See my video for how to it. It’s definitely not the easiest to do while installed against the wall, but I was eventually able to do it without moving the tank or cutting out a bulkhead.

 
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RandyC said:
If tightening the bulkhead nut does not work, before changing the whole bulkhead, I’d first try draining the overflow box and cleaning the gasket first making sure to remove any vermitids or algae that has grown. Make sure overflow box is clean and any debris removed before retightening. If that doesn’t work after a good, thorough cleaning, I’d tried changing the gasket first without cutting out that bulkhead. Yes, it can be done especially since you have a union there. I’ve done it before to replace a failing gasket.

See my video for how to it. It’s definitely not the easiest to do while installed against the wall, but I was eventually able to do it without moving the tank or cutting out a bulkhead.

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Thank you everyone for your advice and appreciate this video Randy. I think my leak is coming from the bulkhead that connects the overflow box to the tank.

@Srt4eric has offered to come by to take a look at the tank and help tighten the bulkhead. Will keep everyone posted
 
I have many a marine modular overflow. Use three gaskets on each bulkhead going into the display tank. One on the tank side, one on the overflow side and one between the overflow and exterior of the tank.

Even though they say it’s not necessary for three gaskets, almost all have leaked to some degree without it, whether it’s a drip or just some salt creep.
 
Krak256 said:
Thank you everyone for your advice and appreciate this video Randy. I think my leak is coming from the bulkhead that connects the overflow box to the tank.

@Srt4eric has offered to come by to take a look at the tank and help tighten the bulkhead. Will keep everyone posted
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I had this issue on my 168 multiple times. The fix came when I put silicone on all sealing surfaces after draining the tank below the overflow level. Something was wrong with that one. My Modular Marine overflow on the 300 has been good with no silicone, but I did do a gasket on all surfaces like @RandyC is saying.
 
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