Bulkhead Installer/Remover

[TheKraken]

So I moved tanks this weekend and did all the right things like check the plumbing and use a fresh layer of foam to keep everything happy. I set up the sump last night and one of the bulkheads has a seep. The stand design with a 4X4 in the corner, small access hole, and recessed nut make it too difficult to tighten by hand. I will be trying a pair of channel locks but on reef central there is a cool socket in PVC.

Does anyone have a trick or a jig I could borrow?

The bulkhead is the smaller one from the all glass mega flow kit.

 

[mcoomer]

I generally snug bulkheads down by hand and maybe a 1/4 turn more using channel lock pliers. Too tight is the same as too loose; either one will leak. Try backing it off, tightening hand tight, and recheck for leaks.

Mike

 

[DonW]

KY on the seal.

Don

 

[capdippe]

Really to tight will cause a seep too? ok, this might be my problem that has worried me for quite some time. I'll remember that thanks. If you leave a bulkhead to tight will it cause a problem down the road? Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread. I'm out, good luck with the setup!

 

[DonW]

Over tightening causes the seal to bunch up due to friction. Lube the seal and its less of a concern.

Don

 

[returnofsid]

From what I'm reading, the bulkhead is already installed, on a tank that's already full of water. But access to the bulkhead is limited, due to it being in a small hole, drilled in the stand. The OP seems to be looking for a tool, capable of fitting in this small hole, to tighten the bulkhead. It seems the OP is asking about some type of "socket," which from description, sounds like a giant socket, that would have a cut out, to fit around the PVC, yet still fit on the bulkhead. I'm not familiar with any such tool, yet that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[rainydave]

Strap wrench could be used to tighten it in tight quarters.

 

[TheKraken]

I found the channel locks only to have the seep heal. The overflow was dry for a few days and the PVC was putting some sideways pressure.

I found lots of other leaks though this afternoon and redid the return. I cracked the glass on the sump around the pump bulkhead so it looks like i will be building a sump sooner than later!

If anyone needs advice on a similar topic look up a "basin wrench" to make the tight turn or heating/forming or notching PVC to make a socket wrench.

-Paul