Capping off a bulkhead - Aquarium Advice

SkinnyPete · 01-04-2006, 04:53 PM

I have a bulkhead on the bottom of a used 50g tank that I'm turning into a sump. The bulkhead is siliconed into place. Of course a standard [acronym:6af2592ec7="Plastic pipe"]PVC[/acronym:6af2592ec7] cap is a little tight and I can only give it a full turn. It won't come off, but obviously it's not water tight. If I use [acronym:6af2592ec7="Plastic pipe"]pvc[/acronym:6af2592ec7] cement on the threads, should that be enough to seal it water tight? I'm concerned because I can't turn the cap very much...doesn't seem very tight.

Should I use teflon AND cement? Anyone ever have to do this or have a better solution?

- Skins

Brenden · 01-04-2006, 05:18 PM

I would use a lot teflon tape and tighten as much as possible. I would think using both would work against you. After you tighten the plug you could always put some silicon around the plug. It should stick to the plastic good.

SkinnyPete · 01-04-2006, 05:27 PM

I know I'm about 20 years behind the times here using this word but - "duh". Yeah, good plan. Teflon and silicone around the closed cap.

Thanks, Brenden.

01-04-2006, 04:53 PM	#1
SkinnyPete Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: MA Posts: 491	Capping off a bulkhead I have a bulkhead on the bottom of a used 50g tank that I'm turning into a sump. The bulkhead is siliconed into place. Of course a standard [acronym:6af2592ec7="Plastic pipe"]PVC[/acronym:6af2592ec7] cap is a little tight and I can only give it a full turn. It won't come off, but obviously it's not water tight. If I use [acronym:6af2592ec7="Plastic pipe"]pvc[/acronym:6af2592ec7] cement on the threads, should that be enough to seal it water tight? I'm concerned because I can't turn the cap very much...doesn't seem very tight. Should I use teflon AND cement? Anyone ever have to do this or have a better solution? - Skins

01-04-2006, 05:18 PM	#2
Brenden Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Piedmont, NC Posts: 3,876 Images: 32	I would use a lot teflon tape and tighten as much as possible. I would think using both would work against you. After you tighten the plug you could always put some silicon around the plug. It should stick to the plastic good. __________________ The fact that no one understands you doesn't make you an artist. If guns kill people...Spoons make Michael Moore fat.

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01-04-2006, 05:27 PM	#3
SkinnyPete Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: MA Posts: 491	I know I'm about 20 years behind the times here using this word but - "duh". Yeah, good plan. Teflon and silicone around the closed cap. Thanks, Brenden.