Let's talk about bulkheads

Yes, yes, yes the silicone can cause the gasket to squeeze out because it works like a lubricant under pressure.

 

I like that,never thought about a jolt,with my clumsy hands in the sump,it's bound to happen.
Mine has gaskets on both the wet and dry sides,are you saying to omit the dry side for silicone?

No prob and thanks for your input

Ok,ok,ok,lol,you know I trust your advise,so silicone on the wet side is out,whats your thoughts on Telgars advise about the dry side?

 

And I just realized that you said "gasket(s)" plural, so being that my bulk head has only one gasket on the wet side, and a plastic washer on the dry side, is why I was told to put sealant on the washer (dry side), and not to tighten it all the way down, just snug. But with 2 gaskets I definitely agree with no silicone with rubber . My only problem with just having the gaskets would be salt creep. I hate that stuff after a while. Some sealant instead of a rubber would seal tighter IMO.

 

Thats right,I have a rubber gasket on both sides,NOT one gasket and one plastic/nylon washer,and I completely agree after deep thought on Telgars,Gus's and Johns advise,I kept thinking of the "jolt" Telgar mentioned and I should have known the answer,the silicone adhesion to the rubber would be a weak link,if disturbed would/could easily become separated even if I did manage to get them sealed to start with from the gaskets squishing out like John mentioned.

I ended up and just snugged them good (hand tight with a very light snug of the wrench) dry on both sides and have under a water test right now,so far,holding like a champ.Thanks for the advise guys!

 

I have this Bulkhead Installation Tips sticky posted on many of the Reef Forums including this one.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/bulkhead-installation-tips-111422.html

It has helped many new reefers over the years.

 

A little late, but I have moved from bulkheads to using uniseals now. Easier, less profile, and guaranteed not to leak no matter what!

 

Uniseals are especially good if you have uneven or curved surfaces such as in a Rubbermaid Brute trashcan. The rubber grommet conforms to the surface better than a ridgid bulkhead with relatively thin gasket.

 

Thanks anyways AZ and Dingo,but the situation is under control and still holding under a water test now,gonna let set for a day or two