Aquarium bulkheads (and other Q's)

[FSM]

1) I just got a new (used) tank, and it is reef ready. The overflow is in the corner, with the holes at the bottom. My dad thinks that the part of the bulkhead on the outside of the tank (underneath) looks like it has been patched with silicon. I think it is supposed to be like that, because the bulkheads are siliconed in. Are they removable? Is it possible that the previous owner tried to fix a leak?

2) Also, they had it set up as a SW tank, but then converted it to fresh. I got all their live rock with it. Is it okay to use for freshwater? Will it affect the water chemistry? (ph, hardness, etc)

3) Also, I am going to paint the stand. Is there any special paint I have to use? Or is normal stuff fine?

4) One more: how many different grain sizes of PFS are there?

thanks

 

[FSM]

bump

 

[Nic]

1) I just got a new (used) tank, and it is reef ready. The overflow is in the corner, with the holes at the bottom. My dad thinks that the part of the bulkhead on the outside of the tank (underneath) looks like it has been patched with silicon. I think it is supposed to be like that, because the bulkheads are siliconed in. Are they removable? Is it possible that the previous owner tried to fix a leak?

2) Also, they had it set up as a SW tank, but then converted it to fresh. I got all their live rock with it. Is it okay to use for freshwater? Will it affect the water chemistry? (ph, hardness, etc)

3) Also, I am going to paint the stand. Is there any special paint I have to use? Or is normal stuff fine?

4) One more: how many different grain sizes of PFS are there?

thanks

should be removable...i doubt it was to fix a leak i know of people who have siliconed the overflow tunes to the bulk head but not the bulk head to the tank... got a pic of this??? what kind of fish are you planning... if your doing african cichlids then you can keep the rock as it will buff the ph but will need a good cleaning or left in the tank to cycle out this will give you a good established bio filter.... personally if the rock is still alive and cured take it to a lfs and sell it.... regular paint for the stand...

 

[cchhcc]

Some people silicone bulkheads in the thought that they will improve their effectiveness. Unfortunately, the opposite is generally true. It is better to just use the supplied gaskets.

I wouldn't worry about the silicone at all. Personally, I'd break the seal, clean it all up, and perhaps use a new gasket.

 

[will_i_am]

I'm looking to set up a fw acrylic with bulkheads. Should I be worried about leaks? I have heard that u don't have to worry with salt water tanks because the salt actually will plug leaks. Is there any reason to not seal the gasket with silicon for extra security?

 

[KaiserSousay]

I wouldn't worry about the silicone at all. Personally, I'd break the seal, clean it all up, and perhaps use a new gasket.

Good advice there.
Now is the best time to make sure your setup will not leak.
Salt will "crusty" up where it is exposed to air, but if you have a drip with any pressure behind it, it will continue to drip.
My next stand will have a layer of waterproof material, glued to the top.
Quite a few veneers available the won’t let any splashes get to the wood.

 

[FSM]

I solved this problem 3 years ago