Silicon on bulkhead seals

[bigtank4me]

Hey all. I am plumbing a 175 gallon rr aquarium. I have heard to put silicon on bulkheads to seal them properly from some people, while others say the silicon will eat away the rubber seal. What do you suggest?

 

[aquaknight]

Do not use silicone. Make sure the gasket is not damaged, and when installing it, make sure it's on the flanged side.

 

[bigtank4me]

Definitely will. Thanks.

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3284928
Do not use silicone. Make sure the gasket is not damaged, and when installing it, make sure it's on the flanged side.
Agree....Silicone is not needed to seal them....

 

[2quills]

I don't think it would be necissary to seal them...they will probably last the life of your tank without doing so. I'm not entirely sure that silicone would eat through a gasket though since most gaskets are made out of silicone rubber. Plumbers have been using silicone grease to waterproof and extend the life of rubber O-rings for decades and I can tell you that it does work...especially on hot water valves.
I would think that if you install them first without any silicone and they don't leak...then leave em be. However after being in a saltwater tank...if you happen to ever empty the tank for a period of time and they get dried out...then you might run into issues.

 

[acrylic51]

Honestly the bulkheads don't need silicone.

 

[robertmathern]

yeah they dont need silicone. I used silicone on my 180 with no ill effects. Like already stated the gasket is silicone rubber. Good luck cant wait to see a new tank build