Can't find fittings to match bulkhead threads....Help?
 

I have an Oceanic 105 tank that came with bulkheads. I have always wanted to run hard lines to my sump and so on, but I have never been able to match the threads that are on these bulkheads. So I have always put flex tubing on with clamps. The inside threads I can match, but that restricts water flow. I want to put a fitting on the outside thread.

I am really tired of this and need to get some pipe fittings that match the threads.

Anyone else ever have this problem?

Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help!!

you are supposed to use the inide threads, that is what it was designed for. it doesnt really restrict the flow much

The outside threads of any bulkhead you will not be able to match. They are strictly for the nut. If you have restriction problems, you need a bigger bulkhead. There is no significan inner diameter difference between a threaded fitting and the rigid piping.

You can buy new bulkheads with a different thread or inside slip fitting which will work been there done that. AGA & Oceanic changed their fittings a few years ago which made things difficult.

On the contrary, I have happened to find a fit for the outside of a 1" bulkhead. I used the 1-1/4" fitting and gasket used for drain piping in the plumbing section at Lowe's. Here's a pic:

[IMG]http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t38/dukeintl/Aquarium/A630-070819-0719.jpg[/IMG]

The plastic gasket fits snugly around the flexible pvc. I placed a wrap or two of plumbing tape around the top of the flex pvc and manuevered it into the bulkhead up to the plastic gasket and tightened it. Been in place for over 2 months and not a single leak.

OK...wow!!!

I have learned something new tonight. I had no idea the outside threads were only for the nut. I keep cracking the head when ever I screw something in the inside. I guess I simply keep tightening it too hard.

I will start to look at ways to conect to the inside. I just need to get away from my flex tubve so I can do rigid.

Thanks all!!

you can get a threaded male adapter, which will allpw you to thrad it into the blukhead and give you a slip fitting that you can use with flex pvc. that is the best way, ime

Not sure I understand your post. You're still threading on the inside of the bulkhead, correct?

And with the slip fitting, would you cement that still? A bulk head with a slip fitting, do you work with it just like working with other PVC?

Yes- if you have a one inch bulkhead- it will accept one inche pipe. If you have a threaded bulkhead, you can use a threaded to slip adapter so you can use pipe.

The method I used also works with rigid piping. My fault. The pic I showed before was a temporary configuration. Here's actually how I have it now. Like I said above, I primed and wrapped a short piece of pvc to go into the bottom of the bulkhead.

[IMG]http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t38/dukeintl/Aquarium/A630-071010-0941.jpg[/IMG]

Nice..

I do like that!!

My bulkhead is 1 5/8" on the outside and 1 1/4" on the inside. My tank hole is 1 3/4". This is my drain pipe. What size piping would I use if I use a threaded adapter?

U just took my bulkheadto menards &foundsomething that would on. It didnt seem to fit right, but used pipe dope & it sealed good & havent had any problems. My bulkheads seem extra thick so I actually drilled out the inside diameter another 1/4 inch