Mindy, sounds like its a good thing we are seperated by distance. I ran through the exact same thing, first I cracked my DT, then I broke a bulkhead, then I cracked my sump.

Started buying spare parts because it was just easier. Hopefully the next go around is better.

Just keep smiling, remember your having fun! :lol:

For all of my bulkheads, I use silicone between the glass/acrylic wall and the outer piece of the bulkhead. This way you ensure 100% no leakage.

Well, I'm considering just making my own sump from scratch out of a thicker glass. I will call and get a quote tomorrow. I'm not impressed that I have to do a bunch of plumbing again. Back to square one. Not like any of the inhabitants of the tank seem to notice or care. I'm tired of looking at a tank that is 4" low on water though!

I hear ya! But truly, are you really ever done?!

Mine has been up for about 2 months with my new sump/fuge and already have plans to increase flow and redesign the entire system. I know you've been in it a lot longer, so I thought you'd be used to it by now. :razz:

what side was the washer on :)

really though, was there a washer on the flange side? some flanges are not flat and have a little plastic ring that sticks up and have been blamed for cracking tanks when no washer is on them

Sounds like an opportunity to make your new sump out of acrylic.

Too expensive for my blood untamed! But it would be nice. :)

I did check the nut i have crabs, and there were no rough edges, just a washer on the flange side.

walloutlet, my tank is definitely done when the plumbing is done!! I don't normally redo any plumbing unless it leaks. LOL I loathe plumbing.

I have always used some silicone on mine. Not on the gasket side though. I put some on the threaded side, which is the outside in my case usually. This gives me an extra seal on that side. I usually then put a bead around the outside of the gasket/bulkhead, after its been tightened. I have only ever hand tightened.

Agreed its a pain when one needs removing, but on a tank whens that?? Your sump is perhaps a different story though, but I would still do it the same if it was mine.

Never have had a leak that way in 25 yrs. So far. :lol:

That sucks, I would try using some silicone next time around.

Thin glass and bulkheads are tricky. To tight and snap. Silicone is your friend on smaller tanks. My 10g sump, I cracked the whole side too. I managed to silicone a glass patch cross the crack, and it has held up so far.