ANOTHER small leak

[SSalty]

Well we fixed the leak at the bulkheads now I have a small leak on the return line back to the tank. I used primer, glue and a hose clamp. What would be the best way to fix this leak. Here is a pic. It's on the white tube that connects to the bulkhead. I am getting so sick of this shit. Please tell me that I am not the only one that is battleing leaks. Here is a pick.

[reeffreak]

Salty I don't know what to say....I getting an All-Glass Megaflow or Oceanic Reef Ready here shortly..I hope I don't have the problems you are having.

Isn't your tank an All-Glass and are those tubing part of the plumping kits that come with them?The white tube..what kind is that?I like using the flexible tubing that looks like a slinky(does that make sense?)

Sorry man..hope things get better.

[matthew1048]

I hate to hear you're still having leak troubles buddy!!! I am defenitely no authority on pumbling, and I don't want anyone lead wrong on account of something I've said, so I'm gonna leave the answering up to someone with mroe experience. Sorry I couldn't be more help, and I hope things get better for you!!!!

[jhnrb]

It appears you have used PVC flex line there. It is not made for inserts but is to be assembled same as ridgid. I would recommend you change it out for either some crosslink pex tubing or black aquarium tubing. hope this helps. Also make sure your clamps are listed water clamps. Water clamps are a bit wider than the standard tubing clamp and will give you more compression around the tubing.

[yote]

Im gonna agree with Jhnrb. We use the PVC flex line at work alot when we install attic systems.
Switch that out with either the hose Jhnrb was talking about or some of the clear vinyl tubing.

[SSalty]

Alight I think I have pin-pointed the problem. The white pipe is PVC spa flex and the bulk had is ABS, we used regular PVC cement and this is a big no no. You are suppose to use a special cement to bond PVC and ABS together. So tommarow I am going to stop at a few plumbing whole-sale houses and see what they suggest.

I am really bumbed out with all the shit I have been through with this hobby.

[SSalty]

If I was going to use clear vinyl tubing, would I have to use glue or just pipe clamps?

[jhnrb]

The cement is only part of the problem. the PVC was made to insert inside a fitting not a fitting inside of the PVC. You can check with whom you want but by changing out the pvc and using just regular tubing clear or black with clamps and hose barbs will solve your problem. I know you are tired of the leaks, but, be patient and all will come together. after all is working correctly you will be much the wiser on where the mistakes were made and be able to share with others. dont get discouraged, the learning process never ends but it does get to be fun. keep us posted.

[yote]

Just use water pipe clamps.Your not supposed to glue barbed fittings anyway,the barbs are there to help hole the tubing in place,the clamp is to make sure the pressure from the pump dont force it off the fitting.

[SSalty]

One problem, most of the barbs on the bulkhead were sanded off to fit the pvc on. There are a few left on top. Would I still be fine using the clear vinyl hose and make sure it goes to the way top of the bulkhead and maybe use to pipe clamps?