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Mistking/bulkhead fitting/O-ring?

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by mrbreeze, Aug 2, 2013.

  1. Aug 2, 2013 #1
    mrbreeze

    mrbreeze Anglican Supporting Member

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    I just got a couple of bulkhead fittings from Mistking. I have two systems that I've been using for years but, of course, I didn't save any of the instructions.

    So I looked up which side of the fitting should the O-ring go on the interwebs and I thought I'd figured out the answer. But then I took a closer look at the ones I've previously installed and they don't seem to agree with what I read on some (reef tank) forums.

    They basically said that the o-ring should go on the side where the flange is, and the nut should be on the other side and it really doesn't matter which side is 'wet'. That made intuitive sense to me.

    But then when I looked at the ones i already have, which have never leaked, it is just the opposite! The o-rings are on the inside of the reservoirs with the nuts pushing against them and the flanges are outside.

    So now i'm totally confused about whether i should trust the web and what makes logical sense, or should I go with what has plainly worked fine for me in the past??? Or does it make no difference? thanks
     
  2. Aug 2, 2013 #2
    Interdependence

    Interdependence Member

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  3. Aug 2, 2013 #3
    T. migratoris

    T. migratoris Active Member

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    The o-ring, or gasket, in a bulkhead fitting should always be placed against the non-rotating part of the fitting - i.e. the flange. This is to avoid potential damage from the rotating part of the fitting (the nut) as it drags across the gasket during rotation.
     
  4. Aug 2, 2013 #4
    mrbreeze

    mrbreeze Anglican Supporting Member

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    Yes, what T.M. just wrote is what makes sense to me and what was stated on the reef tank forums. But it isn't how the ones I have been using were installed. I guess i'm assuming that I followed the directions properly which may or may not be true. And I suppose it's also possible that when I looked at them earlier I couldn't really tell where the o-rings are. Anyway, pretty sure i got it now so thanks to one and all!