Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have a major problem in my netting filter tank(IBC). There is 2 leaks on 2 different 3" pipes with uniseals. Is there anyway to epoxy, seal around them? They are both on the lower edge and I don't think I have room to install a bulkhead. I think the weekly cleaning of the netting has caused the issues. Draining and filling as probably caused the problems. No leaks anywhere else in system. I will be a major plumbing endeavor to replace the tank and fittings. I've used hydraulic cement on different leaks on jobs before, but I'm not sure how it would react to the rubber in the uniseal?? Any ideas?

Thanks!

They make an epoxy putty that works very well in submerged environments. Might want to try to find some...

http://www.amazon.com/Loctite-431348-Mu ... B000BOB8P6

Can you post a photo and description of the plumbing?

Coach, I'd use 3m 5200. It is believed by some/many here to be fish safe (i used it in my trial system, both cured before the fish, and to stopper leaks from the outside of the tank). Cures wet or underwater, sticks to anything especially your hands.
Get it from marine/boat places. It is similar to sikaflex, if you know of the sika, but I dont know of the sika is ok in the system, but I have proven to MY satisfaction that the 5200 is ok. Obligatory your mileage may vary goes here, but a search of this forum reveals a bunch of posts about it, IIRC particularly/originally from RonMaggi.
If you use it, you'll never separate the joint, it is a permanent adhesive.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

The leaks have slowed now due to biofilm, but, I'm going to try either the epoxy or 5200. I'll do some research as to which works better wet. Since it's going on the outside, exposure to fish should be minimal.

ordered an epoxy. The 5200 says it won't stick if the materials are damp/wet. The epoxy supposedly will work in either. We'll see??

Hiya coach, I used Teflon thread tape on the uni seal od to increase compression. Not sure about in situ repairs though.

I suppose if the epoxy doesn't work, and I need to drain the filter IBC, I could try adding a few wraps of teflon. Good idea.

Have you been able to check the uniseal itself? I had one that was split open on the inside of the tank, going all the way down to the pipe.

yeah, I can see both sides. it's intact and looks fine. The leaks are coming from the bottom where the uniseal goes through the IBC. Both sides are pretty low on tank, and close to the radius. I don't even think a bulkhead fitting would work in these areas.