Uniseal Test For Those Interested

[Eric]

I decided to use Uniseals in place of bulkheads, what I have is 6x1" returns from the sump and a 1500gph overflow kit.

The reason for using uniseals is to cut down on the length of the plumbing sticking out the side of the tank. I managed to shave off about 2.5" so it's a substantial difference.

Here's a picture from 2 1/2 days ago when I filled the tank for test.

I have not doubt these will hold up for the long haul. Installing them take a little work and a lot of force to get the pipe through the uniseal, even with lubrication.

I have been abusing the seals 3+ times daily to try and intentionally create a leak with no luck, these things are solid.

What I mean by abusing is twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, and basically working the 1" pvc in a motion similar to what you would do to remove a fence post. I have even applied enough pressure I was worried the glass might break, I have not been gentle and still not a drop of water. There has also been some pretty drastic changes in day and night temps these past few days, so that's a little more abuse for the seals to with stand.

I'm 100% sure these will not leak, I am going to replace these seals due to the abuse I put them through but if anyone has considered using these one a tank I'd say it's definitely an option.

Just wanted to share my results to this point, I had no luck trying find information on whether or not they were safe to use in a glass aquarium.
Ok back to the abuse, I will keep posting results for the next couple days till I drain the tank, I am sure they will be the same.

 

[1ofManyNguyens]

did you add salt to the water? Do you think the salt will have any effect on the seal?

 

[Eric]

These seals are made to hold up to saltwater and other chemicals, they are used on skimmers, stock tanks, 55 gallon drums, trash cans, Pvc, basically anywhere you can't fit a standard bulkhead. I just couldn't find any info about using them on a glass tank.

Here's some pics of the testing, just picture the angle in a rotating motion.

 

[Eric]

Here's a couple links that exspain more anout uniseals, the first says uniseals can stand up to acids, gas, grease and so on.

UNISEAL® Simply The World's Best Seal

1" Uniseal Bulkhead Alternative - English

 

[Eric]

3 1/2 days and it's all good, I worked the seals about 8 times today and still no leak.

 

[BLAKEJOHN]

They seem to be a good alternative to bulkheads. The only thing that I question is how long will they last? I understand that they are resistant to acids and grease, but being that they seal by inward pressure against the pipe, they need to remain pliable. The problem I see here is after a years time. Regardless of the seals resistance I think it will dry out, shrink a little and harden. As long as the pipe is never moved once this happens i would not foresee a problem. But one good bump while working on the tank later on or removing the pipe for cleaning, I dont think it will ever seal again.

Just my thoughts....

 

[Eric]

Uniseals will not harden over time like rubber, so that's not a problem.

The seal created by the uniseal is the whole way through but a lot of it is on the inside of the hole, It's a snug fit from the outside in.

I was skeptical as well but after reading up and realized these are made for commercial and industrial use and built to last, I decided to give them a try. I think the hobby more or less adopted them it was not the intended purpose when they were made.

 

[MikeinToronto]

It looks like they should last a while, but I cringe every time I see you twisting the pipes like that. It looks like the glass will break every time.

 

[Frankie]

Cool thread Eric.
Uniseals work well with saltwater. They have been in use in the hobby for many years now and I have never heard of one failing. Yet
The normal application for them is equipment like skimmers and such.
Interesting idea to use them as bulkheads for space and money saving.

 

[Eric]

Thanks Frankie, I figured this info should be posted for others, I wouldn't recommend anyone else trying this test as they are a little violent, I'm willing to take the loss of a tank if it happens to break.

Mike, I got to push them to the limit if I am going to call this a test I would have used a plastic or rubber container but I it would flex with the seals and not really apply the full pressure to the seal, with glass there is no give so the seals take all the abuse.

 

[rgfast]

Eric looked at wedsite didn't see anything as far as thickness. Just wonderring about using with glass 3/4 to maybe an 1"

 

[Eric]

They are only good for up to 1/2" wall thickness.

Here's a better link that gives details on the uniseals and installation.

The UNISEAL Warehouse--Worldwide Distributor

 

[Eric]

A shot showing how I pull them in and out, this take quite a bit of effort

You can see I have pulled them out far enough to knock off the 90s I had on the ends, still no leaks.

 

[Eric]

Day 7 in the bag, working on day 8 and not even a little condensation.

 

[BLAKEJOHN]

Sweet.. now we need an alternative to drilling the glass and still get that same hole through it..

 

[Eric]

There is alternatives, just not as easy. You can grind it, router it, or torch it lol

 

[Eric]

14 days in and all is well

Tomorrow I will drain the tank and refill it to continue, the water is getting a little nasty plus I want to check one of the seals just to see how they are taking the abuse on the inside.

 

[Eric]

Abused for 18 days and now I'm done with the testing, there is no doubt in my mind that they'll hold up.

Draining.

 

[bigpapaoffive]

Nice post Eric, very useful info, can't believe the pressure you put to those puppies

 

[Eric]

Thanks Al, I'll get some pictures of the seals later today, there is little to no damage considering I was literally trying to destroy them. Obviously you can't put that much stress on anything without a little damage.