Thank you all - I have decided on a blended approach. I coated the threads with the pipe dope, wiped it to a very thin coating, then wrapped with Teflon tape. I’ve used this in plenty other places with good results. For those attempting this in the future, this fitting is under spring pressure and is a bit difficult to get started. I recommend figuring out where the thread engages without the spring in place, then you can be confident where you need to start. Also there is no need for the tape to cover the very first thread, so leave the first thread bare to also help you engage.
I managed to get it to the point where it was kind of tight when aligned - definitely not like I would had hoped with tapered threads, but at least it was snug.
At least this motivated me to put the silicone mat under my machine like I was kind of expecting to at some point.
in other news I’ve noticed a couple penetrations through metal with rubber hoses simply passed through them. The holes also don’t appear to be deburred adequately. At this price point I would expect rubber grommets. Fortunately these are suction lines from the tank so you’ll know but without a mess if they split.
