ABS Bulkheads bad for your tank?

Alpha Aquaculture · Aug 25, 2011

Whatup Reef2Reef!

I have heard people say ABS plastic materials are not safe to use in aquariums. I did a little research and found mixed results. I just want to see what the current consensus is on this subject of ABS plastic use in saltwater aquariums. I have to order 75 more bulkheads and I just realized the ones I'm been using and ordering are ABS. I'm using them right now and I don't see any glaring issues but I'm thinking 10 years down the road when I hope to have the same tanks up and still running.

Thank you for your time,
Kris

Troylee · Aug 25, 2011

there fine kris people try to say they have a algacide in them to prevent algae which is hogwash bro.... pull up the msds sheet on them it doesn't state any of that.... abs is normally used for drains since it's not really rated for pressure well high pressure anyways... i had this discussion with james "acrylics" and we both came to the conclusion it's in fact safe don't sweat it.... i have used them for years, just make sure to use transition glue for making pvc to abs connections and your fine...hth 1smile1

EliteReefs · Aug 25, 2011

sure hope theres no problem cause they are all i have ever used for 10 years now and never had a proiblme that i know of.

hmmm maybe now i have an excuse next time i brown out an sps lol

Alpha Aquaculture · Sep 7, 2011

Thanks for the info guys! I decided to go with more of the ABS bulkheads. Always nice to hear the opinion of other R2R enthusiasts!

Reef Breeders · Sep 8, 2011

They are petrol byproducts, so I would clean any oils off first. ABS may not always be the best, it tends to bend easily, but fittings are usually fine. Whenever I do drain plumbing with ABS, the pipes have almost always warped.