ABS. or. PVC ...???

[Reef.ductionist]

So I went over to the local HomeDepot today to ask for some tubing..I was originally hoping to find a 3/4 or 1inch piping, preferably light colored...and I was searching for abs plastic which I have heard is safer when submerged in saltwater forextended periods. Got to talking withoneofthe oldtimers there and he told me he had fitted pvc piping for the Vancouver Aquarium, and that they use PVC for theirinflow and outflow on their tanks. So I azk ye all...

For a plastic which would be COMPLETELY submerged in saltwater what is the right choice? Anyone know?
Catch you on the flip-flow!

 

[Peanut]

I am not sure the difference, but I would only use it if its rated for potable water

 

[mcarroll]

While it may be only due to common availability, PVC is definitely the standard for aquarium use. You're practically on your own if you want to try using ABS. I've never heard of anyone using it.

Having said that...

There are some known issues with PVC, not least of which involve PVC being more and more out of favor for use in medical IV blood bags due to leaching. I do think solid, white PVC avoids many of these issues, or suffers from them to a lesser degree, as it simply has less additives. OTOH, anything vinyl that is flexible or non-white is loaded with additives.

From what I can glean, ABS does break down in sunlight, so folks with halide and or florescent lighting systems (anything that gives off UV light) might worry about using it in the tank area. Sounds like it should be quite safe in terms of exposure to saltwater though.

-Matt

 

[Reef.ductionist]

Ok cool. Thanks mcarroll.

 

[AZDesertRat]

ABS is not ANSI/NSF rated for potable water since it was never intended to be used for such. It is sewer or drain pipe and also is not designed for pressure since it is used in gravity situations in normal use.

 

[Reef.ductionist]

Thanks Peanut and Azdesertrat.

 

[mbray94]

I only used PVC from Homedepot for my setup.

 

[Reef.ductionist]

Ok thanks

 

[Chameleon]

PVS is the way to go IMO...never had a problem with it and I know countless tanks that use it. what always scares me is the pvc primer and cement, but I've used it within a few minutes of gluing and haven't killed anything yet.