Aquarium Safe PVC Cement?

[Kasey Grohowski]

I'm going to be converting my 40 gallon sump into a 75 gallon tank. I'll have to move a little bit of pvc to make up for the length of the new tank. Are there any aquarium safe pvc cement/primers, or would a regular primer/cement be safe after 30 minutes? Thank you.

 

[DarthSimon]

We all use this here. NO problems with Salt Water. It sets super fast. I usually wait 15-20 minutes, and then your good for water to flow through.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-4-oz-Purple-Primer-and-CPVC-Cement-Handy-Pack-30234/203561639

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

We all use this here. NO problems with Salt Water. It sets super fast. I usually wait 15-20 minutes, and then your good for water to flow through.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-4-oz-Purple-Primer-and-CPVC-Cement-Handy-Pack-30234/203561639

Yes just seen a YT video recommending this as well.

 

[LOVEROCK]

Are oatey clear primer and clear cement safe ?

 

[DarthSimon]

Glue is clear, primer is purple.

 

[count krunk]

yes

 

[count krunk]

yeah technically the clear and purple are a bit different, but both when paired with the PVC cement will do a great job in joining them together

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

yeah technically the clear and purple are a bit different, but both when paired with the PVC cement will do a great job in joining them together

Will 30 minutes be enough time for it to set you think? I also have fish and coral in my system.

 

[DarthSimon]

Technically, I believe it bonds the 2 pieces of pvc togther.

 

[DarthSimon]

I have glued PVC together on my system, and ran water through it 10-15 minutes later. Never had a problem.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I have glued PVC together on my system, and ran water through it 10-15 minutes later. Never had a problem.

Was your system established?

 

[DarthSimon]

Over 15 years being in the hobby, I have glued PVC on many different systems, and never had an issue with waiting a few minutes like I said, 10-15 and then hooking up and flowing water through. Old systems, new systems. I think you will be fine, but you are more than welcome to pole or ask others here. I don't think you will get to many negative responses, or people saying they wait hours or days...

Good luck...

 

[ca1ore]

Yup ..... regular Oatey solvent ..... 5 mins .... never a problem. I do only apply the solvent to the outside of the pipe, not inside the fitting. That way any squeeze out does not occur inside the pipe.

 

[JCOLE]

I usually wait 3 hours for everything to cure. PVC solvent does say 30 minutes for use and 2-3 hours for cure. However, 3 hours might be too long depending on what you are doing. You would probably be good after 15-20 minutes.

 

[Aardvark1134]

Pretty much anything designed for that type of plumbing that is also listed drinking water safe will work

 

[Jay Z]

Stuff usually sets up in a minute or 2 minimum. Just wipe the excess off. Water ready in 3-5 minutes. Safer to wait 10-20. But in a pinch can be shorter.

It’s not a glue that binds the pvc. It’s a solvent that bonds it on a molecular level. Basically turning 2 pieces into a single piece. Won’t bore on the technical details but in simple terms it melts the plastic then as it evaporate the pieces fuse together.

I always put on the pipe and not in the fitting. When you put it in the fitting it the excess globs up inside the fitting when it pushes out and if ocd like me, will drive you nuts.

 

[Aardvark1134]

Depending on what I am plumbing with I use
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weld-On-32-oz-PVC-790-Multi-Purpose-Cement-in-Clear-10257/206534681
or
https://www.amazon.com/10280-Plumbing-Grade-Medium-Bodied-Fast-Setting-Applicator/dp/B004VU8M1O

Plus this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weld-On-8-oz-PVC-P-68-Primer-in-Purple-10214/202309184

 

[Leon Gorani]

Do y’all think the “All Purpose Cement” is okay to use for a reef tank. I plumbed part of it with the “Medium Clear cement” but I ran out and didn’t realize I bought a different one when I got home from the store. Thanks

 

[Aardvark1134]

Any of that stuff should be fine if you let it dry good

 

[stanleo]

I have never done any plumping in my life so the purple stuff and cement went everywhere but haven't had any issues with it. By the time you are ready to start putting water through the system, it will be completely dry.