VTek
Active Member
Hey fellow reefers!
I wanted to make a write up and collect some information not only for me, but for other new reefers out there that may be setting up a new system or considering it in the future.
This is something that I have just recently stumbled upon, the topic of plasticizers!
My system has been running for a little over 2 years now. I have grown to think that my husbandry has been outstanding! Since setting up my system, I've been hooked, and lately got me thinking about turning my fairly new hobby into a career! Since day one, I have put in the time, I have put in the effort, and put in the money (all of which, respectfully, available) to be as successful as possible. I absolutely love my tank, but I have always think that something has been 'off' due to the lack of growth/colorization of certain corals. Yes, I understand that for some people, certain things will just not work out in their systems and that's something we have to learn and live with. After tying to change or tweak small things on my system, trial and error if you would, to see what all would benefit my system and to find what I may be missing. From changing lighting schedules, to different dosings, changing/mixing salts, RODI canisters/filters, etc, etc.. I feel like I am doing everything correctly but am missing out of something small, something hard to pinpoint, and maybe impossible to test.
When I set up the plumbing for my system over 2 years ago, of course I went with the easy and somewhat obvious choice of using flexible Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for my over flow and return plumbing. Due to the affordability, access and ease of using flexible PVC without having to manage fittings, cutting and the space necessary to 'build' a beautiful plumbing system and not to mention calculating head pressures, I thought it was a no brainer. Could this be the weak link? I think a Triton test is next on my game plan but I like to from everyone else in the hobby!
Could the use of flexible PVC tubing still on my system from 2 years ago be leaking toxins into the system?
Since it's been 2 years, has the possible damage been done to the point where there should be nothing more that could be leaked?
I'd like to hear ALL feedback from anyone with any knowledge or any experience with plasticizers and using flexible PVC plumbing!
For those that are unfamiliar with plasticizers, take a look here: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/07/15/coral-excerpt-reefkeeping-101-all-about-plasticizers/
I wanted to make a write up and collect some information not only for me, but for other new reefers out there that may be setting up a new system or considering it in the future.
This is something that I have just recently stumbled upon, the topic of plasticizers!
My system has been running for a little over 2 years now. I have grown to think that my husbandry has been outstanding! Since setting up my system, I've been hooked, and lately got me thinking about turning my fairly new hobby into a career! Since day one, I have put in the time, I have put in the effort, and put in the money (all of which, respectfully, available) to be as successful as possible. I absolutely love my tank, but I have always think that something has been 'off' due to the lack of growth/colorization of certain corals. Yes, I understand that for some people, certain things will just not work out in their systems and that's something we have to learn and live with. After tying to change or tweak small things on my system, trial and error if you would, to see what all would benefit my system and to find what I may be missing. From changing lighting schedules, to different dosings, changing/mixing salts, RODI canisters/filters, etc, etc.. I feel like I am doing everything correctly but am missing out of something small, something hard to pinpoint, and maybe impossible to test.
When I set up the plumbing for my system over 2 years ago, of course I went with the easy and somewhat obvious choice of using flexible Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for my over flow and return plumbing. Due to the affordability, access and ease of using flexible PVC without having to manage fittings, cutting and the space necessary to 'build' a beautiful plumbing system and not to mention calculating head pressures, I thought it was a no brainer. Could this be the weak link? I think a Triton test is next on my game plan but I like to from everyone else in the hobby!
Could the use of flexible PVC tubing still on my system from 2 years ago be leaking toxins into the system?
Since it's been 2 years, has the possible damage been done to the point where there should be nothing more that could be leaked?
I'd like to hear ALL feedback from anyone with any knowledge or any experience with plasticizers and using flexible PVC plumbing!
For those that are unfamiliar with plasticizers, take a look here: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/07/15/coral-excerpt-reefkeeping-101-all-about-plasticizers/
