Plumbing question:

renato120 · Jul 11, 2015

How long do I have to wait for the cement to dry?
I just changed all my pvc from the fuge.
I wonder when can I turn it back on.
Thank you.

redfishbluefish · Jul 11, 2015

Now. I worked with a mechanical engineer...the guys who design plumbing systems. We'd glue up some pipe and as quick as he could get to the water main, the water would be back on.

renato120 · Jul 11, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
Now. I worked with a mechanical engineer...the guys who design plumbing systems. We'd glue up some pipe and as quick as he could get to the water main, the water would be back on.

So you saying thats safe to do it? Will the cement harm the corals and fish if its still wet? Its been about 20min that I glued everything

buckroe07 · Jul 11, 2015

The earliest I turned my return pump back on was at least 6 hours after I glued PVC with no ill effects. My tank was 2 yrs old then so I was a little nervous but nothing happend

.

Harold Green · Jul 11, 2015

I'd be more concerned with any oils that may have been on the pipe to begin with. The glue is a solvent that melts the pvc together and I believe it's able to stand full water pressure in minutes if done correctly. I usually flush all the new pipework before drinking water that's run through it. It would probably be a good idea to flush it out before using if possible. I don't believe the solvent is a problem, it's the fumes from it that are dangerous. This isn't a really good answer to your question but I don't think I've ever run across an article on whether it's a safety issue to use it within minutes. More than likely most of us have and not had a problem.

Reefing Madness · Jul 11, 2015

You can use the pipe as soon as its completely dry. in other words, a matter of minutes after glueing.

renato120 · Jul 11, 2015

I just turn the water on, and the tank cracked where the bulkhead is

renato120 · Jul 11, 2015

Its not leaking

redfishbluefish · Jul 12, 2015

Sorry to see this. Unfortunately this is one the the potential issues when using rigid PVC. The pipe acts like a lever, and the slightest lateral pressure will crack the tank. I would not take the chance and recommend switching out the tank.

I have a Glass-Holes overflow that is towards the top of the tank.......longer run to the sump. I made sure the pipes were straight and then clamped them to the upper back edge of the stand to minimize any torquing of the glass.

renato120 · Jul 12, 2015

I already bought a new tank. Im going to the lfs for them to make a new hole for me. I hopre the tank is tempered glass. My luck I bet its not going to be