PVC Glue

[RDA]

Hello. I'm getting ready to do the plumbing on my tank and just had a quick question regarding PVC Glue. I just need to know if there is any PVC glue that is better than another for a saltwater tank, or any glues to stay away from for a saltwater tank? I just want to make sure I don't use something that will nuke the tank or that won't hold up well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jsker]

Make sure the glue is dried, cured before fire things up.

 

[o2manyfish]

All PVC glues will be fine. The only thing to be aware of is if you are using spaflex. Spaflex requires a different formula than regular PVC.

 

[Syntax1235]

The drying and curing of pvc glue will increase the strength of the bond; however, in our tanks we have relatively low pressure running through our pipes. The toxicity of the glue only lasts for a few minutes and is then perfectly safe to use. I posted a concern about a month ago and Randy chimed in saying that all toxic components evaporate in minutes after application... can't find the thread though.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Use separate primer and cement, do not use the all-in-one junk. I use oatey. and of course, use the proper technique when gluing together.

 

[Jeepj667]

I disagree, I use Christie's Red Hot for everything. Home and tank. I've never had a joint leak using it. You have to be sure your ready to glue though, it sets fast.

 

[RDA]

Perfect, thanks for the help folks. I was looking at the store tonight and they had Oatey purple primer and 'medium clear pvc cement' bundled together (two bottles, one package). This should be good to use?

I was also looking at pvc at said store and all the longer pieces of pvc seemed to be pretty warped, is this normal or should I look elsewhere? I was already in the store so I figured I would check it out. I don't know if that's a major concern when plumbing tanks or if that's to be expected with PVC pipe. I figured I would check out another store or two before making my final selections, but just wanted to see if that was of any concern or not first. I will be plumbing inside the overflow as well as hard plumbing between the tank and sump as well if that makes any difference.

 

[BoomCorals]

Perfect, thanks for the help folks. I was looking at the store tonight and they had Oatey purple primer and 'medium clear pvc cement' bundled together (two bottles, one package). This should be good to use?

I was also looking at pvc at said store and all the longer pieces of pvc seemed to be pretty warped, is this normal or should I look elsewhere? I was already in the store so I figured I would check it out. I don't know if that's a major concern when plumbing tanks or if that's to be expected with PVC pipe. I figured I would check out another store or two before making my final selections, but just wanted to see if that was of any concern or not first. I will be plumbing inside the overflow as well as hard plumbing between the tank and sump as well if that makes any difference.

Yep that's what I've always used

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Anyone know if where i can find the clear primer? so I don't make a mess with the purple stuff.

 

[Swoody]

I disagree, I use Christie's Red Hot for everything. Home and tank. I've never had a joint leak using it. You have to be sure your ready to glue though, it sets fast.

Same stuff I used and zero issues ever.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Looking for some confirmation: I added water to my 2 storage tanks. Hubby finished the plumbing for the saltwater station today and of course, some of the purple stuff dripped into the tank plus in the pipes.

He thinks we should drain the 30 or so gal and clean the inside of tank. I've read online that it is okay.

Do we need to drain? Filter the water? or is it all good

 

[ZoWhat]

@Susan Edwards

Tough call. The main ingredients in the purple primer is Acetone, Cyclohexanone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Furan, Tetrahydrofuran.

It's a solvent that cleans the pvc while softening the pvc for the glue to set into.

I'd Google the above ingredients and render your own decision on what you should do..

Would you use 30g of SW if a cupful of your fingernail polish remover spilled in the SW? Hmmmmm. This primer and fingernail polish remover seem to be fairly similar

IMO, I'd dump the 30 gals of SW that worth a couple bucks in lieu of any toxicity.

I'd drain the tank. Let it dry for 24 hrs. Then flush with tap water. Then reestablish your SW mix.

But.... this acetone based stuff can't be too terribly toxic if it used in pipes that supply drinking water.....BUT! .... the purple primer wasn't allow to dry fir 2hrs in a dry environment. Instructions clearly stated to allow 2hrs of dry time before use.... 2hrs probably instructed to allow the chemicals to cure and dissipate

I assume you used the Oatey brand. You could call them....

tel: 800-321-9532
.

 

[Susan Edwards]

I assume you used the Oatey brand. You could call them....
tel: 800-321-9532
.

Yes, it is. I looked inside the container and I can see a purple ring, so prob. better to dump and then scrub out. Luckily it is only RO water--no salt

 

[ZoWhat]

Yes, it is. I looked inside the container and I can see a purple ring, so prob. better to dump and then scrub out. Luckily it is only RO water--no salt

Idk if you need to scrub the tank. I would think draining it and allowing to acetone solvents to dissipate thru air drying is all you need. Followed by a flushing of general tapwater.... then remake SW once the tap water is drained

 

[DrZoidburg]

If no one has said this I would avoid the blue pvc glue. It cures insanely fast. If your not prepared for it you will ruin a bond.

 

[Susan Edwards]

My husband uses the purple. I had some clear for my current tank.

 

[ZoWhat]

If no one has said this I would avoid the blue pvc glue. It cures insanely fast. If your not prepared for it you will ruin a bond.

It's not blue. It's purple. It absolutely needs to be used to prime the pvc, to soften the pvc so the glue can bond chemically and melt the pvc together. Using glue only without a primer will eventually lead to the pvc joint breaking away bc the glue is only bonding on the surface skin of the pvc. It will eventually break loose leading to leak failures. Glue a pvc joint with glue only, then months down the line you tinker with thst pipe? Ut-oh, the joint with "snap off" guaranteed

.

 

[DrZoidburg]

It's not blue. It's purple. It absolutely needs to be used to prime the pvc, to soften the pvc so the glue can bond chemically and melt the pvc together. Using glue only without a primer will eventually lead to the pvc joint breaking away bc the glue is only bonding on the surface skin of the ovc. It will eventually break loose leading to leak failures.

.

Im not talking about the primer.

 

[Jivatma]

Anyone know if where i can find the clear primer? so I don't make a mess with the purple stuff.

Check your local hardware stores (Lowe's, Menards, Home Depot, Ace, etc) clear primer should be right next to purple primer, though they may not be bundled as the purple is.

 

[DrZoidburg]

@zoa what I ment this responding to the original question. (avoid) If not familiar with it.