Stupid question about mixing station plumbing

[SallyWho]

As the title states, I have kind of a stupid question. Do I glue together all the plumbing for the mixing station, or do I leave it just tightly dry-fit? I've got two 40g barrels with pre-installed bulkheads on the bottom. And the fitting that goes in the bulkhead- do I glue that as well? Thanks!

 

[chris k.]

I glued all my fittings. I think you will have many leaks if you dont glue.

 

[Muttley000]

I glued mine also, but am curious as to what you think the advantage to not glueing may be.

 

[o00brandon00o]

@SallyWho Glue as well. Build thread?

 

[o00brandon00o]

I glued mine also, but am curious as to what you think the advantage to not glueing may be.

@Muttley I thought, "chemicals."

I glued all my fittings. I think you will have many leaks if you dont glue.

Then, "leaks!"

Chemicals < leaks

Wonder if anyone has experience with a quality all thread and tape job?

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Not gluing pvc slip joints is a recipe for disaster, even in non pressurized drain pipes. Utilize union fittings, which are designed to be disconnected/reconnected multiple times, in strategic places that will allow for disassembly when necessary such as leading into or out of pumps and bulkheads. Standard flat fitting bulkheads typically have threads for a threaded adapter but pvc pipe connections leading into the adapter should be glued. If your pre-installed bulkhead has a slip fitting I would glue in a short piece of pvc with either a threaded adapter or a union coupling attached to it coming out of the bulkhead.

The exception to this is a Uniseal bulkhead, which is designed to be used with curved surfaces like a barrel. It uses pressure instead of glue or threads to hold a seal.

PVC glue once dry has not shown to be toxic in aquaria. If that was the case we'd have thousands of reports of dead livestock as nearly everyone uses pvc glue all along the supply chain. Not to mention to your home as well.

 

[SallyWho]

I glued mine also, but am curious as to what you think the advantage to not glueing may be.

I just wasn't sure it was necessary since it won't constantly have water running through it. But if it IS necessary, I'm more than happy to do it! I'll just make sure I throw some unions in there in case I need to take it apart or something. Thanks, guys!

@SallyWho Glue as well. Build thread?

Not yet, but I'm close! There's nothing to post just yet, but when I have a decent start, I'll get a build thread going on here. I can't wait! The tank will be here in about 3 weeks, and all I have left to do is get some flooring done, install the RODI, and build the stand/canopy. Already have a QT tank cycling and will put some CUC in there probably next week (bought a piece of live rock out of one of my LFS's tanks, so that should help). I'll get the fish QT going soon so I can get that started. Maybe by the time my display tank is up, running, and cycled, the CUC at least will be close to ready to add so I don't have to stare at an empty tank any longer than necessary!

 

[Sleepydoc]

+1 to glueing!

As a rule, the only slip fittings you shouldn't glue are the ones you don't mind leaking.

 

[Citycop89]

Glue and make sure it’s an adequate job. Prime then cement then push and twist. Depending on the power of the pump, you could cause the pvc fittings to separate if not glued.