Using PVC pipe and fittings....

[Miller]

Today we went Homedepot and Lowes in search of PVC fittings for the reef plumbing project. While at HD the guy we asked if they had any 1 inch unions asked us what we were going to use them for. When I mentioned water he said "you don't use PVC for water, it leaches chemicals, that you are suppose to use PEX or copper".

So my question is does PVC leach bad chemicals into water, come to think about it I have not seen any PVC water lines in houses. So if PVC leaches chemicals into water then wouldn't it be bad for Reef Tanks since they are so sensitive.

Just thought I would bring it up for discussion, I know plenty of people that have very successful reef tanks that have plenty of PVC plumbing so it can't be to bad for the water. Is PVC used because it is the only none metal option?

 

[Matt L.]

Today we went Homedepot and Lowes in search of PVC fittings for the reef plumbing project. While at HD the guy we asked if they had any 1 inch unions asked us what we were going to use them for. When I mentioned water he said "you don't use PVC for water, it leaches chemicals, that you are suppose to use PEX or copper".

So my question is does PVC leach bad chemicals into water, come to think about it I have not seen any PVC water lines in houses. So if PVC leaches chemicals into water then wouldn't it be bad for Reef Tanks since they are so sensitive.

Just thought I would bring it up for discussion, I know plenty of people that have very successful reef tanks that have plenty of PVC plumbing so it can't be to bad for the water. Is PVC used because it is the only none metal option?

No.

PVC can leach what are called plasticizers over time. These are chemicals that give the PVC flexibility, so it's not brittle and doesn't break. These chemicals do leach out of the PVC over time.

There is no reason to use anything other than Schedule 40 PVC for normal reef applications. Ever*. Don't waste your money on Schedule 80 and/or CPVC.

There is no need to be concerned about plasticizer leaching for two reasons:

1. The adverse health effects on humans from plasticizers have not been established. It is likely that a conclusion on the adverse health effects on reef creatures is even farther off. So in short, no one know for sure whether plasticizer leaching is dangerous for people, let alone fish and corals.
2. Your PVC piping builds up a calcerous deposit when used in a marine aquarium. These deposits effectively prevent anything from leaching in to or out of your PVC piping.

In closing, your PVC won't last forever, but there is no need to be overly concerned at this point.

Matt

* There are three exceptions: 1) When the pressure exceeds the pressure rating for standard Schedule 40 PVC, and 2) when the PVC will be sued in close proximity to a high strength UV source, 3) when the piping will be burried long term (i.e., behind a wall, underground) and an extended lifetime is desired.

 

[Miller]

Thanks Matt, that was a beastly response. I figured the guy at HD didn't know what he was talking about, but I thought I would ask here and find out.

 

[biggyclops]

No.

PVC can leach what are called plasticizers over time. These are chemicals that give the PVC flexibility, so it's not brittle and doesn't break. These chemicals do leach out of the PVC over time.

There is no reason to use anything other than Schedule 40 PVC for normal reef applications. Ever*. Don't waste your money on Schedule 80 and/or CPVC.

There is no need to be concerned about plasticizer leaching for two reasons:

1. The adverse health effects on humans from plasticizers have not been established. It is likely that a conclusion on the adverse health effects on reef creatures is even farther off. So in short, no one know for sure whether plasticizer leaching is dangerous for people, let alone fish and corals.
2. Your PVC piping builds up a calcerous deposit when used in a marine aquarium. These deposits effectively prevent anything from leaching in to or out of your PVC piping.

In closing, your PVC won't last forever, but there is no need to be overly concerned at this point.

Matt

* There are three exceptions: 1) When the pressure exceeds the pressure rating for standard Schedule 40 PVC, and 2) when the PVC will be sued in close proximity to a high strength UV source, 3) when the piping will be burried long term (i.e., behind a wall, underground) and an extended lifetime is desired.

dammit! now i have to change over my copper tubing! i am more surprised that someone at HD actually "talked" to you about your project!

 

[Miller]

dammit! now i have to change over my copper tubing! i am more surprised that someone at HD actually "talked" to you about your project!

I think the guy "talked" to me about the project because Jennifer was with me, and he just wanted to sound smartish in front of a girl.

 

[Jennifer]

When you said water the guy at HD prob thought it was a pressureized water line. And yea pvc is not good under pressure. If you run carbon in your tank I would not worry about the plasticizers.

Miller:
I think the guy "talked" to me about the project because Jennifer was with me, and he just wanted to sound smartish in front of a girl.

That happens alot. Do you know how many times I have played dumb in HD. It gets them all p'd off thinking a girl knows more about home repairs than they do. They just go on and on with like a pop quiz "are you sure you know how to do that and crap"

On the up side I run a construction company so if I play helpless the guys all come load my truck for me all the time. SWEET.

 

[reefsmurf]

There is no reason to use anything other than Schedule 40 PVC for normal reef applications. Ever*. Don't waste your money on Schedule 80 and/or CPVC.

Except for bulkheads right? Which should work with schedule 40 pvc?

 

[stingythingy45]

"dammit! now i have to change over my copper tubing! i am more surprised that someone at HD actually "talked" to you about your project!"

I hope you're kidding because if you used copper tubing in your plumbing for the tank your whole tank is poisoned!
Copper breaks down rapidly in SW and will raise copper levels extremely fast.
That guy at H.D. had no clue.

 

[Joel A]

lol i think he was kidding bob... =)

 

[stingythingy45]

lol i think he was kidding bob... =)

I figured that after a while.
But you would be surprised how many hobbyist is brass,bronze and copper stuff in their plumbing.And man,what a mess it makes out of the tank for months.If it can even be saved.

 

[jbishop]

Copper breaks down rapidly in SW and will raise copper levels extremely fast.
That guy at H.D. had no clue.

Tell me about it. I had a copper fitting drop into my sump without knowing. It was in there 3 days and my tank was / is extremely messed up.

 

[Dave McReeferson]

There is no reason to use anything other than Schedule 40 PVC for normal reef applications. Ever*. Don't waste your money on Schedule 80 and/or CPVC.

Except for bulkheads right? Which should work with schedule 40 pvc?

I use sch.80 bulkheads, maybe not necessary, but I feel much safer with those, especially over those black cheesy bulkheads you see used so often. It seems it would only take a good solid bump working around the tank to put a crack in one of those. Also, high quality sch.80 ball valves tend to operate much more smoothly than the cheapo sch.40 stuff you find at your local HD, they may have higher quality sch.40 stuff, but I have not seen them myself...

I have also been known to use sch.80 fittings and piping purely for aesthetic reasons...