PVC/ABS tunnels?

[necigrad]

I picked up a 10' piece of ABS and a "Y" splitter for an idea, but I want to run it by smarter persons first. My idea is to put the ABS underneath the substrate mostly, with a little bit stick up through. It would give the fish an awesome place to hide and explore in my eyes. But is ABS safe for aquariums?Will they hate it? Will the get trapped? And what about rush hour when a fish goes into each end at the same time? Also, will the "Y" be too confusing for them?

Assuming it's safe, I'm still planning on sanding the edges to remove any loose material. I'll then coat any cut edges with aquarium safe silicone, and probbly use the same to camoflague the pipe from viewers eyes by glueing on substrate to the exposed areas.

[Plecosterone]

ABS is safe for fish and I can't see any problem with what you have in mind. Kinda like the idea and I am sure the fish will to. The only thing that might be bad is the fish staying inside and you never seeing them...lol

[Flying_Diamond]

Is PVC the same thing as ABS? Because I have tons of pvc laying around and if it's safe, I'd like to do the same thing...

[Hurley]

I have seen this done before for eels, it's pretty cool. I don't know if many if the fish will use it but you never know, many like caves.

[Rbishop]

both are safe.

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

Is PVC the same thing as ABS? Because I have tons of pvc laying around and if it's safe, I'd like to do the same thing...

PVC=Polyvinyl chloride


ABS=Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene


And no, ABS is not safe for your fish. PVC is. ABS is not used for potable water supply as it leaches. PVC on the other hand is suitable for potable water.

Potable water grade PVC is white. Sewer/waste water grade ABS is black.

[is300zx]

PVC=Polyvinyl chloride


ABS=Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene


And no, ABS is not safe for your fish. PVC is. ABS is not used for potable water supply as it leaches. PVC on the other hand is suitable for potable water.

Potable water grade PVC is white. Sewer/waste water grade ABS is black.

I agree. I would use PVC instead of ABS because of the above.

[necigrad]

Good thing I couldn't stay up all the wat through, or it would be in the tank by now. I'm gonna finish my "model", and then next weekend I'll make it in PVC. Thanks for the warning.

[Rbishop]

I agree that ABS shouldn't be used in a potable water system. Have not seen any documentation that would negate it's use in aquaria.

[necigrad]

For the price I'll buy PVC and not take the risk. The only reason I took ABS over PVC was to blend in with my dark substrate anyway. And I've found that I can fit a 10' piece in my Grand Prix, so it's no big deal :-). I've still got the original I was working on which will just become a prototype I guess. Once it's finished I'll post a pic. Then I'll pick the best angled piece, break it apart, and use it for a template.

[Rbishop]

Sounds good, by all means, go with what you feel is best. You should be able to use Krylon Fusion paint to make the white go away.

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

I agree that ABS shouldn't be used in a potable water system. Have not seen any documentation that would negate it's use in aquaria.



I absolutely agree with you on that note...


but given how much time and money we spend to ensure our water is "perfect", I would not use anything not suitable for human consumption in the plumbing.

My logic is that if it isn't good for humans... is it really safe for fish? Not enough research has been done so I err on the side of caution.

[necigrad]

Well, here's the prototype. If this looks like a good idea I'll be using it for the final PVC version.

13345

13346

13347