View Full Version : PVC and other pipes
valerie
12-12-2002, 10:09 AM
I want to use pipes as supports to built my caves around but have heard different things. I know PVC is ok to use but have also seen somethign called ABS. PVC only seems to come in white around here,does it come in black? Is ABS ok to use,it comes in black. I think there is also some pipe that comes in gray
Can anyone help with a lesson in pipes?Which are safe?
Anton Wernher
12-12-2002, 10:16 AM
valerie,
You don't know what your getting your self into:P http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=931&highlight=plastic
BTW, all you listed are fine :)
Hammerman
12-12-2002, 10:26 AM
Originally posted by Anton Wernher
valerie,
You don't know what your getting your self into:P http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=931&highlight=plastic
BTW, all you listed are fine :)
I was just going to type the same thing....
Run Away..... Run Away.....
:p
valerie
12-12-2002, 10:35 AM
ok I read through the link you provided(thanks by the way:) ) and what i got from it is that ABS is ok to use in fish tanks. Right?
Does anyone on this board use ABS in their tanks?
beviking
12-12-2002, 11:09 AM
Not yet! After reading that thread (and adding eye drops) I wouldn't hesitate to do so!:)
JamisonBWolsh
12-12-2002, 12:05 PM
There is no way I am going to use a pipe not useable by humans to drink from. Its not 100 percent safe. No ABS for me :)
beviking
12-12-2002, 12:20 PM
C'mon Jamison, humans would use the pipe for years upon years resulting in accumulation of toxins whereas fish will only be subjected to any "toxicity" for a few years. Any build up (if there truely is any) would be minimal.
rjl420
12-12-2002, 1:15 PM
yeah, just walk away from the keyboard now.
like many others, I use ABS as well as PVC in my pond. I have for years now, with no ill effects.
I've used the black pipes, whatever they are, for a long time in a lot of tanks.
valerie
12-12-2002, 1:49 PM
thanks for all the replies,good to know someone uses it and has done so safely before i add it.
Now i don't want this to become a fight about ABS piping,that was discussed quite nicely in teh link provided.i mostly wanted to know first hand experiences,thanks.
Wippit Guud
12-12-2002, 2:01 PM
You know, it's perfectly safe for humans to drink from copper pipes, but putting one in a fish tank will probably kill the fish.
So, by your logic, since there's nothing wrong with humans drinking out of copper, should be safe for fish. But that's not the case.
kveeti
12-12-2002, 2:42 PM
Ok, first hand experience. Black ABS (drain) pipe in my 28 gallon tank for about 15 years (the same pipe) used as a cave for a couple different CAE's (which I happen to like). The current CAE I have had for 7+ years. I have 3 cories in this tank that I also had for over 7 years. I've also had zebra danios for 4 years; before that platies, before that angel fish for many years. Nobody died from anything other than old age.
JamisonBWolsh
12-12-2002, 3:48 PM
Kveeti,
And your wondering why you keep changing your fish? I bet its the Toxins from the pipes. 7 years is not long enough. How do you know it wont effect the LONG term life span? NItrates has no effest on fish. LONG TERM exposure can cause their lifespan to shorten...
kveeti
12-12-2002, 5:54 PM
JamisonBWolsh, I am NOT changing my fish, except when they die of old age. I had my angelfish from 1982 until 1994. I had my platies from 94-98 and my zebra danios from 98 to present. Seven years ago I also bought my current CAE and 3 of my 4 cories (1 year ago I got my peppered cory a friend). My fish have had good long, healthy lives. I have not even had so much as an outbreak of ich since the late 70's.
No, 7 years is not a long time for those fish, YET, but they are still alive and healthy. I expect them to live several more years.
valerie
12-12-2002, 11:59 PM
well i went out and bought some ABS pipe tonight,so hopefully i can start arranging my rocks tomorrow.Thanks for all the info and experiences.
I also talked to the guy at the store and he said it is safe for aquariums since it is used for potable water. It is also not covered in a fungiside or anythign else in the inside,jsut to clarify.
jiggerpolebill
12-13-2002, 12:54 AM
i just completed an all ABS tank. the tank walls are made of ABS. im using ABS coated gravel for substrate and i was able to buy some sheets of ABS to cut out my own plants. im using ABS floss in my filter and i plan on feeding my fish a mixture of ABS pellets and flakes. now if i can just find a way to keep ABS in liquid form for the fish to swim around in.........
kveeti
12-13-2002, 8:07 AM
LOL jiggerpolebill - sounds like a great new tank. Don't forget to ABS cycle first.
slipknottin
12-13-2002, 10:09 AM
Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
There is no way I am going to use a pipe not useable by humans to drink from. Its not 100 percent safe. No ABS for me :)
better ditch that emperor 400 you have. Its made of ABS.
beviking
12-13-2002, 11:23 AM
Originally posted by jiggerpolebill
i just completed an all ABS tank. the tank walls are made of ABS. im using ABS coated gravel for substrate and i was able to buy some sheets of ABS to cut out my own plants. im using ABS floss in my filter and i plan on feeding my fish a mixture of ABS pellets and flakes. now if i can just find a way to keep ABS in liquid form for the fish to swim around in.........
Sounds like you're using a different kind of ABS! Yours being All Bull S^!+:D LOL
jiggerpolebill, I just re-read that and NOW I have cramps from laughing so hard! Thanks.:)