Pvc

[got_nailed]

I was thinking of running some PVC tubing for inlet and outlets for my tank. I was thinking of using ½ for the inlets and outlets.

Now for the questions…
Can I paint the PVC, and with what for it to be “tank safe”?
Can I use the regular primer and glue or do I need something special?

 

[Kasakato]

As in bulk heads, or just pipe over tank? Normal PVC glue thats potable or human drinking water safe is good.

 

[NikkO]

You could just use the PVC cement by itself. I did that with my pipes and there have been no problems.

 

[got_nailed]

i was going to do U tubes over the tank. i didn't get this tank drilled and i'm not going to do it now.

but i can't stand the tubes off my canister pumps any more.

i don't know if my glue is just wast line or not but i'll have to look.

 

[melonie]

you may want to rethink using 1/2" plumbing fittings, depending on the flow rate of your canister filter. Every extra pipe length, elbow and valve adds restriction to the flow, and reduces the overall flow rate. Plumbing fitting restriction is proportional to radius squared, meaning that reducing from 5/8" hose to 1/2" pipe (20% radius reduction) translates into a 40%+ increase in restriction.

 

[Kasakato]

Potable PVC cement found at the local Home Depot will work fine!

 

[Civicman86]

you may want to rethink using 1/2" plumbing fittings, depending on the flow rate of your canister filter. Every extra pipe length, elbow and valve adds restriction to the flow, and reduces the overall flow rate. Plumbing fitting restriction is proportional to radius squared, meaning that reducing from 5/8" hose to 1/2" pipe (20% radius reduction) translates into a 40%+ increase in restriction.

Very interesting
:read:

 

[Biznatch]

They measure PVC differenly than tubing. And each elbow for PVC you use is equivalent to 20' of straight pipe.

 

[melonie]

For lowest 'head loss', according to an irrigation company analysis the following pipe/hose size ratings versus flow rates should be used ...

3/8" ID = about 1.7 gpm or 100 gph
1/2" ID = about 2.9 gpm or 175 gph
5/8" ID = about 4.4 gpm or 265 gph
3/4" ID = about 6.4 gpm or 385 gph
1 " ID = about 12 gpm or 720 gph
1 1/4" ID = about 20 gpm or 1200 gph
1 1/2" ID = about 36 gpm or 2150 gph

In higher flow rate systems, it often makes more sense to use a bit smaller pipe/hose size and a stronger pump, such that an electric company study of high pressure pool filters gives the following 'best compromise' pipe/hose size ratings vs flow rate ...

3/8" ID = about 2.1 gpm or 125 gph
1/2" ID = about 3.6 gpm or 215 gph
5/8" ID = about 5.5 gpm or 330 gph
3/4" ID = about 8.1gpm or 500 gph
1 " ID = about 15 gpm or 900 gph
1 1/4" ID = about 25 gpm or 1500 gph
1 1/2" ID = about 45 gpm or 2700 gph

You are correct that different 'trade sizes' and 'schedules' of PVC pipe does in fact have a different actual ID versus the 'trade size'. Tubing sizes typically refer to the actual ID.

 

[lbritish]

you'll also get less resistances from using 2 45 degree turns with some space between them instead of 1 90 degree turn