Gray electrical PVC?

BubbaWPB · 03-06-2006, 10:21 PM

Well, I found some gray schedule 40 PVC pipe in the electrical department at Home Depot. It has some nice 90° curved stuff that I think would cut down on the head pressure on the returns... before I poison my tank, does anyone know if it is safe to use in the tank? What's the difference between the white stuff and the gray stuff?

chrisbrph · 03-06-2006, 10:31 PM

There is absolutely no difference in SCH40 gray or white. (asked father in law who is electrician)
the gray SCH40 is generally used as conduit to run outdoor wiring through. It functions as a weather resistant cover for the electrical lines housed within.

The key is the SCH40 rating which refers to the thickness and durability of the pvc piping.

The problem is that the gray SCH40 is generally no larger in diameter than 1".
But for our needs 1" works just fine. I have only used the gray SCH40 on the joints as I think you are suggesting to get the sloping 90 degree instead of a hard 90 like is used in the white pipe. Feel safe that it is the same- I have had the same gray pipe for turns on my systems for 12+ years and have no issues.

Best of luck with the HUGE tank- my measly 175 is jealous but if you add my 92 - total volume I win (just kidding)
Chris

vtec si · 03-06-2006, 10:41 PM

I have those 90 curves on my tank! I say use them!

Martin

BubbaWPB · 03-07-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisbrph

Best of luck with the HUGE tank- my measly 175 is jealous but if you add my 92 - total volume I win (just kidding)
Chris

Hey... the only tank I have functional is a 75...you're more than 100 gallons ahead of me now!

tkendall · 03-12-2006, 12:17 AM

The difference between Gray and white PVC is that the gray is UV stable and the white is not. The sweeping ells you mention are nice for pulling wiring through, less head pressure you might say (ha ha). The gray conduit comes in sizes from 3/4 inch to 4 inch and works anywhere normal PVC does. If you do not like the gray color you can also get the sweeping ells in black and white in the waste water section of you local Lowes or Home Depot.

Best of luck with your project.

BubbaWPB · 03-12-2006, 09:29 AM

Thanks... I couldn't find the sweeping ells in black or white at Home Depot or Lowes... but did find the gray stuff. Since it's gonna be out of view, color doesn't matter.

03-06-2006, 10:21 PM	#1
BubbaWPB Governor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 1,234	Gray electrical PVC? Well, I found some gray schedule 40 PVC pipe in the electrical department at Home Depot. It has some nice 90° curved stuff that I think would cut down on the head pressure on the returns... before I poison my tank, does anyone know if it is safe to use in the tank? What's the difference between the white stuff and the gray stuff? __________________ Bubba Hmmm... now that the tank is full, I could convert the pool to saltwater... Bubba's Aquarium Log

03-06-2006, 10:41 PM	#3
vtec si Governor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Denver co, USA Posts: 1,017	I have those 90 curves on my tank! I say use them! Martin __________________ VTEC SI

03-12-2006, 12:17 AM	#5
tkendall New in Town Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Flomot, Texas Posts: 4	The difference between Gray and white PVC is that the gray is UV stable and the white is not. The sweeping ells you mention are nice for pulling wiring through, less head pressure you might say (ha ha). The gray conduit comes in sizes from 3/4 inch to 4 inch and works anywhere normal PVC does. If you do not like the gray color you can also get the sweeping ells in black and white in the waste water section of you local Lowes or Home Depot. Best of luck with your project. __________________ Set up: 75G FOWLER... for now.

03-12-2006, 09:29 AM	#6
BubbaWPB Governor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 1,234	Thanks... I couldn't find the sweeping ells in black or white at Home Depot or Lowes... but did find the gray stuff. Since it's gonna be out of view, color doesn't matter. __________________ Bubba Hmmm... now that the tank is full, I could convert the pool to saltwater... Bubba's Aquarium Log

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03-06-2006, 10:31 PM	#2
chrisbrph Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: N.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 24	There is absolutely no difference in SCH40 gray or white. (asked father in law who is electrician) the gray SCH40 is generally used as conduit to run outdoor wiring through. It functions as a weather resistant cover for the electrical lines housed within. The key is the SCH40 rating which refers to the thickness and durability of the pvc piping. The problem is that the gray SCH40 is generally no larger in diameter than 1". But for our needs 1" works just fine. I have only used the gray SCH40 on the joints as I think you are suggesting to get the sloping 90 degree instead of a hard 90 like is used in the white pipe. Feel safe that it is the same- I have had the same gray pipe for turns on my systems for 12+ years and have no issues. Best of luck with the HUGE tank- my measly 175 is jealous but if you add my 92 - total volume I win (just kidding) Chris

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