Sch 80 PVC (gray pipe)

[bguile]

What is the difference between the "normal" sch40 pipe and the sch80, besides color? Is it safe to use in a reef?? Also, what about the offwhite colored plumbing?

[Ninong]

Sch. 80 has a higher pressure rating than Sch. 40. Both are reef-safe. Sch. 80 fittings are much better than Sch. 40 fittings, especially when it comes to things like bulkheads and valves -- but they are more expensive.

The Sch. 80 bulkhead fittings take a larger size hole than the Sch. 40 bulkhead fittings so you can't switch to Sch. 80 bulkheads if your tank was drilled with Sch. 40 bulkheads in mind.

For a primo, cost is no object, setup, Sch. 80 would be the way to go all the way. However, most people are happy with Sch. 40. My next tank, the so-called dream tank, will have Sch. 80 plumbing.

[bguile]

Thanks. How does the off-white or cream colored pvc measure out? I think I usually see it in bathroom and kitchen plumbing.

[Ninong]

I'm definitely NOT a plumbing authority but I think you should stick with either Sch. 40 or Sch. 80 PVC for plumbing an aquarium. The stuff you see under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms is not pressure rated because it's drain piping.

[bguile]

thx