pvc

[Reefer769]

hey everyone!

Glueing-
i will soon be making a return pipe for my sump and i was just wondering if i could use regular pvc glue to glue the pvc together(its a purple liquid), or would i be better of not glueing at all, or is there a special kind of pvc glue for aquariums i should use?

Piping-
i dont know which size pipe i should buy for my return pipe, im looking to buy the mag 5, and that has a 1/2" outlet/inlet, so what size pvc pipe should i get to fit over that? would i need to get 1 size bigger( a 3/4" pipe)

[grunfeld]

hey everyone!

Glueing-
i will soon be making a return pipe for my sump and i was just wondering if i could use regular pvc glue to glue the pvc together(its a purple liquid), or would i be better of not glueing at all, or is there a special kind of pvc glue for aquariums i should use? The purple liquid is only a primer. You need PVC cement as well. Simply coat the pipe ends with the purple primer, wait a few seconds, add the cement and insert the male into the female end with a 1/4 twist..make sure you "bottom out" the pipe.
Piping-
i dont know which size pipe i should buy for my return pipe, im looking to buy the mag 5, and that has a 1/2" outlet/inlet, so what size pvc pipe should i get to fit over that? would i need to get 1 size bigger( a 3/4" pipe)

If you're using hard pvc, simply buy a $.50 fitting that has a female 1/2 on one end and a female fitting on the other end that will accept a 1/2 pvc pipe...it should be labeled as a connector and the 1/2 pvc should slip right in. The other option is to go to the bathroom plumbing section and get a 1/2 female with a 1/2 barbed end and use vinyl tubing as a return. Not knowing how your return is set up leaves me with a few questions.

[Reefer769]

alright thanks, ive seen my dad use this purple glue that he has in these cans and the lid has a cottom ball at the end and he just applies that inside the pvc, connect the 2 pipes and twists it until you cant twist anymore, i know what to use, i was just wondering if it is safe to use for aquariums?


and i think i will go with the connector idea, thanks for all the help, i was just stuck on connecting the inlet/outlet tube from the pump to the pvc. thanks again!

[Reefland]

Reefer769,

Yes the PVC cement is fine for use in teh aquarium, provided you give it plenty of time to dry. The purple is primer (cleaner and softener) and then there should be a can of cement too.

For the pump, it is threaded on the output for connection be becareful not to tighten it too much as the plastic can crack easily. Also I recommend using teflon tape on any threaded connection.

Regards,
Scott Z.

[Reefer769]

i bought all of the PVC pipe/fiting/glue i will need for the plumbing, and i also bought a .69 roll of teflon tape, but im not really sure on how i should use it on threaded pipes(as you said, Scott)?

[Reefland]

You just need to wrap a couple of layers of the tape around the threads.

[cubalz]

5 complete wraps of teflon tape is a good rule of thumb- if you do that it will not leak.

You just need to wrap a couple of layers of the tape around the threads.

[Calfire]

Catching a ride

how long is long enought for the glue to dry so i can use it in the tank?


Jason

[Jasace]

it should say on the can abouy how long it should dry for, i would just play it safe and wait a day(probably too long) but you can never be too careful when you are dealing with fish and water

[Reefland]

I like to give it 2 hours before testing for leaks and then a full 24 hours to completely cure before using it in "production".

Scott Z.

[Calfire]

I like to give it 2 hours before testing for leaks and then a full 24 hours to completely cure before using it in "production".

Scott Z.

so can i put it in the tank and test for leaks then just leave it off and in the tank untill thursday night?


Jason

[Reefland]

If you have to test the plumbing in your tank then I would wait for 24 hours after applying the glue to test it.

Scott Z.