ABS question

Bughead · 01-06-2003, 05:59 PM

I need to replace the overflow tower in my 180. I bought black 4" ABS at HD because I'm unable to get 4" pvc pipe. My question is can I use it or will it leach chemicals into the tank? Could I seal it with a polyurathane or acrylic sealent of some sort?

rayjay · 01-06-2003, 07:18 PM

I've been using ABS for 9 years now, for the plumbing to sump for each system. Two of my Six skimmers are also 4" ABS.

**kevinpo** · 01-06-2003, 07:23 PM

It is not as chemical resistant as PVC or acrylic. It is safe for aquarium use however. Try to stick with black color if it will be exposed to light as black has a higher resistance to UV damage.

HTH,
Kevin

Bughead · 01-07-2003, 05:58 PM

Thanks. I did an archive search, and even tho there was disagreement as to the safety, I got the idea it was OK. Besides cleaning it well to make sure the mold release stuff was off, the other thing is it could be impregnated with an algae inhibiter. This seems unnecessary since sewer pipe is in the dark anyway. Hopefully the manufacturers of my pipe feel the same way. So I'll make sure my pipe is real clean and go with it.

organicreefer · 01-07-2003, 06:51 PM

rayjay · 01-07-2003, 09:35 PM

organicreefer, I'm really curious to know the purpose of that last post when you have no message in it.

organicreefer · 01-07-2003, 10:06 PM

rayjay-i just suspect that bughead got the idea it was ok from a thread i started last year.

most people used to say it wasnt safe on the boards...so i did my own research and concluded(as some other aquarists already had )that it was definitely safe.

ive got it all throughout my system for over a year now

Bughead · 01-07-2003, 10:08 PM

Oceanreefer was smiling at me and approving my decision. This comes from the archived thread he'd started by asking the same question. He understood that I'd read it and came to the same conclusion as he did.

rayjay · 01-08-2003, 10:49 PM

Thanks for the explanation

01-06-2003, 05:59 PM	#1
Bughead Governor Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 1,152	ABS question I need to replace the overflow tower in my 180. I bought black 4" ABS at HD because I'm unable to get 4" pvc pipe. My question is can I use it or will it leach chemicals into the tank? Could I seal it with a polyurathane or acrylic sealent of some sort? __________________ The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but it's the thought that counts.

01-06-2003, 07:18 PM	#2
rayjay Citizen Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 154	I've been using ABS for 9 years now, for the plumbing to sump for each system. Two of my Six skimmers are also 4" ABS. __________________ *RAY'S REEF*

01-06-2003, 07:23 PM	#3
kevinpo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Spokane Valley WA Posts: 2,406	It is not as chemical resistant as PVC or acrylic. It is safe for aquarium use however. Try to stick with black color if it will be exposed to light as black has a higher resistance to UV damage. HTH, Kevin __________________ SPSguy On - On

01-07-2003, 05:58 PM	#4
Bughead Governor Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 1,152	Thanks. I did an archive search, and even tho there was disagreement as to the safety, I got the idea it was OK. Besides cleaning it well to make sure the mold release stuff was off, the other thing is it could be impregnated with an algae inhibiter. This seems unnecessary since sewer pipe is in the dark anyway. Hopefully the manufacturers of my pipe feel the same way. So I'll make sure my pipe is real clean and go with it. __________________ The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but it's the thought that counts.

01-07-2003, 09:35 PM	#6
rayjay Citizen Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 154	organicreefer, I'm really curious to know the purpose of that last post when you have no message in it. __________________ *RAY'S REEF*

01-07-2003, 06:51 PM	#5
organicreefer Governor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 2,171

01-07-2003, 10:06 PM	#7
organicreefer Governor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 2,171	rayjay-i just suspect that bughead got the idea it was ok from a thread i started last year. most people used to say it wasnt safe on the boards...so i did my own research and concluded(as some other aquarists already had )that it was definitely safe. ive got it all throughout my system for over a year now

01-07-2003, 10:08 PM	#8
Bughead Governor Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 1,152	Oceanreefer was smiling at me and approving my decision. This comes from the archived thread he'd started by asking the same question. He understood that I'd read it and came to the same conclusion as he did. __________________ The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but it's the thought that counts.

01-08-2003, 10:49 PM	#9
rayjay Citizen Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 154	Thanks for the explanation __________________ *RAY'S REEF*

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