Best way to get abs pipes to sink.

[SandNukka15]

So I have about 12 plecos between a 125 and 75 gallon and decided to cut abs piping for hides since my tanks are bare bottom and all black ( painted bottom and back). I am going to superglue the pipes together after cutting them into 6-9 inch lengths but totally forgot that abs is a lot lighter and thinner than pvc.

So now I'm stuck with trying to figure out how to keep these things from floating.

Any ideas?

 

[jjohnwm]

Black ABS pipe? I've found that the best way to get it to sink is to put it into water.

I have probably a couple dozen assorted pieces in various tanks; never had a piece float.

 

[SandNukka15]

Black ABS pipe? I've found that the best way to get it to sink is to put it into water.

I have probably a couple dozen assorted pieces in various tanks; never had a piece float.

Its just floating, won't sink.

 

[jjohnwm]

You must be referring to the flexible corrugated stuff; commonly called Big O in these parts. It's designed for drainage lines in fields, yards, ditches, etc and does indeed float. I don't mess with it, as rigid ABS works much better and sinks on its own.

Rigid can be smeared with solvent cement and then immediately sprinkled with sand or gravel to both improve appearance and make it heavier. The corrugated stuff doesn't work well that way either, flexes too easily and the coating just peels away.

 

[kendragon]

Black ABS pipe for waste (sewer) is porous. It will not sink.

 

[SandNukka15]

Black ABS pipe for waste (sewer) is porous. It will not sink.

Yes this is why I'm looking to find a way to make it... maybe if I glue it down to slate or something. But don't know what solvent will help keep it attached

 

[jjohnwm]

Black ABS pipe for waste (sewer) is porous. It will not sink.

Hmmm...there must be some difference in the manufacturing of ABS drain pipe in Murrica vs Canuckistan. Canuckistani ABS pipe is dense enough to sink on its own. I use it extensively for hides and shelters in my tanks, and also as drain lines from drilled tanks to sumps.

If you want to glue your cheapo lightweight Yankee ABS to slate or other stone to hold it down, forget about silicone; doesn't adhere very well to the stuff. Epoxy works great, especially if you roughen the surface a bit. ABS solvent cement only holds ABS to ABS.