Changeable/removable PVC cements?

[Andyroo]

Do you use Tangit/PVC cement on your PVC fittings? IE: if you feel to change, you have to cut? Or do you use other products, other tricks?

I'm plumbing lines that are built into the concrete wall, so I won't be able to cut anything back out again... not safely and/or without hacking the fittings, at least. So I'm asking about options that will let me change out my plumbing as my mind/condition changes - like moving from canister to sump when we install solar panels and I don't have to worry about island-price electricity, for example.

Me?
* I've been using hot-glue, which makes a good seal and to remove you just re-heat with hair-dryer or kettle. However, it oughtn't be trusted with wiggle or work; I'd not recommend ball-valves, for example, at least not on the up-stream side.
* I've also been using gaskets of electrical tape, which are fine & simple but I'd maybe not recommend for inside the house.
* I've not tried threaded fittings, though this does seem a low-hanging fruit. Threads require spinnability, which requires a union, which is often hard to source (again, island issues). I also dislike thread-tape... can never remember which way to wrap.

 

[duanes]

Because I use sumps, I like to use Unions whenever possible, and always use a little extra PVC to allow for flexibility in design, and be cut when needed.
If I want to add another tank, I just add it in line with the sump, so I'm using 1 pump for the extra tank with only a few bucks extra invested in PVC fittings and pipe to do the job. And by using the seasoned sump, there is no need to cycle the new tank, since its on the seasoned sump its instant cycle.
I find I can usually run at least 5 or 6 tanks per sump, and by using ball valves, isolate a tank if needed, or add a refugium to the line if filtration seems lacking.
This was my fish house in the U.S. below.

The line of tanks on the outer wall ((5) sometimes 6) were all one 1 sump.
The line of 6 tanks across the aisle, on another sump.
And room below had another 5 or so tanks on another sump. So up to 18 tanks on 3 pumps, and sumps

I also ran lines out to the yard for semi-auto water changes, sending old fish water to the garden.

Sumps were often old scratched up 50 or 75 gal tanks, like the 65 gal below.

Because the place was just for fish, function, not aesthetics was my concern

 

[fishhead0103666]

Hey duanes, if you don’t mind me asking, what size tanks were being run off of a single sump typically?

 

[duanes]

My lines of tanks usually averaged about 500 gallons, with 2 or 3 X 100+ gal tanks, and some grow out tanks in the 55 to 75 gal range.
Most larger tanks contained only 1 pair of cichlids, so stockings was almost always, on the light side.
The place usually had between 1200 and 1500 gals going constantly, although it varied.
At least one tank in each line was usually heavily planted, and there was also always a 20 to 40gallon tank running in each line without fish to be used as a hospital, or quarantine tank when needed , it was easily taken off line and isolated with a turn of a valve.

 

[fishdance]

On suction side of pump, I just press fit pipe fittings. I generally use class 18 PVC pipe which has a thick wall.

On output side of pump, I press fit then use a small screw through the pipe fitting, into the pipe wall but not completely through. It stops pressure blowing the pipe out but aquarium /pond pumps aren't high pressure anyway. Screw can be removed anytime as needed. Need a screw per fitting.

Threaded fittings work well. Can use goob rather than thread tape.

 

[Oughtsix]

I am planning on using Blu-Lock pipe in the current tank / sump build I am working on. It is basically a PEX pipe for irrigation and uses connectors similar to SharkBite connectors which are removable by nature.

https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/shop?q=blulock

Unlike SharkBite fittings the Blu-Lock fittings are quite inexpensive, very comparable to what you would pay for PVC fittings at HomeDepot or Lowes. The fittings will release the pipe with a simple tool.

My local HomeDepot even carries the pipe and the fittings. The local availability is really nice for when I need that one extra fitting.
https://www.homedepot.com/s/blu-lock?NCNI-5

When I first came across the Blu-Lock pipe system a couple years ago I did some research on LawnSite.com and several contractors have adopted the Blu-Lock system and have been very pleased with it. The only major complaint the irrigation contractors had was repairs are less frequent than PVC and a whole lot cheaper to make... which cuts into their bottom line.

PVC always gets brittle over time. Polyethylene pipe keeps its flexibility over time.

For in the wall repairs and build outs you should really use PEX which is rated for building plumbing use. For sumps and such the Blu-Lock should be perfect and will be stronger than PVC and much less likely to crack... especially with age.

Tip: If you plan on using Blu-Lock or PEX the first thing I like to do is stretch out the coil of tubing on a sunny day. After a day in the sun I have straight tubing to work with instead of curved / coiled tubing to work with.

P.S. I think the Blu-Lock pipe is prettier than the ugly old PVC which yellows with age as it gets brittle.


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If you just have to use PVC I find it helpful to make a fair amount of the connections with NPT (threaded) PVC fittings and a few union fittings sprinkled in which allows me a fair amount of disassembly for rework without cutting.

Instead of the goop that Fishdance uses I prefer Teflon Paste. (Yes, I know fishdance was referring to Teflon paste... but just in case someone doesn't know what to look for.) I haven't used Teflon tape for over 30 years since I discovered Teflon paste.

 

[Andyroo]

Love both of these options, F fishdance & Oughtsix . I'll have a look in the agricultural supply shops, alt. these options will likely need to be imported. Will see.
I've got a lead on a 1.5" flex tube that's more flexible than the usual swimming-pool stuff I've used previously, and will absolutely leave it in the sun to see if it'll straighten.